Fresno Grizzlies' promotions feature hugging bobbleheads and backwards jerseys
This time of year is great. Baseball is waking up, we get to see our favorite teams take the field in sunny locales, and if we don’t get to see our favorite players yet, we at least get to see some of the young prospects who are part of the future for many teams.
But those aren’t the only reason this time of year is great. Minor league teams are starting to reveal their promotions and giveaways, which means fun theme nights and crazy bobbleheads. And the Fresno Grizzlies, the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, did not disappoint.
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On Tuesday the Grizzlies announced three awesome/insane bobbleheads that feature former Grizzlies players, and also an actual grizzly.
2017 Promo Schedule: 20th Anniversary Bobbles! "Buster Hugs," MadBum arm wrestling a grizzly bear and Tony Kemp in a Taco Truck! #Sea20ns pic.twitter.com/xdG5sp9QM5
— Fresno Grizzlies (@FresnoGrizzlies) February 28, 2017
The bobblehead on the far left, which will be given out on April 22, features Tim Lincecum and Buster Posey locked in an embrace, which the Grizzlies have named “Buster Hugs.” Definitely appropriate. On the far right is the bobblehead they’ll give on out Aug. 26, which has Houston Astros utility man Tony Kemp handing out tacos in his own taco truck. It’s called “Fresno Tacos,” and it’s presumably to celebrate the Grizzlies’ continuing tradition of Taco Tuesdays at the ballpark. The bobblehead in the center is the true glory of this set, as it features Madison Bumgarner arm wrestling a grizzly bear. It’s called “Bobble-Arm” and it’ll be given out on June 24, though sadly it’s not clear from the photo if the bear or Bumgarner is winning.
The Grizzlies were affiliated with the San Francisco Giants from 1998-2014, so it’s more than fitting that their bobbleheads feature three homegrown Giants players who played for their team before they hit the majors. However, all three bobbleheads are only available to fans who purchase a seven-game mini plan, or half/full season ticket packages.
These bobbleheads aren’t the only thing to look forward to, though. The Grizzlies are also having two theme nights that feature ridiculously awesome on-field uniforms. On April 20, they’re doing special jerseys for Totally Krossed Out 90s Night.
Jump, Jump!
The @FresnoGrizzlies will wear backward jerseys for their Totally Krossed Out '90s night. pic.twitter.com/thuswvrDca
— Mike Oz (@mikeoz) February 28, 2017
The music of the group Kriss Kross may not be known as the best of all-time, but their backwards clothes have truly stood the test of time. But if you’re looking for music that’s made a more indelible mark on history, on June 1 the Grizzlies are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” with special Sgt. Pepper jerseys on Classic Vinyl Night.
2017 Promo Schedule: Oh, there will be jerseys. Who says you can't celebrate Kris Kross & Sgt. Pepper's in the same season? #Ses20ns pic.twitter.com/Qs5EOc7tQq
— Fresno Grizzlies (@FresnoGrizzlies) February 28, 2017
And to top it off, on May 4 their mascot, ordained minister Parker T. Bear, will legally marry any couple as long as they have a marriage license. So if your dream is to be married by a giant furry mascot, Fresno is the place for you.
The Grizzlies have set a very high bar for minor league giveaways and promotions in 2017. Will any team be able to top them? We’ll just have to wait and see.
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Liz Roscher is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at lizroscher@yahoo.com or follow her on twitter! Follow @lizroscher