[Editor’s note: Welcome back to the return of “Collector’s Corner” to Uni Watch. Although no longer run by Brinke Guthrie, it has been ably resurrected by Chris Weir. Chris approached me about restarting CC, vowing to uphold the old look and style, but with one new twist: he will make each edition timely with what is going on currently in the sports world (i.e. rivalry games, big events, anniversary of events). Enjoy and please give Chris some feedback about the new (old) feature. — PH]
Collector’s Corner
by Chris Weir
Some people get excited for MLB’s Opening Day, but not me. My excitement is reserved for “Promotional Schedule Release Day” as every year I rush to peruse the list of bobbleheads, apparel, and memorabilia that will be given out during the course of the upcoming season. We’ll start this week with the Junior Circuit.
• On April 25 the Yankees will be giving out Hockey Jerseys that seem to be inspired by the New York Rangers’ jerseys. There are a lot of alternate sport jersey giveaways this year and last year had its share as well. I’d be interested to know if one company has been making all these items for all MLB teams or if each team finds their own company to produce them.
• A few teams are giving away Puffy Vests this year including the Red Sox on April 21. Although I’m not sure they’ll keep you that warm on a blustery spring day in Boston.
• The Blue Jays are giving away some really sharp City Connect apparel items this year including a Bomber Jacket on April 18 and a Trucker Hat on May 16. From the picture the jacket looks like it’s a high-quality product which highlights the increase in the team’s investment in giveaway items.
• Not sure how I feel about an owner getting a bobblehead but since he funded the repair of the Washington Monument, and other historic sites, I guess David Rubenstein deserves his own Bobblehead giveaway on April 19.
• June 16 is Greek Heritage Day in Tampa and the Rays are giving away these Jerseys which I actually think could work well as the team’s everyday uniform. I love the Greek-inspired number font the most.
• There’s no doubt Thomas Magnum will get his hands on a pair of Tigers Hawaiian Shirt and Short Set which will be given away on July 26.
• The “Giveaway of the Year Award” goes to the Twins who will be giving away a Prince Themed Reversible Jersey on Prince Night which is June 10. Makes you wonder how the Twins’ Purple Rain giveaway jersey is far and away better than Nike’s Twins City Connect Abominations.
• July 5 is Larry Doby day in Cleveland and the Guardians will be giving away a Larry Doby bobblehead that they have yet to post a picture of. I’d imagine they’ll probably shy away from any “Indians” imagery.
• Things haven’t been great on the South Side of Chicago for a few years but the White Sox have put together a great lineup of giveaways this year celebrating their 125th anniversary. On March 29 they gave away these 1907 Jerseys that are not only historically accurate but look to be a high quality product as well.
• The Royals are celebrating the 10th and 40th anniversaries of their World Series titles with a Series of Bobbleheads.
• Unsurprisingly the Athletics have the least impressive giveaway lineup in the majors this year. It’s odd looking at the standings and seeing “ATH” instead of “OAK.” Maybe instead of “ATH” they can use “916”, Sacramento’s area code, which is on the bottom of this Basketball Jersey giveaway on April 26.
• The Angels City Connect uniforms are my personal favorite and on June 20 they’ll be giving away these sweet City Connect Tank Tops.
• On April 25 cruise the Puget Sound while wearing one of these Mariners City Connect Captains Hats that are just perfection.
• The Astros’ June 1 giveaway might be the most unique of the year but you have to be between 5 and 12 years of age to get this Tiara.
• A few teams are giving away Pickleball Paddles this year including the Rangers on July 18.
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A bobblehead for a team owner??? Who the hell would want that?
Fans of the team who are still overjoyed to see the previous owners sell and leave the club forever.
I’d like a bobblehead of the person who buys the Pirates from Bob Nutting.
#SellTheTeam
I’d like a George Steinbrenner bobblehead.
The Reds once gave away a Marge Schott bobblehead, although, if I remember correctly, it was free with the purchase of a ticket to their Hall of Fame, not an in-stadium giveaway. Still, probably the only redeeming thing about that one was that it included Schottzie.
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The Angels are giving away a Millennium Falcon above the Big A “bobblehead” in a few days – link
Unique take on Star Wars bobbleheads
That Yankees hockey jersey makes me wonder if any baseball team has had a NY Ranger-esque jersey. If it Respects The Placket, I think it would work.
Off the top of my head the 1908 Red Sox & the Leland Giants uniforms the Cubs wore a few years ago were the only kinda diagonal lettering uniforms I could think of. After looking through Okkonen’s uniform book the White Sox had small diagonal lettering from 1932 to 1935.
My granddaughter has the orange version of that Astros tiara from last season’s princess day promo
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The Reds are giving away a Pete Rose 1975 road replica jersey on May 14th.
“Pete Rose #14 Replica Jersey
To all fans in attendance. Adult size XL given to fans at ballpark gates. Adult sizes 2XL and M available at exchange tables near Gapper’s Alley (Terrace Level behind section 120) and the First Star Fan Zone, while supplies last.”