Francisco Liriano SGA or not Bobblehead

Here's another former Twins pitcher - Francisco Liriano, while he was with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Liriano was traded at the deadline in 2016.  From what I know, the bobbleheads were produced but then destroyed because of the trade.  The giveaway (scheduled shortly after the trade deadline) never happened and its quite possibly one of the more sought after Pirates modern day bobbleheads.  Typically when bobbleheads are "destroyed," a few, some or even many get past the destruction and eventually find their way to the secondary market.  That doesn't seem to be the case with this one.  

 

Johan Santana Bobblehead - Prototype

Here's a prototype of mine, this bobblehead was never mass produced and it's probably only 1 of 2 or 3 in existence.  Featured with the New York Mets and standing on a K-counter its a pretty sweet bobblehead.  If you come across prototypes, many aren't in pristine condition as it was most likely handled by several people, shipped to different departments, etc.  Since Johan was one of the best Twins pitchers, this one is staying in my collection.  But I certainly wish he was wearing a Twins jersey!  

 

PJ Fleck Golden Gophers Bobblehead

With the Big 10 announcement that football is back in October I thought it was fitting to share this PJ Fleck bobblehead.  This is a custom University of Minnesota Golden Gophers bobble.  Its full size, of course rowing the boat.  I like the detail of this one, sharp yellow jacket with maroon tie, complete with headset.  

  

Stump the Schwab Bobblehead

Stump the Schwab was a game show on ESPN in the 2000s.  Stuart Scott hosted it and the Schwab was Howie Schwab, who was ESPN's first statistician.  ESPN made several bobbleheads of their on-air talent.  This has no Minnesota connection (that Im aware of) but it'll go nicely with my other ESPN bobbleheads!  

  

Anthony Carter University of Michigan Bobblehead

 Here's a bobblehead that I had my want list for a while.  I knew of it but also knew it rarely became available.  Most of the older Michigan Wolverine bobbles tend to be like that.  I believe this was sold on campus.  He was a favorite of mine when he played for the Minnesota Vikings (ding ding, there is the MN connection).  It's even autographed on the back (something that won't be seen as I don't display them backwards).  

Neal Broten Golden Gophers Bobblehead

 This had been towards the top of my want list for some time.  I always have said the hunt is whats addicting.  The more you hunt, the more you find (crazy, right)!  Having 2 little girls means I'm hunting less and less but try to find new avenues of how to hunt.  And then sometimes they just come to you.  I was able to buy this one from a fellow collector and a very reasonable price.  

As is typical, the more you hunt, the more you strike out too.  But at this point, striking out is irrelevent.  But completely worth it when you find something you've wanted for a while!  From pictures, I knew this one was pretty detailed, but seriously, the detail is amazing!!  

Troy Bell Bobblehead

 In this day and age, typically its not too hard to find a bobblehead that was just given away.  It might be more expensive than one would hope, but they are typically out there.  That was definitely not the case with this one.  The Boston College Eagles gave this out earlier this year.  I've been searching for it since, and finally, with a little luck, I found it.  Fits right into my "Minnesota" theme as he was a stand out high school basketball player at Holy Angels in Richfield.  I'm fortunate to add this one to the collection!