Complete List Of All Dodger Stadium Bobblehead Giveaways

I've finally put a list together of all the Dodger Stadium bobblehead giveaways. This is something I should've done a long time ago. One of the most common questions I get asked is if I have a list of all the Dodger bobbleheads. There are a few reasons why I waited so long to put the list together, but the main reason is that I wanted to get as many posts written so there would be something to link to.

The list is in the blog's sidebar. I've put all 33 SGA's in chronological order, beginning with Tommy Lasorda on April 4, 2001 and ending with Matt Kemp on August 17, 2010.  I will continue to add to the list as the Dodgers give more away.

For now, I've only listed the name of the bobblehead and the date in which it was given away. I'll probably add more detail in the future, possibly with head shots or pictures of the entire doll. If you click on any of the listed names, it will take you to a "Bobblehead of the Day" post or a post from that bobblehead's game. Only three bobbleheads are missing links. Those three I have yet to do a posting on, but I will soon.

Here's the entire list:

April 4, 2001 - Tommy Lasorda
June 9, 2001 - Kirk Gibson
July 29, 2001 - Fernando Valenzuela
May 31, 2002 - Paul LoDuca
July 18, 2002 - Shawn Green
August 24, 2002 - Hideo Nomo
May 2, 2003 - Eric Gagne
July 1, 2003 - Brian Jordan
September 12, 2003 - Fred McGriff
April 30, 2004 - Eric Gagne(Cy Young)
July 23, 2004 - Don Newcombe
August 20, 2004 - Don Drysdale
June 1, 2005 - Cesar Izturis
September 29, 2005 - Jeff Kent
June 2, 2006 - Ron Cey
June 23, 2006 - Fernando Valenzuela
July 28, 2006 - Steve Garvey
April 26, 2007 - Nomar Garciaparra
July 6, 2007 Rafael Furcal
August 2, 2007 - Russell Martin
September 14, 2007 - Tommy Lasorda(HOF)
April 25, 2008 - Joe Torre
June 5, 2008 - Takashi Saito
July 25, 2008 - Brad Penny
August 12, 2008 - Joe Beimel
May 20, 2009 - Casey Blake
July 22, 2009 - Manny Ramirez
August 19, 2009 - Matt Kemp
September 16, 2009 - Manny Ramirez(Curtain Call)
May 18, 2010 - Andre Ethier
June 8, 2010 - Jonathan Broxton
July 20, 2010 - James Loney
August 17, 2010 - Matt Kemp(The Catch)

 If you want more details on any of the Dodger Stadium bobbleheads, click on the link in the sidebar.

McCourt Appologizes To Fans On Dodgers Live

Before tonight's game between the Dodgers and Padres, ousted owner Frank McCourt issued an apology to  fans on Dodgers Live. Here's what he had to say:

"There's one thing I do want to say, 'cause I  haven't talked much over the last 18 months about my personal situation. In the last couple of days I've had a lot to say, but the most important thing I have to say this evening to Dodger fans is, that I'm sorry. I wanna just issue an apology to them for my personal mess having affected their lives and I wanna apologize for some of the lifestyle decisions I've made and I wanna apologize for any embarrassment I've caused  this community, this team and these fans. That said, I'm gonna fight for these fans. I have work to do to regain their trust and confidence, but I plan to do it and I'm gonna redouble my efforts to make sure I do get their trust and their support again and that I fight for what's mine, and I fight for these players out here and fight for this team."

It's probably too late Mr. McCourt, much too late.

Dodgers Announce Ultimate Giveaway Ticket Plan

The Dodgers introduced a new 8-game ticket plan today. They're calling it the "Ultimate Giveaway Plan". Here's what it includes:

All 6 Bobblehead Nights

Beach Towel Night

Sports Bag Day

Plus, a Purple and Gold LA Cap AND a Fernandomania Fleece Blanket

You can save up to 64% by purchasing one of the plans. It seems like a pretty good deal for the six bobblehead nights alone, but they're giving all the other Dodger goodies as well. You can check out all the plans here.

Bobblehead News: Upcoming Contest, Andre Ethier Info, GIbby

First off, I'd like to announce that I will be holding at least two contests in the next few weeks, both prizes will be bobbleheads. One of the contests will be for the upcoming Clayton Kershaw bobblehead the Dodgers will be giving away on Tuesday, May 17. So, if you can't make it to Dodger Stadium that night, or just want to add Kersh to your collection, you'll have an opportunity to win one here, courtesy of Bobbles Galore. I'll have all the details in the next few days.

My next bit of news involves the Andre Ethier bobblehead the Dodgers will be giving away on Thursday, July 7. A little birdie whispered in my ear today and gave me some details on this bobblehead. Andre will be wearing a throwback Brooklyn Dodgers uniform, the same uniform the Dodgers are wearing  for six day games this year. I got some of the other details on the bobblehead, but that's all I'm allowed to share. Remember you heard it hear first.

OK, let's get to some other bobblehead news from around baseball:

DBacks Post Kirk Gibson Bobblehead pic. Back in February, I mentioned the Arizona Diamondbacks would be giving away bobbleheads of current manager and former Dodger Kirk Gibson. They finally showed us a picture. The bobblehead will be given away on Saturday, August 6 when the DBacks host the Dodgers. I know they'll be many Dodger fans at Chase Field that night. I might be one of them.

Cincinnati Reds to give away five Bench Bobbles. Beginning this Friday, the first in a series of five Johnny Bench collectible bobbleheads will be available free with full-price paid admission to the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month of May. Only 5,000 of these bobbleheads have been produced. The bobblehead series continues each month through September with a different classic pose that highlights iconic moments and images during Bench's career.

Trevor Hoffman bobbleheads to become Jesus bobbleheads? Not really. In the pilot episode of the "Paul Reiser Show",one of Paul's friends owns a giant warehouse full of obscure items including 50,000 Trevor Hoffman bobbleheads, which he says he'll be selling to Bolivia, where they'll be turning them into Jesus bobbleheads. It's pretty funny. I saw the first episode, and thought it was OK. It was a poor man's "Curb Your Enthusiasm. NBC didn't seem to care for the show, they cancelled it after two episodes. Check out the clip below.

LA Times' Bill Shaikin Ranks Local Bobbleheads

Alright, we're about one month into the baseball season, and now it's time start thinking about the upcoming bobbleheads. The first Dodger bobblehead giveaway, Clayton Kershaw, is now three weeks away. I'm starting to get excited. There's nothing better than going to Dodger Stadium and picking up another bobblehead for the collection.

With that in mind, Bill Shaikin of LATimes.com ranked some of the upcoming bobbleheads being given away by local baseball teams. Clayton Kershaw's Dodger Stadium giveaway is ranked fourth on the list of 18 bobbleheads. Fernando Valenzuela's Dodger Stadium giveaway is ranked numero uno. Here's Shaikin's list:

For your collecting and/or reading pleasure, Bill Shaikin ranks an entirely subjective list of local bobblehead giveaways, ranked from most coveted to least coveted:

1. FERNANDOMANIA (Dodgers, July 26) He's Fernando. This is L.A. Plus, he actually did bob his head during his delivery.


2. DUKE SNIDER (Dodgers, Aug. 9) Contemporary tribute to Dodgers' Hall of Famer, who died in February.


3. FELIX HERNANDEZ (Inland Empire 66ers, Aug. 20) Cy Young winner pitched for the 66ers in 2004.


4. CLAYTON KERSHAW (Dodgers, May 17) Bobblehead first; the Cy Young will follow soon enough.


5. CLAYTON KERSHAW (Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, May 20) Same bobblehead, but $12 for best seat in house.


6. KENDRYS MORALES (Angels, May 24) Half the bobbleheads have Morales hitting right-handed, half left-handed.


7. KENDRYS MORALES (Inland Empire 66ers, May 28) Same bobbleheads, but $10 for best seat in house.


8. ANDRE ETHIER (Dodgers, July 7) Attendance on his bobblehead night last year: 55,662 — vs. Astros, on Tuesday.


9. ANGELS GNOME (Angels, Aug. 18) Angels currently running contest to "Gname the Gnome."


10. ANGELS GNOME (Inland Empire 66ers, Sept. 4) Angels say they brought back gnome "by popular demand."


11. AEROSPACE APPRECIATION (Lancaster Jethawks, Aug. 13) Tip o' the astronaut helmet to this cool idea.

12. DON MATTINGLY (Dodgers, June 1) Would rank higher if he were hitting, not standing atop the dugout steps.


13. DAN HAREN (Angels, June 28) At this rate, he could be a 15-game winner by then.


14. DAN HAREN (Inland Empire 66ers, July 9) Buy a $5 lawn seat, sell the bobblehead for more on EBay.
15. HONG-CHIH KUO (Dodgers, June 14) Dodgers hope he'll be off the disabled list by then.


16. WOOLY BULLY (High Desert Mavericks, July 16) That's the team mascot, a bull swinging a bat. No bull.


17. ADRIAN BELTRE (Inland Empire 66ers, June 11) Beltre played for the San Bernardino Stampede at age 17.


18. BUD BLACK (Padres, May 7) Padres' manager has as many home runs as his second baseman, shortstop and right fielder combined — zero.
 
Great list. I think Fernando will always be popular here in SoCal, but this is his THIRD Dodger bobblehead. I covet the Duke Snider and Kershaw a little bit more. So, Did Shaikin get this list right? Thoughts?

Ethier Extends Hit Streak, Brox Blows Save

Getty Images

I don't think there's a single happy Dodger fan tonight, even with Andre Ethier tying a major-league record for hitting in 22 games straight in April. 

Going into the ninth inning, the Dodgers had  a 4-3 lead, and Jonathan Broxton entering the game. After getting the first two Marlins he faced out, the shit then hit the fan.

First he walked Emilio Bonifacio.

Then Hanley Ramirez, who is in the middle of a slump, got a basehit.

Then Scott Cousins came up and hit a grounder to Jamey Carroll, and the ball rolled under his glove, scoring Bonifacio and tying the game 4-4.

Broxton intentionally walked Chris Coghlan next.

Omar Infante then came up and hit a line drive right to Jerry Sands, who misplayed it. Hanley Ramirez scored and the Marlins won 5-4.

There's a lot of blame to go around, but I think it's safe to say, Jonathan Broxton's time as Dodger Closer is just about over. It's time for the Dodgers to start looking at someone else to finish games.

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I want to say, I don't condone shooting guns at anything, especially bobbleheads, but I had to get this classic video up. Don't try this at home kids.

Dodgerbobble and Bobbles Galore Link Up

Since I started writing this blog one year ago, I've been asked hundreds of times how to get different bobbleheads. I get emails from people wondering where they can get older Dodger stadium giveaways and rare Dodger bobbleheads. People also ask me if I want to sell from my personal collection. I won't sell any of the bobbleheads from my collection, but I am willing to trade if I've got more than two of something. If I don't have multiples of a bobblehead, I usually direct those people to ebay.

Now there's another option, Bobbles Galore. Bobbles Galore is the world's largest SGA bobblehead doll reseller, and now Dodgerbobble.com has linked up with them. It's a great website thats got a huge selection of bobbleheads. Here's what Bobbles Galore is all about:

BobblesGalore.com is a subsidiary of CCD Sports, Inc. As bobblehead collectors ourselves, we started Bobbles Galore in 1997 with one simple goal: to connect bobblehead collectors with Stadium Giveaway bobblehead dolls from events across the United States.

Now over ten years later, Bobbles Galore has grown into one of the world's largest Stadium Giveaway bobblehead resellers. While our size and reach has certainly changed over the past decade, our core philosophy has not -- we believe collecting bobblehead dolls should be fun. To this end, we strive to provide each and every customer with the highest quality bobblehead dolls at the most competitive prices, while still offering top-notch customer service. We're still bobblehead doll collectors at heart, and will do whatever it takes to make your collecting experience as enjoyable as possible.

You can check out Bobbles Galore here, or by clicking on their logo in the sidebar.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter to everyone out there. I hope everyone has a nice, safe holiday. Enjoy your Peeps, chocolate bunnies and Easter Egg hunts!

Dodger News And Notes: MLB Takeover

Some Friday night links:

Steve Garvey, Ron Burkle: Dodgers owner? The former Dodger great says he has an investment group put together that would like to buy the team. That group now includes Ron Burkle. So, who is Ron Burkle? Well, he's rich. Forbes estimates his net worth at $3.2 billion. He's also familiar with purchasing a sports franchise. He teamed up with hockey legend Mario Lemieux in buying the Pittsburgh Penguins back in 1999. Garvey says he has six to eight other investors in his group.

Colletti and McCourt haven't talked takeover. Ned Colletti said Friday that he's been in communication with team owner Frank McCourt, but only through texts. They've only discussed roster moves, injuries and on-field issues. They haven't met in person since MLB took over the team, and they haven't discussed the takeover. Ned Colletti says he still considers Frank McCourt his boss.

Selig has support of MLB owners. From Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports:

Selig’s seizure of the team is being guided in part by the concerns and frustrations of many of McCourt’s fellow owners, who fear the devaluation of their own franchises through McCourt’s financial and operational ineptness, sources said Thursday.

Whatever the assurances by McCourt that the Dodgers are not trundling toward ruin, and whatever the assertions by McCourt’s new vice chairman Steve Soboroff that Selig is a misguided, uninformed bully, Selig’s greatest authority lies in the consensus of The Other 29.

Selig spends large portions of his days conferring with owners of the 30 MLB teams, and McCourt’s ownership practices have been picked over by baseball’s executive council, which consists of eight owners, four from each league.

It doesn't seem like the rest of baseball's owners are happy with McCourt's situation. What happens in LA, as well as other major markets, can affect the rest of the league.

Throwback Bison Blasts Dodgers Past Braves

Getty Images

 
"And I guess sooner or later, the word is gonna get around the league, that Matt Kemp might beat you!" - Vin Scully after Matt Kemp's walk-off homerun.

With the score tied 3-3 in the bottom of the 12th, and Ethier at second base after hitting a double to the wall, the Braves decided to pitch to Matt Kemp instead of Juan Uribe, who was waiting on deck. Big mistake. The Bison cranked one over the centerfield wall to win it for the Dodgers, 5-3. Kemp had been 0 for 4 to that point. This was his second walk-off homerun in four days. 


Kershaw pitched a gem today, going 8.2 innings. He couldn't get that final out for the complete game, which would have been the Dodgers second in two days. Kershaw gave up two runs in the ninth, after Don Mattingly paid him a visit on the mound. Jonathan Broxton finished the inning. 


Andre Ethier continued his hit streak, extending it to 18 games. This is the longest Dodgers hitting streak since Matt Kemp hit in 19 straight back in 2008. Ethier went 2 for 5 today.

Casey Blake went 3 for 6 today, hitting a go-ahead run in the 7th inning and a game-tying single in the ninth. Juan Uribe also hit a homerun today, a solo shot  in the 6th inning.

The Dodgers wore their 1940's-style throwback Brooklyn uniforms today. The Braves also wore throwback 1940's-style Boston Braves uniforms.

MLB To Take Over Operation Of The Dodgers....WooHoo!

According to the LA Times' Bill Shaikin, Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig says he will appoint a trustee to oversee the team's business affairs while investigating the 'operations and finances of the Dodgers and related entities.'

Commissioner Bud Selig:

"Pursuant to my authority as Commissioner, I informed Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt today that I will appoint a representative to oversee all aspects of the business and the day-to-day operations of the Club. I have taken this action because of my deep concerns regarding the finances and operations of the Dodgers and to protect the best interests of the Club, its great fans and all of Major League Baseball. My office will continue its thorough investigation into the operations and finances of the Dodgers and related entities during the period of Mr. McCourt's ownership. I will announce the name of my representative in the next several days.
"The Dodgers have been one of the most prestigious franchises in all of sports, and we owe it to their legion of loyal fans to ensure that this club is being operated properly now and will be guided appropriately in the future."

You know what they say, "Better late than never."  Let's hope this is the first step toward McCourt's exit and new ownership. The situation in Dodgertown is sad. It's sad to see so many empty seats at Dodger Stadium. It's sad to see such a poorly constructed team take the field for the second season in a row. The divorce and everything surrounding it is sad. I can't speak for every Dodger fan, but I think most of us are fed up with EVERYTHING. Good for Bud Selig.

"Let's face it, this game is over" -Vin

After winning two games in a row, the Dodgers were back to their losing ways, falling to the Atlanta Braves tonight, 10-1.

Hiroki Kuroda pitched a solid 6.1 innings, giving up just two earned runs and striking out four Braves. But it didn't make a difference. Atlanta starter Brandon Beachy, who pitched 6 scoreless innings, and the Braves bullpen held the woeful Dodger offense to one run.

But the offense, or lackthereof, wasn't the only issue with the boys in blue. The Dodgers bullpen completely imploded tonight. Kenley Jansen and Ramon Troncoso combined to give up 8 earned runs in the 9th inning, including a two-run homerun by Eric Hinske and a three-run homer by Dan Uggla. Jansen now has an era of 11.42 , Troncoso 20.25. Yes, that's an era of TWENTY!

In the top of the 9th inning, after the Braves had scored their tenth run, Vin Scully said, "Let's face it, this game is over". When Vin says something like that, you know it's bad.

Jerry Sands, in his second major league game, went 1 for 4 with a double. He also did some bad base running, making out while trying to go to third on a grounder to the shortstop. The kid's got some learning to do. Matt Kemp went 0 for 3 tonight with a walk, lowering his league-leading batting average to .438

Stow Family Interview

ESPN's Shelley Smith sat down with the family of injured Giants fan Bryan Stow. The family seems to be very positive. It's a pretty moving interview.



The two suspects in the investigation still haven't been caught. You can see the latest police sketches here.
For the latest updates on Bryan's condition and to make donations you can go to www.support4bryanstow.com

Sandman Called Up

We all knew he was coming, but who knew it would happen this soon? Dodgers top prospect 1B/OF Jerry Sands was called up from AAA Albuquerque to the Dodgers today. To make room for Sands on the roster, the Dodgers designated Xavier Paul for assignment.

Sands is on fire right now, batting .400 with five homeruns and 17 RBIs at Albuquerque. With the Dodgers in an offensive funk, it makes sense to get his hot bat into the line-up. And they're wasting no time doing that. Sands will bat 7th tonight and play left field.

The Sandman will be patrolling left field tonight, but he can also play firstbase. So, should James Loney be worried? In 16 games this year, Loney is batting .150 with one homerun, 6 RBI and an OBP of .175. I'd say he has something to worry about. If things don't get better, Loney could be benched for the hot bat. Maybe this will burn a fire under James.

Bobblehead News

Here's a bit of bobblehead news to start off the week:

Last month the Dodgers released the first images of the Don Mattingly bobblehead they'll be giving away on June 1. Roberto from Vin Scully Is My Homeboy has the first hi-res images of the bobble. This looks like another good one.

Today is the one-year anniversary of Ubaldo Jimenez' no-hitter. The Colorado Rockies celebrated the anniversary by giving away Ubaldo bobbleheads. Doesn't really look like him.

The Anaheim Angels have a few bobblehead nights on their 2011 promotional schedule. The first one falls on Tuesday, May 24, when the Angels will be giving away Kendrys Morales bobbleheads. The interesting thing about this bobblehead is, they'll be giving away two different versions of the star first baseman, one batting left-handed and one batting right-handed.  From Angels.com:

Right Handed or Left Handed? Which Kendry Morales Bobblehead will you get? (one per fan per entry, no exchanges)

I'll be attending this game with my wife. Maybe we'll get both of them.

On July 17, the Oakland Athletics will be giving away MC Hammer bobbleheads to the first 10,000 fans in attendance. No, the bobblehead will not be wearing the baggy pants. Hammer was an A's batboy when he was a teenager. The above picture is a prototype of the bobblehead.

And finally, the Tampa Bay Rays needed to come up with a new promotion to replace the Manny Ramirez bobblehead on May 29. Manny retired last week instead of taking a 100 game suspension for a positive drug test. With Manny going bye-bye, so did the bobblehead. The Rays are taking advantage of the hot start from outfielder Sam Fuld. The Rays will be giving away Super Sam Fuld capes instead.

I wonder what's gonna happen with the 10,000 Manny Ramirez bobbleheads that have been produced. Something tells me will see one on Ebay soon.

Kershaw Takes The Mound, Kuo To The DL

The Dodgers send Ace Clayton Kershaw to the mound tonight (2-1, 1.37 era). He faces righty Kyle McClellan (1-0, 2.25 era). After last night's debacle, it's nice to have Kersh going. With the Dodgers struggling, he's one of the few bright spots on this team. In 19.2 innings pitched, he's got 24 strikeouts.

The Dodgers placed Hong Chih Kuo on the disabled list today. From Tony Jackson of ESPNLosAngeles.com:

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Hong-Chih Kuo was placed on the 15-day disabled list before Saturday night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals with a lower-back strain. Kuo had been bothered by back discomfort all season, a fact that might have affected his mechanics and contributed to his uncharacteristic four walks in 2 2/3 innings.

The move was made retroactive to Thursday, meaning Kuo will be eligible for activation as early as the team's April 29 series opener against the San Diego Padres.

At least it's not because of his elbow. Let's see if Tron can get back to his 2009 form.

Here's tonight's line-up:

LF Gwynn
3B Blake
RF Ethier
CF Kemp
SS Uribe
1B Loney
C Barajas
2BMiles
P Kershaw

LAPD Releases New Sketches Of Suspects In Bryan Stowe Case

The LAPD released updated sketches of the two suspects wanted in the beating of Giants fan Bryan Stowe. One of the suspects has a distinctive mole on his left cheek, and his goatee was changed a bit. Check out CBSLosAngeles.com's piece on the suspects and the security changes at Dodger Stadium.



If you haven't seen the the ceremony dedicated to Bryan Stowe from the first game of the Giants/Dodgers series in San Francisco, here it is:

Dodgers Cancel Half-Price Beer And Alcohol Promotion

The Dodgers announced today that their plans to sell beer and alcohol at half-price at six day games have been canceled. This was part of a six-game promotion that ran throughout the season that included half-priced food and drinks.

From Dodgers.com:

Half-price alcoholic beverages are no longer part of the Dodgers' Half Price Food & Drink Promotion, set to begin with the game against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, April 21, the team announced today. The six-game promotion that runs throughout the season will continue to include half-price food and soft drinks and a half-price six-game ticket package is also available at dodgers.com/throwback.


The promotion is set to take place at six midweek day games throughout the 2011 season. At each of these games, Dodger players will wear 1940s retro uniforms, voted on by the fans during the offseason. The beginning of the promotion on April 21 coincides with the Dodgers' first-ever franchise victory on that same date in 1890 and the victory came against the same opponent the Dodgers will face this year -- the Braves.

The six-game promotion is set for the following dates:
• Thursday, April 21, Dodgers vs. Braves, 12:10 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 4, Dodgers vs. Cubs, 12:10 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 15, Dodgers vs. Reds, 12:10 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 22, Dodgers vs. Tigers, 12:10 p.m.
• Wednesday, August 10, Dodgers vs. Phillies, 12:10 p.m.
• Wednesday, August 31, Dodgers vs. Padres, 12:10 p.m.

The Dodgers are doing what's necessary in order to prevent fans from getting piss drunk at the game. I can't say I disagree with this move. Nothing good can come from half-priced beers. Look, I'm not against having a beer or two at the game, but some people can't stop at one or two. If this keeps someone else from getting hurt, I'm all for it.

2011 SoCal Minor League Bobblehead Giveaways

Tonight I'm gonna take a look at some of the local minor league teams giving away bobbleheads in 2011. Five of the 6 Southern California minor league clubs are running at least one bobblehead promotion this season.

Picture via TMZ.com

I'll start with the Lake Elsinore Storm, Single-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. Last month I mentioned the Storm would be holding a Charlie Sheen themed night on May 5.  They're calling it "Charlie Sheen-co De Mayo" night. The Storm will be giving away limited edition #99 Charlie Sheen bobbleheads. This is the only scheduled bobblehead night for the Storm in 2011. You can see the entire promotional schedule here.

Next up is the Inland Empire 66ers, Single-A affiliate of the Anaheim Angels. This is a team that gets it. The fans want bobbleheads, and the 66ers are giving away plenty of them, six to be exact. Here are the six: Ken Griffey Jr(April 23), Kendry Morales(May 28), Adrian Beltre Big Head(June 11), Dan Haren(July 9), Felix Hernandez(August 20), and Angels Gnome(September 4). You can see the entire promotional schedule here.

The High Desert Mavericks are the Single-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The team out of Adelanto has one scheduled bobblehead night. They're giving away bobbles of  mascot Wooly Bully on Saturday, July 16. So if you're a Wooly Bully fan, that's the night to go. You can see the entire promotional schedule here.

Staying in the desert, the next team is the Lancaster JetHawks, Single-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. The JetHawks have one scheduled bobblehead giveaway in 2011. On Saturday, August 13, they will be holding Aerospace Appreciation night, giving away a spaced themed bobble. They held the same promotion last year, a game I attended. Last year they gave away Robert "Hoot" Gibson bobbleheads. You can see the JetHawks entire 2011 promotional schedule here.

The last team is the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Quakes only have one bobblehead giveaway in 2011, Clayton Kershaw on Friday, May 20. I wrote about this promotion last month. If this bobblehead is different from the one the Dodgers are giving away, I'm gonna try to go. You can see the entire Quakes promotional schedule here.

Troy Tulowitzki Bobblehead Night At LBSU

Last night was Troy Tulowitzki bobblehead night at Long Beach State University. The former Dirtbag played at LBSU from 2003 to 2005. The school was giving away bobbleheads to the first 1500 fans in attendance. I learned about the promotion last week while doing some bobblehead research. I actually stumbled upon a funny commercial the school put out for the bobblehead.



I'm not a Long Beach State fan, but I would never miss an opportunity to pick up another bobblehead for the collection, even if it's of a Colorado Rockies player.

The game was scheduled to start at 5:30, but the box office opened at 3:30. I didn't know what to expect, so I got there at 3:15. When I arrived, there was a long line waiting outside of the stadium, Blair Field. I got my tickets and walked to the end of the line. I'd say I was a bout 200 people back. At around 3:45 they started letting people in. I got the bobbleheads and went into the stadium. I didn't stay too long. Neither did anyone else. It seemed like a lot of people got their bobbleheads and left.

I must admit, I was a bit surprised when I got the bobblehead. I expected a cheap little thing in a plain white box. I was so wrong. Presented by UPS, the bobblehead was made by Alexander Global Promotions and celebrated Tulo's 2010 Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards. It actually came in a full color box with pictures and Tulo facts. When I opened the box, I was even more shocked. The bobblehead looked amazing.  From the gold glove and silver bat, to the textured jersey and hat, this bobblehead had some wonderful detailing. Alexander Global really makes a great nodder. I wish the Dodgers would use them instead of P Squared.

Here's Tulo:

This is a very impressive bobble. LBSU and AGP did a great job. So, could we see another former Dirtbag bobblehead in the future? Maybe Evan Longoria? If they make it, I'll be there. In case anyone was wondering, the Dirtbags lost last night to UC Davis, 11-1.

UPDATE:
Long Beach State did give a Longoria bobblehead away a couple of years ago. Thanks to the Anonymous commenter and Truetotheblue.

2007 SP Authentic Rafael Furcal/Andy LaRoche Auto

Here's another Dodger autograph. Actually, it's two Dodger autographs. This 2007 SP Authentic Dual signatures card features current Dodgers Shortstop Rafael Furcal and former Dodgers Third baseman Andy LaRoche. This is a beautiful shiny card, although the scan doesn't show it. Oh yeah, it's also #'d to 175.

Furcal, who is in the last year of his current three-year contract, has played 5+ years with the Dodgers.

LaRoche was part of the three-way trade that brought Manny Ramirez to Los Angeles in 2008. LaRoche ended up in Pittsburgh as part of the deal. He's now playing with the Oakland A's.

Dodgers Hire Former Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton

The Dodgers announced today that they have hired former Los Angeles Police Chief, and current Chairman of the global security firm Kroll, William J. Bratton. After last week's brutal attack on a Giants fan by two Dodger fans, the Dodgers have responded by hiring Bratton and his firm to beef up security in and around Dodger Stadium.

From Dodgers.com:

Earlier today, the Los Angeles Dodgers hired Kroll Chairman and former Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton to assess policies and procedures related to security and fan services at Dodger Stadium, and to work with the Dodger organization to develop a best practices security blueprint that extends to both the stadium and the parking lots.
"Bill Bratton is widely credited with spearheading modern community policing in America," said Los Angeles Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt. "There is no one better to lead a top-to-bottom review of our current practices and make recommendations to be implemented now and into the future."

Bratton and his team at Kroll will begin consulting immediately.

"I am pleased to have the opportunity to return to Los Angeles to consult with the Dodger organization on the security posture at Dodger Stadium," said Bratton. "We will take a full and comprehensive look at security procedures and processes, and make recommendations based on our findings."

Mr. Bratton possesses extensive expertise in U.S. law enforcement that includes achieving major reductions in violent crimes when he led the New York City Police Department and the Los Angeles Police Department.

The Dodgers enjoy a longtime working partnership with the LAPD, and see Bratton and Kroll's role helping with internal procedures at the Dodgers.

"We are committed to ensuring that Dodger Stadium remains a family-friendly environment for all baseball fans," said McCourt.

I know there are no quick fixes. I know that Dodger security, the LAPD and Bratton and his group will not be able to watch every bit of Dodger Stadium or the parking lot all the time. Anything can happen anywhere. But this is the first step in making fans feel safer. I'm a Dodger fan, and I don't always feel safe at Dodger Stadium. That's sad. It's a place where families should go to have a good time, not to feel scared.

Is this something that has come too late? For Bryan Stow, the Giants fan who was beaten, yes. I feel sick whenever I think about what happened to him. I feel terrible for his family. They shouldn't have to go through this. This is a move the Dodgers needed to make, even if it came a week, a month, years too late. Better late than never.

Bobblehead of the Day: Eric Gagne (2003)

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It's been over a month since my last "Bobblehead of the Day" posting. In that time, I've picked up 8 more bobbles, so I've got some catching up to do.

Today we're gonna take a look at Eric Gagne's first Dodgers SGA bobblehead. I showed his 2004 Dodger Stadium bobblehead almost a year ago.

On Friday,May 2, 2003, the Dodgers gave away Eric Gagne bobbleheads away to the first 50,000 fans in attendance. Presented by Albertsons, this bobblehead was made by Alexander Global Inc. This was the first of three bobbleheads given away that season. The other two were Brian Jordan (July 1) and Fred McGriff (September 12).

The Dodgers played the Pittsburgh Pirates that night, and lost 5-3. Eric Gagne did not make an appearance on his bobblehead night.

Let's take a look at Monsieur Gagne:

I love the glasses on Eric Gagne. They're a nice detail on a boring bobblehead.  This now completes another year in bobblehead giveaways, 2003. I'm almost done with the entire collection of Dodger Stadium SGA's.