In the 1960s , Major League Baseball team start give away bats , balls , cap , and helmets to lure fan to the ballpark . As Mets frailty United States President James K. Thomson told theNew York Timesin 1968 , “ the great unwashed like something for nothing . Everybody comes to the fair . ” More than 40 days later , that ism still hold true . Here ’s a look at this season ’s most interesting giveaways at sports stadium throughout the league , and a aspect back at some notorious publicity of the past tense .
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays , who clamber to draw fans to Tropicana Field , have long proffer some of the most originative promotions in the league . Last year , the team gave away Carlos Pena soup-strainer holders . ( After Pena hit a execrable .196 in 2010 and sign as a destitute agentive role with the Chicago Cubs , you could bet there are n’t a tidy sum of Tampa Bay player clamoring to replace the slugger as the team ’s promoter of dental hygiene . ) This year , the first 10,000 fans old age 14 and under at the Rays ’ September 4 game will receive an Evan Longoria cereal stadium and spoonful determine .
New York Yankees
The first 18,000 fans through the Yankee Stadium Bill Gates on April 28 will take in a packet of flower seeds , compliment of the non - profit organisation Keep America Beautiful , which was base in New York City in 1953 . If nothing else , the packets may be less attractive to would - be thief than some other potential giveaway . In 2005 , 47,000 Yankees giveaway hats were steal from a New Jersey storage warehouse .
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox seldom give away detail these days — they do n’t even have a 2011 promotional schedule on their internet site — but that was n’t always the case . In 1982 , the squad gave out seat cushion for a September biz against the Indians . After the Red Sox broke candid a close game and reach two home plate runs in the 6th frame en route to a 12 - 1 win , many of the 15,000 fans in attendance convulse their shock absorber onto the sphere . “ It was an amazing sight , ” Boston pitcher John Tudor said . arbitrator warn the Red Sox that the biz would have to be forfeited if the cushions continued to be thrown , leading Fenway Park public destination announcer Sherm Feller to recite fans , “ Try sitting on the cushion , it ’s more prosperous that way . ”
Baltimore Orioles
On July 22 , the Orioles will offer floppy hats to the first 25,000 fans years 21 and older . Baltimore , which has n’t made the playoffs since 1997 , desire it never has another reason to host a “ Fantastic Fans Night ” like the one it did in May of 1988 . More than 50,000 masses came out to Memorial Stadium to back up the struggling Orioles , who were returning home after a direful road slip that unload the squad ’s disk to 1 - 23 . The arena was deck out in orange and sinister bunting , there were giveaways throughout the nighttime , Morganna the Kissing Bandit was in attending , and the squad announced that it had agreed on a 15 - year lease with the metropolis of Baltimore that included a newfangled downtown ballpark . To top it all off , the Orioles won .
Toronto Blue Jays
The first 15,000 fans to infix the Rogers Centre on July 31 will welcome a Roberto Alomar Hall of Fame bobblehead . Ten years ago , the Blue Jays offered a fair unconventional promotion when they honored a division rival , Orioles legend Cal Ripken , with a bobblehead during the future Hall of Famer ’s final route trip-up to Toronto .
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox are scan fresh flat coat with their Roger Bossard bobblehead giveaway this time of year . Bossard , who is know as the Sodfather , is the head groundskeeper at U.S. Cellular Field and a advisor for more than a dozen MLB teams . He joined the White Sox as an adjunct groundskeeper in 1967 and ferment under his founder until 1983 , when he assumed the lead role .
The White Sox have a keen custom of unparalleled promotions , thanks to the target that former owner Bill Veeck and one of his protégés , Rudy Schaffer , left on the team . Disco Demolition Night on July 12 , 1979 , which featured a crate of exploding records and a near - scream , was Bill Veeck ’s son Mike ’s idea .
Cleveland Indians
On August 13 , the Indians will give away Mike Hargrove “ Human Rain Delay ” bobbleheads . Hargrove , who play for and later make do the Indians , garner his nickname for the inordinate amount of time he take to settle down into the batter ’s boxful .
Hargrove was an unwilling participant in another Indians promotion in 1974 , when he was contend the Texas Rangers . Hargrove was stream with hot dogs and patter on during 10 - Cent Beer Night at Cleveland ’s Municipal Stadium , which withdraw a crew of about 25,000 , or 17,000 more than what the Indians had been average . A riot erupted in the ninth inning after an Indians fan tried to steal Rangers outfielder Jeff Burroughs ’ cap and his mate surprise out of the dugout handle bat . When Hargrove returned to Cleveland as managing director in 1991 , he reportedly hung a photo from the crazy Nox on the wall in his office .
Detroit Tigers
Outfielder Austin Jackson made an unbelievable grab in the 9th frame of Armando Galarraga ’s frail perfect plot last time of year , but it was unluckily overshadowed by umpire Jim Joyce ’s blow call on what should have been the final out of the biz . The Tigers will commemorate Jackson ’s grab with a figurine for the first 10,000 fans on April 22 . As recently as 2006 , the Tigers offer 16 free car giveaway , patronise by GM , during the course of instruction of the time of year .
Kansas City Royals
The Royals will give away squad Baron Snow of Leicester globe as part of their Christmas Eve in July solemnisation on July 24 . A more traditional giveaway in 1987 almost be Kansas City a win . From the AP ’s chronicle : “ The snowy caps dedicate to almost 36,000 fans Sunday wait like a frothing , roll ocean in Royals Stadium . Several times , they nearly blinded outfielder to vaporize chunk . ” Royals manager Billy Gardner gloss on the promotion after the biz . “ Maybe next time we give away hats we can make them blue , ” he said .
Minnesota Twins
On April 24 , the first 5,000 adult fans at Minnesota ’s Target Field will receive a Matt Capps sportfishing lure . The forwarding is guarantee to garner less criticism than the Twins ’ halter top giveaway to female fans in the late ‘ 70s . The team eventually did by with the promotion , which a handful of other teams also used , after the daughter of former Twins possessor Calvin Griffith convinced team official that it was in poor preference .
Los Angeles Angels
sports fan have the Angels to curse for bring in Thundersticks to the sportswoman humans . The moldable balloons , which create a deaf racket when smacked together , became popular during the squad ’s streak to the World Series in 2002 , and have since been banish by many stadiums and domain . On May 7 , the Angels will offer a quieter blast from the past in the form of an Angels Troll doll to all children old age 2 - 18 . Three years later , the squad will give away Angels wrestle masks .
Oakland Athletics
On July 17 , the A ’s will release 15,000 MC Hammer bobbleheads to fans as part of their 80s solar day solemnization . ( grow up , Hammer was an A ’s batboy . ) Former Athletics proprietor Charlie O. Finley belike would n’t know what to make of that promotion . When the A ’s were located in Kansas City , Finley once had his player drive to their position on mules .
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners are offering some unique promotions this season , including an Ichiro hit counter bobblehead ( May 6 ) and a Franklin Gutierrez fell flyswat ( May 19 ) . During the ‘ 90s , Jay Buhner Buzz Cut Night was one of the braggart draws of the class . Every fan that showed up to the Kingdome with a buzzed or bald head was given a free just the ticket in right field . Buhner even shave some buff ’ heads himself .
Texas Rangers
The Rangers have been using giveaways to attract fans since 1972 , when the tactic helped the team draw “ several thousand more fans ” than the relocated franchise did in Washington the previous year . Sunday , May 29 , is Rangers swimming pool be adrift giveaway day for the first 10,000 Kyd age 13 and under .
Atlanta Braves
The Braves will give away replica Atlanta Black Crackers caps to the first 20,000 fan on May 14 . The Black Crackers were launch in 1919 and diddle in the Negro League until 1952 . That forwarding should go over a whole flock sound than one the Braves held in June of 1974 , when the team gave away 10,000 Frisbees for a double feature against the Reds . The ump threatened to forfeit the first game after fans litter the champaign with Frisbees on three separate social occasion .
Florida Marlins
The first 5,000 kids on August 14 will receive a Hanley Ramirez and Josh Johnson back - to - schoolhouse dejeuner ice chest . The Marlins draw the ire of their own players and the opponent team ’s manager when they gave away air - horns last summertime . “ That was the speculative release or giveaway I ’ve ever been a part of in baseball , ” Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla said . “ This is n’t association football . ” Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon also disapproved . “ There are nerveless things and noncool things , ” he say . “ That ’s noncool . I would put it under the column of it did n’t quite work . ” Marlins president David Samson defend the advancement , which was schedule to co-occur with the World Cup .
New York Mets
On June 23 , the Mets will host a Senior Stroll , which is a nod to the older generation in a world predominate by ' Kids start the Bases ' days . In 2000 , the team pass away a 24 - page comic book of account featuring a villain make Larcenous Vein , who planned to blow up a No . 7 subway train , but was defeated by Mets thespian . It just so happened that during the previous offseason , Atlanta Braves reliever John Rocker made headlines with derogative comment about the diverseness in New York City , reference the different people a visitor might encounter on the No . 7 power train . “ It ’s a happenstance , ” Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz enjoin when ask whether Larcenous Vein was Rocker ’s alter ego . “ The estimate was conceive a long time ago . ”
Philadelphia Phillies
May 3 is $ 1 Hot Dog Night at Citizens Bank Park , which has the potential to be interesting . In 2007 , the Phillies gave away Shane Victorino bobblehead dolls sport the Flyin ’ Hawaiian in a hula skirt and playing a ukulele .
Washington Nationals
On September 10 , the first 15,000 sports fan through the logic gate at Nationals Park will receive a Fan ’s Choice bobblehead . The Nationals introduced the estimate last season , with Ivan Rodriguez tick out John Lannan , Teddy Roosevelt , and coach Jim Riggleman for the honor via an online vote .
When the Nationals were still the Montreal Expos , the squad held an Oh Henry ! candy bar packaging in laurels of slogger Henry Rodriguez . All fan who brought a proof of purchase of the confect bar receive a discounted ticket and a T - shirt . Fans often switch the candy saloon on the field following home runs by Rodriguez , who belt out a career - high 36 in 1996 .
Chicago Cubs
On September 2 , the first 4,000 kids age 14 and under will receive American Girl Doll - sized Cubs clothes . Former Cubs executive John McDonough is credited with convey the Beanie Babies craze to ballparks for the first time in 1997 .
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds are giving away Dusty Baker bobbleheads that twice as toothpick holders on July 2 . In 1991 , the team gave away replica World Series band to lionise its 1990 title . In 2007 , the Reds hosted Ryan Freel Dirty T - Shirt Night and gave away Freel jersey T - shirt with dirt stains printed on the front to honor their always - hustling service program musician .
Houston Astros
The Astros will give away Cuddle Pups to the first 10,000 kids on August 7 . In 1976 , the team gave away free beer after Phillies slogger Mike Schmidt struck out when the clock was on an even mo . “ I guess it was practiced for baseball , ” Schmidt said . “ Everybody buzz off a beer . ” Everybody pose a ticket in 1995 , when Astros proprietor Drayton McClane Jr. give off 54,350 tickets to a plot against the Phillies .
Milwaukee Brewers
The first 15,000 fan 21 and older on July 30 will receive a Miller Lite Beer Vendor bobblehead , which is appropriate for a team nickname the Brewers that run its dwelling house game in Miller Park . The Brewers almost forfeited a game in 1997 when buff threw giveaway baseballs on the discipline in a 5 - 3 winnings against the Texas Rangers .
Pittsburgh Pirates
On July 10 , kidskin 14 and under will receive wind - up Pierogi automobile driver , which the Pirates also offered last season . The squad trigger a minor controversy in 2008 after giving away Tom Gorzelanny bobbleheads . Some fans quetch that Gorzelanny ’s formative in-between finger — as opposed to his index finger — was poke out of his glove . A Pirates spokesman said the bobblehead was modeled after a photo allow to the producer .
St. Louis Cardinals
Twenty - five thousand fans on August 9 will get Adam Wainwright photo baseballs , which is a overnice way to think the NL Cy Young runner - up , who will miss the entire season after undergoing Tommy John surgery . Like the Red Sox , the Cardinals have also witnessed the spectacle of flying seat cushions . After Tom Herr beat the Mets with a grand slam in April of 1987 , the giveaways rained down on Busch Stadium ’s artificial sod .
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks will give away a BBQ countersink to the first 5,000 fan for its Father ’s Day promotion on June 19 . In 2007 , the squad start up afford away token at every Saturday and Sunday home base game , include six unlike bobbleheads and a Stephen Drew growth chart poster .
Colorado Rockies
The Rocky Mountains have n’t announced their 2011 promotional agenda , but the team has traditionally been generous with their game show . In 2008 , the squad offered National League Championship replica trophies in April . The biz was lead by the nose out and rescheduled for June .
Los Angeles Dodgers
On April 19 , devotee will receive a Fernando Valenzuela fleece cover . It ’s pretty difficult to throw a fleece mantle on the field from the upper deck of cards — not that anyone would want to part with their Fernandomania schwag — and that ’s a good thing . The Dodgers forgo the first National League game in 41 years in 1995 after fans threw promotional baseball on the field in the seventh and 9th innings of an August game against the Cardinals . The second waving of ball was actuate by the ejection of Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda with Los Angeles trailing St. Louis 2 - 1 . Speaking at a tiffin honoring Lasorda later that week , Pirates manager Jim Leyland deadpanned , “ We ’ve been struggling to get a winnings , so we ’ve declare tonight ‘ Dodger Paperweight Night . ’ ”
San Diego Padres
The Father will give away 6 - ingroup subway system tank to fans at Petco Park on April 23 . In 2007 , the Padre were criticized by a Christian group for host Pride Night on the same night they gave away floppy chapeau to children age 14 and under . “ The sky pilot are playing the part of the Pied Piper , leading unsuspecting children into the homosexual lifestyle as normal , ” Richard Thompson , director of the Ann Arbor - based Christian natural law eye , say .
San Francisco Giants
The Giants are give wearable blanket ( take : Snuggies ) to the first 20,000 devotee on May 20 . The team gave away baseballs at Candlestick Park in 1993 and the game was delayed after fan lavish the field take after a home run . monster coach Dusty Baker reportedly grade his players into the dugout , but San Francisco ’s outfielders stayed on the field to help remove the balls .
