It's Opening Day! The return of our national pastime and with that the return of awesome free ballpark giveaways.
Yes, there will be plenty of rally towels, t-shirts being shot out of a cannon and potentially your All Atar as a bobble head. There are a wide range of cool and quirky fan appreciation giveaways on teams promotional line ups this year.
MLB Teams have been giving out promotional items since the 1960s to lure fans to games, and it's a strategy that's still effective more than 50 years later.
Free stuff is a powerful motivator to get fans to the ball park. "People like something for nothing." James K. Thorton, Vice President of the New York Mets in 1968 told the New York Times.
Here is a look at our 10 favorite MLB promos over the last couple years!
1. Los Angeles Angels : Surfing Rally Monkey
Angels fans will be getting quiet the treat with this product. The teams Rally Monkey mascot gets a new look as he gets ready to hit the beach. Perfect item for kids of all ages! What a great way to create life long fans with such a simple gift. By far one of the coolest giveaways we have ever seen at a ball park.
2. San Francisco Giants: Plaid Fedora Hat
This fathers day weekend in the Bay city will be something to look forward too for Giants fans. Take dad to the ball park fathers day weekend and receive this outstanding promo fedora.
3. St. Louis Cardinals: Pet Food Bowl Mat
Bring your dog to the ball park night is one of the quirkiest nights of the year. The St. Louis Cardinals send every dog home with a small little gift for coming out to the ball park with this pet food bowl mat.
4. Texas Rangers: Picnic Blanket
Who doesn't love a picnic blanket! Great family item, versatile for your little leagues games, camping in the back yard, or the those cold september nights under the lights.
5. Seattle Mariners: Beard Hat
Who wouldn't go straight to Seattle to receive this awesome free giveaway. The beard hat has become a staple within the Mariners promo calendar. Be sure to get to the ball park early because they won't last long.
6. Florida Marlins : Mascot Savings Bank
How good must it be to be a kid again. What a great idea for a fan giveaway. This Mascot Savings Bank is made of poly-resin (same material as bobble heads) and is the perfect way to thank young fans fro coming out to the ballpark.
7. New York Mets: Das Boot Beer Glass
And how great must it be to be a Mets fan... ehh maybe not so much! Highlight your calendars for Das Boot giveaway night at Citi Field.
8. Pittsburgh Pirates: Announcer Bottle Stopper
Cant leave out anyone in the organization when creating an awesome fan appreciation giveaway. The Pirates organization found a fun way to thank their game day commentators with a set of announcer bobble heads.
9. Washington Nationals: Lunch Tote
The Lunch Tote is great for families but especially for mothers. Celebrate Mothers Day at the ballpark. The Washington Nationals Neoprene lunch cooler tote is one of the most well received fan appreciation giveaways of the season.
10. Chicago White: Knit Beanies
The Chicago White Sox did it right with when they created this knit beanie. Perfect gift for all ages and great for those cold nights in the windy city!
So, there you have it! Our round-out of some of the coolest and most well received ball park giveaways. Go out to the ballpark this season and let us know what awesome giveaways you receive.
