With exactly three weeks until Opening Day and the Orioles offense on a roll down in Sarasota, fans have even more to look forward to in 2014 with today’s release of the team’s promotional schedule. Filled with giveaways and various season-long promotions, the Orioles are the last of the 30 Major League clubs to release their promotional rundown, long awaited by the Baltimore fan base.
Collectors and casual fans alike take note: there are 24 giveaways in 2014.
- Three bobbleheads.
- Six hats.
- Eight t-shirts.
- Three kids-only items.
You name it, the Orioles will be giving it away at the Yard this summer.
With only the Fans’ Choice Bobblehead of Chris Davis given away last year, the Orioles have upped the ante, adding Manny Machado (June 7) and Adam Jones (September 1) to the mix while keeping the Fans’ Choice Bobblehead for the third straight year (J.J. Hardy got the nod in 2012, definite pun intended).
As 2014 rolls around and the Birds celebrate the 60th anniversary of the club’s move to Baltimore, the team will honor this commemoration in Birdland on August 8 and 9 against the St. Louis Cardinals. That Friday, be prepared for a “60th Anniversary-themed fireworks and laser show, which will feature the return of many former Orioles greats.” The following day, the first 20,000 fans age 15 and over will receive a Wild Bill cowboy hat, honoring the great “Wild Bill” Hagy.
Beyond those two events, there will be a 1954 Orioles cap on September 20 as well as a 3/4 sleeve 60th Anniversary shirt on August 1.
Along with those hats, the O’s are dedicated to keeping your head shaded this summer. On top of a Mother’s Daycap and a Father’s Day fedora, the O’s will give away their annual floppy hat on June 27 and a knit cap on September 20.
Disappointed you missed out on the Davis power tee in 2013, only to see them selling for triple digits on eBay the next day? Have no fear. Camden Yards will present fans with at least one shirt giveaway each month. June 28 will fill the Crush void in your life, as a Davis performance t-shirt will land in your arms should you attend that Saturday night’s game against the Rays. Six of the designs, one per month, will be announced as the season rolls along.
The gems of the newly announced promotional schedule may very well be the kid-exclusive giveaways. Starting with an Oriole Bird plush pillow on June 14, the agenda also includes a Davis action figure on August 2 followed by a kids jersey on August 31.
Don’t worry, the adults will be showered with some miscellaneous goodies as well. Along with the yearly schedule and car magnet for all fans at Opening Day, limited amounts of ripcord bracelets (May 25), sunglasses (June 6), and tote bags (July 30) will find their way into your hands this summer.
Not much into physical goods? On top of the major post game showing on August 8, there will be five other fireworks shows this year at Birdland, one each month on select Friday nights (April 25, May 23, June 13, July 3, Sept. 19).
You can’t sleep on the ticket deals as well. Ollie’s Bargain night returns, where all upper reserve seats for every Tuesday home game go for just ten bucks. Student night is back, too, with seven dollar tickets for all students able to present a valid ID.
No, there are no signs of any Nelson Cruz or “Ubaldomore” favors yet, but those six t-shirts are sure to pack a creative punch and are sure to highlight the greatest features at Oriole Park in 2014.
Nice! Hope one of the BSR bloggers is reading. Gotta get that fedora on Father’s Day!