A Review Of The 2011 Dodger Bobbleheads

Tonight I'm gonna review the 2011 Dodger Stadium bobblehead giveaways. All six bobbleheads will be given a grade of A, B,C,D or F. The grades will be based on a few things: (1) Did the bobblehead look like the player?  (2) Did the player deserve a bobblehead? and (3) Creativity.

Clayton Kershaw  A-
On May 17, the Dodgers gave away the first bobblehead of the year, Clayton Kershaw. I was so happy to get my hands on this first bobblehead, and it didn't disappoint. The Ace of the Dodger staff definitely deserved a bobble. I love the way they made Kersh look, from the beard to the green eyes and even the leg kick. But it's that simple stance that keeps this bobblehead from getting an A+. Maybe Kershaw get's a Cy Young bobblehead in 2012? I hope so.

Don Mattingly  C
This bobblehead night was unlike any other I had seen in the past. On June 1, the Dodgers were supposed to give away 50,000 Don Mattingly bobbleheads away. The only problem was, 50,000 people didn't show up. In my original post, I estimated the attendance at under 30,000 fans. This was the deadest I had seen the stadium since I started going to bobblehead nights on regular basis back in 2002.

What I like about this bobblehead is that it looks like Don Mattingly, and that he's standing at the top of the dugout steps. The manager at the top of the dugout steps was a common theme in baseball this year. The Orioles, Royals, Padres and DBacks all gave away similar bobbleheads. It's very creative and helped get this bobblehead a C grade. What kept it from getting a higher grade was the fact that Don Mattingly didn't deserve a bobblehead in 2011. A  player or manager should get a bobblehead if he has accomplished something with the team. What has Mattingly done for the Dodgers? Nothing yet.

Hong-Chih Kuo C
Kuo, Kuo, Kuo. What a year for the Taiwanese pitcher. Who could have seen such a drastic change from 2010 to 2011? His horrible 2011 isn't the reason I'm giving this a C grade though. He definitely deserved a bobblehead after his amazing 2010. I'm giving this a C because this doesn't look like him and the stance is all wrong. I know he's giving the fist pump after a strikeout, but it just doesn't look right. The other thing is it lacks a certain something. In 2008, the Dodgers gave away Takashi Saito bobbleheads, and his name was put on the bobblehead in Japanese. They could have done something similar with Kuo, except with Taiwanese. In my opinion, this is a boring bobblehead, plain and simple.

Andre Ethier B
This Brooklyn throwback version of Andre Ethier was a big success back on July 7. Dodger Stadium was packed and that's the way it should be on a bobblehead night. The Dodgers honored Dre with his second bobblehead in two years. This time around they had him wearing the same 1940's-style Brooklyn Dodgers uniform the team was wearing during day games this year.

This bobblehead kind of looks like Andre. The hair and beard stubble on his face are dead on, but the facial features are a little off. The uniform is sweet, and that's a big plus. I also love the fist pump. I couldn't give this an A grade for one reason: it's the second Andre Ethier bobblehead in two years. I'm not saying he didn't deserve one in 2011, because he did. It's just that the Dodgers could have given someone else a bobblehead. There are other players who are just as deserving, like Chad Billingsley or a even a former player.

Fernando Valenzuela B
The Dodgers celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of Fernandomania with one of the nicest bobblehead giveaways ever. This nodder depicts a 1981 version of Fernando Valenzuela standing on the warning track, in front of the scoreboard, with a pen in hand and signing a mitt. The bobblehead looks like Fernando, it's very creative and Fernando definitely deserved a bobblehead for the the anniversary. This is Fernando's third Dodger bobblehead since 2001 though, and that's what's keeping this from getting an A. Yes, Fernando is still popular in Los Angeles, but like I said with Ethier, there are other players who deserve a first bobblehead. I think they should have gone with someone from the 1981 Championship team.

Duke Snider A
After passing away earlier in the year, the Dodgers decided to honor Duke Snider with a bobblehead. This was my favorite bobblehad of the year. What makes this my favorite? First off, it looks like the Duke. Second, the stance is right on. Third, he was one of the greatest Dodgers of all-time, and deserved a bobble.   Is this the most creative bobblehead of the six? No, but it didn't need to be. The Duke swinging the bat in a Brooklyn Dodgers uniform was all I needed. It really has a "classic" feel to it. Great job on this one.

Overall, I'd say the Dodgers did a decent job on the bobblehead giveaways. I do feel that six bobbleheads was overkill though. It wasn't necessary to give that many away. I love my bobbleheads, but they could've done without the Mattingly and Kuo. Next year I hope to see only three or four given away. Hopefully all of them are first-time recipients, well, unless Kershaw gets a Cy Young bobblehead of course. Speaking of next year's bobbleheads, I will be giving my predictions on 2012 very soon.

So, what did you think of my grades? Did I get them all right? Let me know what you think.

Contest Reminder

I just wanted to remind everyone, dodgerbobble.com will be holding a bobblehead contest tomorrow following the Dodgers/Astros game. We'll be giving away a Duke Snider bobblehead courtesy of Bobblesgalore.com, the world's largest SGA bobblehead reseller. It's the same Duke Snider bobblehead the Dodgers gave away this past Tuesday. 


Remember, you must be a follower of dodgerbobble.com and you've got to answer Friday night's question correctly in the comments section of the contest post. For all contest rules, click here.

Duke Snider Bobblehead Night

Click here to purchase

Tonight was the final bobblehead giveaway at Dodger Stadium for 2011. Presented by State Farm, the Dodgers gave away Duke Snider bobbleheads to the first 50,000 fans in attendance. The Dodgers played the Philadelphia Phillies, and lost 2-1.  Cliff Lee was the winning pitcher and Ted Lilly took the loss.

When we arrived at the Stadium, we went straight to Autograph Alley, where Duke Snider's Hall of Fame plaque was on display. Fans were allowed to take picture with the plaque. Just to be in the presence of a Hall of Fame piece was an honor.

Dodgerbobble and the HOF plaque

Jon Soo Hoo was there

Tim Leary was signing autographs

Before we headed up to the Reserve section, we stopped by the signing table, where former Dodger Tim Leary was signing autographs. We got a couple of signatures, then went to get the bobbleheads.

When we got up to our section, we were surprised to see a short line of people. It was a huge drop off from the the last bobblehead giveaway, Fernandomania. It just goes to show how popular Fernando still is in Los Angeles. And you could see it in the stadium too. It wasn't as dead as the Don Mattingly bobblehead night, but it wasn't exactly a full house.

There was a nice presentation before the game. Duke Snider's wife, kids and grandchildren were all honored. His two sons and one of his daughters threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Don Mattingly, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, one of his granddaughters sang the national anthem, and there was beautiful tribute to him on the jumbotron.

I thought I'd try a Doyer Dog since it was probably my last Dodger game of the year. It was OK. 

The HOF plaque on the jumbotron

The Duke's #4 in mowed into the outfield grass

When we left in the sixth inning, there were still bobbleheads at the gates. I was shocked. Personally, I think this is the best bobblehead of the year. Yeah, the Fernando is nice, but it was the third Fernando bobblehead the Dodgers have given away. The Duke being a Hall of Famer, plus the classic look of the bobblehead is what makes this my favorite bobblehead of 2011.

Let's take a look at the Duke of Flatbush:

I'm a little sad that this is the last bobblehead of the year, but a bit relieved at the same time. Six bobblehead is a lot for one year. I am looking forward to next season's group of nodders though, and I will give my predictions of 2012's bobbleheads soon. I will also have my 2011 bobblehead review in the next few weeks as well.

Don't forget, dodgerbobble.com will be giving away a Duke Snider bobblehead away on Friday courtesy of Bobbles Galore. You can see the contest rules here.

Duke Snider HOF Plaque On Display Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the final bobblehead giveaway at Dodger Stadium for 2011. The Dodgers will be giving away Duke Snider bobbleheads to the first 50,000 fans in attendance. Besides the bobbleheads, the Dodgers will be honoring the Duke and his family in a pregame ceremony. Duke Snider's Hall of Fame plaque will also be on display tomorrow for fans to pose with. 

From Dodgers.com

The Dodgers will celebrate the life and career of the late Hall of Famer Duke Snider tomorrow with pre-game ceremonies honoring the franchise's all-time leading home run hitter and special presentations throughout the game. In addition, fans at the game will receive a Duke Snider bobblehead, presented by State Farm, and will be able to pose for photos with Snider's Hall of Fame plaque, which is making a rare trip to Dodger Stadium from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York for the event.

Snider's wife Bev, four children, Kevin, Kurt, Pam and Dawna, several grandchildren and other family members will all be at the game and will participate in the pre-game ceremonies tomorrow, Tuesday, August 9.

Schedule of Events:
5:10 - 6:30 p.m. - Hall of Fame plaque displayed for fan photo opportunities in Lot G Autograph Alley area

7:00 p.m. - Pregame ceremonies honoring Duke Snider and his family

7:20 p.m. - end of game - Hall of Fame plaque displayed in club level memorabilia concourse as part of special Duke Snider exhibit (for club level seat holders only)

For anyone heading to the game tomorrow, you'll probably need to get there early, especially if you're trying to get a picture with the HOF plaque. Oh yeah, and to get that bobblehead too!

Duke Snider Bobblehead Contest Rules

Alright, we've got another Dodgerbobble.com/Bobbles Galore bobblehead contest. The prize this time will be a Duke Snider bobblehead, the same one the Dodgers are giving away on Tuesday, August 9. Since the Duke is the last bobblehead the Dodgers are giving away in 2011, this might be the last contest we run.

We'll make the rules simple. 

(1) You must be a 'Member' of this blog. What does that mean? Your name must be in my list of 'MEMBERS' in the blog sidebar. If you're already a member, you can win. If you're not a member, click on the 'JOIN THIS SITE' button in the sidebar. 

(2) Answer the question correctly. On Friday, August 12, I'll ask a question here on dodgerbobble.com once the Dodgers/Astros game ends. The first person to answer the question correctly in the comments section of the contest post wins the Duke Snider bobblehead. 

If anyone has a question about the contest, email me at dodgerbobble@yahoo.com. Remember, you must be a 'member' of dodgerbobble.com and you must answer the contest question correctly in order to win.

Contest Announcement

We're just six days away from the final Dodger Stadium bobblehead giveaway of the year, Duke Snider. On Tuesday, August 9, the Dodgers will be giving away Duke Snider bobbleheads away to the first 50,000 fans in attendance.


Dodgerbobble.com and Bobbles Galore want to give one of these bobbleheads away as well. So we're going to hold another bobblehead contest next week. The contest will be held on Friday, August 12 following the Dodgers/Astros game. I'll have more details on the contest in the next day or two.

First Look: Duke Snider Bobblehead

The Dodgers have given us our first look at the final bobblehead of the year, Duke Snider. This is the one I'm most excited about. And it doesn't disappoint. I love the classic look of this bobblehead. I think they got the Duke right. Presented by State Farm ,this bobblehead will be given away to the first 50,000 fans in attendance.

From Dodgers.com:

The Dodgers will celebrate the life of Hall of Famer Duke Snider on Tuesday, August 9 with pregame ceremonies honoring the franchise's all-time leading home run hitter and special presentations throughout the game. In addition, fans at the game will receive a bobblehead featuring the legendary outfielder's likeness and will be able to pose for photos with Snider's Hall of Fame plaque, which is making a rare trip to Dodger Stadium from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York for the event.


Duke Snider's Hall of Fame plaque will be displayed on the field at the bottom of Field level aisle 27, just down the third base line from the Dodger dugout, from 5:10 - 6:30 p.m. for fans to pose for photographs. After the start of the game, the plaque will be displayed in the club level memorabilia concourse as part of a special Duke Snider exhibit.


Fans at the August 9 game will receive Duke Snider bobbleheads, presented by State Farm, which feature him at the plate in a Brooklyn Dodgers uniform.


Snider's wife Bev, four children, Kevin, Kurt, Pam and Dawna, several grandchildren and other family members will all be on hand at the game and will participate in the pre-game ceremonies.
Snider passed away on Feb. 27 at the age of 84. He was born Edwin Donald Snider in Los Angeles, CA on Sept. 19, 1926 and became one of the game's most feared hitters during his 16 seasons with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers (1947-1962), playing on a pair of World Championship teams (1955 and 1959) and in six World Series overall. The eight-time All-Star center fielder ranks as the franchise's all-time leader in home runs (389) and runs batted in (1,271) and during the 1950s, he topped all Major Leaguers with 326 homers and 1,031 RBI. He slugged four home runs in both the 1952 and 1955 World Series.

The Dodgers have worn a memorial patch in Snider's honor at all games this season. Snider's uniform number was retired on July 6, 1980 and is one of just 10 retired numbers in franchise history. His number is displayed over the left field pavilion.