2018 Twins Bobbleheads

I've been informed that the Twins will be doing at least 3 bobbleheads during the 2018 season, 1 of which will be a Star Wars themed bobble. 

I can only assume that there will be 6 total, just like the past few years.  Star Wars Theme Night.  4 Giveaways and then lastly the Sweet Spot Season Ticket Holder bobblehead.  They've done 4 giveaway bobbles the past few seasons and I think that trend continues in 2018.  The question is WHO they will be. 

My hunch, Sano or Buxton (I'll put my money on Buxton) is the Star Wars bobble.  The 4 giveaways are truly up in the air.  I'm guessing they will do a bobblehead of whichever player is inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame (as thats been standard lately).  Torii Hunter was 2 years ago, Michael Cuddyer was this past season, how about Justin Morneau in 2018?  Buxton or Sano will get a bobblehead, Berrios should get one as well.  Which leaves 1 more bobble and my hope is its a throwback to a former member of the club, Frank Viola, celebrating the 20th anniversary of his best season with the Twins. 

Taking a little break

I'm going to take a little break now that the season is over.  I'll be posting new additions and upcoming bobbleheads like usual, but for now, I'm focusing on my life away from bobbleheads.  Happy hunting!! 

New Addition - Lucette

One of my latest additions, thanks to my buddy Zane, is Lucette.  Lucette is Paul Bunyan's main squeeze.  A 17 foot fiberglass version of her is proudly displayed in the town of Hackensack, MN.  I believe bobbleheads of Paul, Lucette and Babe were promoted several years ago during a town celebration.  I've known about this one for years and am happy to say a well conditioned one is now in my collection!  

New Addition - PJ Fleck Gopher Bobblehead

PJ Fleck...in Gopher Maroon & Gold?  Yes please!  It's a mini version, but incredibly awesome.  Ski-U-Mah, Row the Boat, Minnesota Gophers, all the tag lines and again an Elite bobblehead!

New Addition - Coach PJ Fleck Bobblehead

Gopher football coach, PJ Fleck, has a couple bobbleheads.  Below is a full size, extremely hard to find bobble that was givenaway when he was at Western Michigan, of course its a "Row the Boat" bobblehead!  The size and weight of this bobble is amazing and the detail shouldn't be questioned either.  Such an Elite bobblehead!

Gopher Alumni Eric Decker Bobblehead

A few years ago the St. Cloud Rox (of the Northwoods League) gave away an Eric Decker bobblehead, of course Decker was "decked" out (see what I did there?) in Gopher colors.  Wanted to blog about this one since its football season and the Gophers are 2-0.  I'll have another Gopher related bobblehead up next!

New Addition - Clark the Lark

The Bismarck Larks, the Northwoods League's newest team gave away a couple different semi-mini bobbleheads of their mascot, Clark.  Below are the 2 variations.  Mascot collectors will enjoy this one and since I collect Northwoods bobbles, this fit into my collection as well!

It's been a month!!

To my loyal readers...all 3 of you, I apologize.  I haven't blogged in a month.  There is good reason for that and I'll share that below.  First off tho, hopefully you'll start checking this out more and more often as I plan on getting back into my blogging routine.  There is a reason I can do that, my life has settled down a little bit.

This summer my wife and I decided to put our house up for sale and look for something that would be a better fit for our family.  That meant a couple things.  Obviously, tons of work, but more notable to you, the bobbles took a back seat.  Not only that, they were basically put in the dark.  Packing up tons of bobbles took tons of totes and boxes, but more importantly, lots of bubble wrap and newspaper.  I don't have them all unpacked yet, but so far, not a single one has been damaged. I'm ecstatic about that!

I was able to add several new bobbles to the collection but they pretty much went into a tote the moment I got them.  So you can look for pictures of new additions I have soon!

Michael Cuddyer Bobblehead Day

Last night was Carew bobblehead day and today is Michael Cuddyer bobblehead day at Target Field. Cuddyer is depicted saluting the fans at Target Field, also a fan favorite and the most recent inductee into the Twins Hall of Fame, this is a great looking bobblehead.  Success Promotions has had an excellent run with their Twins bobbles this year (no surprise to me).  

Rod Carew Bobblehead Day

Tonight is Rod Carew bobblehead day at Target Field.  It's the beginning of a very busy and fun giveaway/promo weekend for the Twins.  Carew is a fan favorite and the bobblehead (produced by Success Promotions) is one of the best yet!  The powder blue jersey, the iconic batting stance and the silver bat - one word...superior!

New Addition - TC Bear 2010 Edition

Here's one of my latest new additions.  TC Bear.  This is a Target Field exclusive.  It was sold at the Majestic team store during during the inaugural season of Target Field in 2010.  Definitely the hardest TC Bear bobblehead to find.  The team usually has a variety of Twins bobbles available for purchase and in 2010 they did a set of 3 of them.  Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer also had bobbles that year.  Their bases are all the same too which is why I wanted the set, plus the rarity adds to it!

Sneak Peek - Al Newman & Augie Rodriguez Bobblehead

First off, I'm sorry for the terrible picture, its the best one I currently have, but will try to find a better one and update this post.  The St. Cloud Rox are giving this dual bobblehead of Al Newman and Augie Rodriguez away on August 10th.  Twins fans will be intrigued by Newman!  Dual collectors will want it as well.  It's a cool bobblehead!

TC Bear Bobblehead Day

It's hear!  TC Bear Bobblehead day at Target Field.  Today the Twins will giveaway 10,000 bobbleheads of their beloved mascot, TC Bear.  This is sure to be a popular giveaway with all fans because everyone loves the bear!  As I mentioned previously, Success Promotions did the bobble and its awesome!

Jack Morris Bobblehead - St Paul Saints

The 4th bobblehead from the Saints this season is none other than Jack Morris.  Local legend and St Paul's own gets his Saints bobblehead tonight at CHS Field.

Byron Buxton Sweet Spot Bobblehead

I can finally announce that Byron Buxton is the Twins Sweet Spot bobblehead this year.  The rarest of "giveaway" bobbles, the Sweet Spot bobblehead is only given to select season ticket holders who rank this benefit high enough on their wishlist.  Success Promotions produced it and it references Buxton's opening day diving catch.  Super awesome bobble that will be hard to come by!

Newest Addition - Glen Perkins

Here's my newest addition, thanks to my super awesome boss and a good friend of hers.  Not exactly sure what I owe them, but it'll probably be a lot!  Im unsure of the production numbers on this one, all I know is that its super super rare.  Glen Perkins, in bobblehead form, as a "toothbrush holder!"

JD Drew Bobblehead - St Paul Saints

Continuing their celebration of 25 years, the Saint Paul Saints are giving this JD Drew bobblehead away today!  This is the 3rd in a set of 5 the Saints are doing!

Sneak Peek - Rod Carew Bobblehead

On August 18th, the Twins are giving away a Rod Carew bobblehead.  This might be one of the most popular bobbleheads the Twins have done in recent years.  Carew is a fan favorite and everyone loves bobbles in powder blue jerseys.  This bobble features Carew's iconic batting stance and a silver bat, and of course since he's in a batting stance, part of the base is home plate!  Success Promotions did this one and its probably one of my favorite bobbles and that says a lot because I'm a fan of most everything they do!

Sneak Peek - Michael Cuddyer HOF Bobblehead

The Twins are giving away a Michael Cuddyer HOF bobblehead on August 19th.  Similar to Torii Hunter's HOF bobblehead from last year, it has Cuddyer's autograph on the base!  Cuddyer is a pretty popular player around the Twin Cities!  Another awesome bobble by Success Promotions.

Sneak Peek - TC Bear Bobblehead

The Twins are giving away a TC Bear mascot bobblehead on August 6th!  It's a great looking bobblehead, which shouldn't be surprising since Success Promotions is producing it!  First 10,000 fans get one and I'm sure the kids will love it!  Check out the picture below!

Slowing Down

Most readers have probably noticed me slowing down a little bit.  I suppose thats what happens when there is a 1 year crawling and trying to walk around.  I still plan on blogging plenty, but I definitely don't have as much time as I once did.  I'll still get you sneak peeks and updates on my collection and other bobblehead giveaways, they just might not happen as often as they once did.

David Ortiz Bobblehead - Fort Myers Miracle

Here's the latest bobblehead from the Fort Myers Miracle - David Ortiz.  Its a solid bobble and definitely one several fans will want - both Twins fans, Red Sox fans and Big Papi fans around the world.

New Addition - Bill Murray & Kevin Millar Dual

My latest addition to the collection is the dual given out by the St. Paul Saints featuring the iconic picture of Bill Murray and Kevin Millar.  Millar came back to play 1 more game for the Saints this past Saturday as well.  In his one at-bat, he hit a moonshot!  Pretty freaking cool for him, the team and the fans.  It was certainly a popular bobblehead too.  Plenty of people and I believe it was a sellout (or close to one).  The bobbles went pretty quick and its always a joy to be at CHS Field.

New Addition - Brian Dozier Star Wars Bobblehead

The Twins held Star Wars night on Wednesday and for those of us that had the special ticket to receive the bobblehead, this is the bobblehead that was given away.  Brian Dozier Stormtrooper.  The chest plate and the mask both are removable (via magnets).  Success Promotions did another amazing job at the detail and sculpting of this one.  The box is awesome as well.  Its an incredible bobblehead!  

Sneak Peek - Saints Dual Bobblehead

The Saints are giving away 2000 Bill Murray/Kevin Millar bobbleheads this coming Saturday!  It's super sweet and is the best one they are doing this season (will be the most popular too).  Can't wait for Saturday!

Munchkin in Bobblehead Form

Today was my first ever Father's Day.  I had plenty of time to reflect and think about what the last 11 months have been like for me.  Other than simply amazing and incredibly busy they have been 11 of the most rewarding months of my life.  My daughter, Anneliese, was born on July 7th 2016.  After a week in the NICU we were able to go home and start life with a baby.  Jess and I were prepared (at least as much as we could be) but its still so much more than I can explain.  The feelings, the nerves, the joy...all of it is so much more.  Father's Day was quite similar.  Jess and Anneliese made it even more special when they surprised me with a bobblehead of Anneliese.  This is the third one Jess has done for me.  And as of now, it completes our family.  The first one was my wedding gift from Jess. Then came our dog in bobblehead form as a Christmas present.  And now for my first Father's Day is Anneliese in bobblehead form.

I couldn't be happier.  

Sneak Peek - Mike Trout (Kernels)

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are giving away a Mike Trout bobblehead this Saturday, the 17th of June! I know, I know, Trout has nothing to do with the Twins or Minnesota.  However, the Kernels certainly do!  Obviously they are an affiliate of the Twins and a great one since its not a bad drive from the Twin Cities to Cedar Rapids!  The Kernels used to be an Angels affiliate and Trout is one of the most popular players that played for them.  Plenty of minor league teams do giveaways of guys that have no affiliation with their current major league affiliate.  I'm doing the same thing if I'm the Kernels. What's even better about this bobblehead, Success Promotions created/produced it!    Click here to order tickets!!  As you all know, I'm a big fan of theirs!  Without further ado, here it is!

Mayor Ardell Brede Bobblehead

Remember in just a few days (June 14th) the Rochester Honkers are giving away this bobblehad of Mayor Brede!!

Packing and Shipping bobbleheads

I've had several people ask me about packing and shipping bobbleheads.  Im sure there are videos on youtube from other people that know what they are doing.  To put it into words isn't that difficult tho.

Every box I get (that I assume has a bobblehead(s) in it) I shake.  Not to the point where it looks like I'm crazy, but a nice gentle shake and that tells me (99% of the time) if my bobblehead made the journey in good shape.  What do you hear, you ask?  If I hear something, I'm hesitant and my expectations immediately go down the toilet.  I shouldn't hear anything!

So, same for shipping a bobblehead (yes this is reverse order).  Once its in the shipping box (and I stress box as bobbleheads should always be shipped inside a box), give it a gentle shake.  There should be no sound and no movement.

First things first, wrap the neck.  I use a thin strip of bubblewrap and then also typically wrap 1 piece of kleenex around the neck.  Get more bubblewrap and wrap the entire bobblehead with it.  I like the small bubble pieces for this part.  Tape the middle and both ends because it is a freaking package - treat it as such.  If you have it, take a strip of bubble wrap (with the bigger bubbles) and wrap around the bobble.  Tape the middle and ends.  That should give the bobblehead enough padding around all sides (and remember, 6 sides to a bobble, all 4 sides and the top and bottom).

After this, find a box (I use regional rate boxes that are free from usps.com), pack nicely in the box and put enough other packing material inside the box so the bobblehead doesn't have any room to move.  This can be anything, but I usually use newspaper as I like to save the bubble wrap for bobbles themselves.  However, if using your own box...(and not a regional rate box) use something lighter (packing peanuts, air pouches or bubblewrap) as the weight of the box will matter.  Tape the box tightly and securely.  And remember - shake at the end.  No sounds = ready to ship!

Sneak Peek - Ila Borders

Here's the Ila Borders bobblehead the Saints are giving away tonight!

Sneak Peek - Jackie Mitchell Bobblehead

The Lookouts have done it again!  Another awesome bobblehead, this year, they are giving away a Jackie Mitchell bobblehead this Saturday!  Get your tickets here!  To learn more about Jackie Mitchell, click her name.  AGP produced this bobble and as you know, I'm a fan of theirs, so I'm sure the bobble will be nice and solid!

New Addition - Rocky

Here's another recent addition.  Rocky from the New Britain Rock Cats, former Twins affiliate.  If you have read my blog for a while, you'll know that a lot of minor league teams did 2 versions of the same bobblehead.  The first is the giveaway version (which this is) and the second is the retail version. Typically the only difference is the addition of a sponsor plaque.  I've had the retail version of this one for a while, but recently was able to add the SGA version to the collection!

New Addition - Rocket Raccoon

One of the newest of new additions to my collection.  I've blogged about this one a couple times. The Twins (along with a handful of other MLB teams) gave away Rocket Raccoon bobbleheads last Saturday.  The new Guardians of the Galaxy movie dropped last weekend and the Twins (and Marvel) celebrated that with this Guardians of the Galaxy themed bobble.  It does have a nice sturdy base but wouldn't be surprised if we hear about some breakage with his tiny little ankles.

New Addition - Cooper from USF

Another new addition of mine is Cooper the Cougar, mascot of the University of Sioux Falls.  I really don't know much about it, but since it's a mascot and local, it's staying in my collection!  

Sneak Peek - Ron Shelton Bobblehead

Here's another one from the Rochester Red Wings, Ron Shelton.  Shelton played for the Red Wings back in the late 60s.  Of course he's famous for being a movie director and writer - most notably, Bull Durham & Tin Cup.  They did a pretty cool bobble - the baseball player on one side and the movie producer on the other.  I love the creativity that minor league clubs like the Red Wings come up with.  Get your tickets here!

Sneak Peek - Byron Buxton Bobblehead

Here's a sneak peek at the Buxton bobblehead that the Rochester Red Wings are giving away on September 3rd this season!  I'm sure this will be a popular bobble as Buxton is still a favorite in Twins land.  Click here to buy tickets!!

New Addition - Crash Bobblehead

Been a little busy lately (a 9 month old does that) so I haven't had a chance to share some of my recent additions.  Here's Crash, the mascot from the Iowa Wild.  I've been waiting for them to do one for a few seasons.  I had a tease about a year ago that it was most likely going to happen during the 2016-17 season.  It's a great looking bobble!

Bud Grant Bobblehead

After years of discussion and negotiation, Bud Grant will have a bobblehead.  This is the second Bud Grant bobble, but this is the first one that will be produced for the retail market.  Check out this link for more information on the first one!  Grant will sell this bobblehead at his annual garage sale in a couple weeks.  The detail is quite remarkable and Im sure it'll be a fan favorite!  Obviously it has Vikings purple and gold, along with his dog Boom.

Sneak Peek - Brian Dozier Star Wars Bobblehead

The Twins released a picture of the Dozier Storm Trooper bobblehead today.  It's pretty sweet. Removable mask as well as chest plate.  Can't wait to add this one to the collection!  Here's the previous post!  You can see the name on the base has changed a little bit.  I wonder if the back of the base will say something!  We'll know in a little over a month!

Hub Meeds Bobblehead

Former Vikings mascot, Hub Meeds, is one of the most recent Minnesota related bobbleheads to be produced.  Only 350 have been made and several will be autographed at an upcoming signing (this weekend I believe).  It's a great bobblehead, with awesome detail.  Minnesota Fan Store & Triple Crown Shows did a great job on this one!

Rocket Raccoon Twins Bobblehead

Remember the first Twins giveaway bobblehead is in a couple weeks.  Rocket Raccoon in Twins colors will make his appearance on May 6th.  10,000 of these will be handed out to fans who walk through the Target Field gates that day.  See my previous blog post here!

Coming Soon: Mayor Ardell Brede Bobblehead

The Rochester Honkers are giving away 500 Ardell Brede bobbleheads on June 14th.  Brede is the mayor of Rochester (and has been since 2003).  As a well respected community member and political figure, the Honkers decided this was the year that Brede would be depicted in bobblehead form.  I'm sure it'll be a popular giveaway!  Check out the picture below!

Coming Soon: Ila Borders Bobblehead

The Duluth Huskies recently announced a bobblehead giveaway during their upcoming season.  On July 26th the Huskies will give away an Ila Borders bobblehead.  This actually is the 2nd Borders bobblehead giveaway of Borders this summer as the Saint Paul Saints are doing one on May 27th! As a collector my hope is they are different bobbles.  I haven't seen a picture of the Saints one yet.  She played parts of 3 seasons with Duluth (known then as a the Dukes) before moving to the WBL and then retiring in 2000.

New Goldy Bobblehead

The fine people at the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame are producing the newest Goldy Gopher Bobblehead!  I can't wait to add this one to my collection.  Most readers know I'm not a huge fan of Forever Collectible bobbles (I just like other looks better) but this will be an FC bobblehead.  They'll ship later this summer and of course Goldy is in a boat.  Ever since PJ Fleck was announced as the Gopher football coach, RTB (Row the Boat) has been everywhere.  It's always, Row the Boat, Ski-U-Mah.  And I love it.

New Addition - Coco & Kelly Miller Dual Bobblehead

Here's another new addition that has Minnesota roots.  Coco & Kelly Miller from the University of Georgia.  This was a recent giveaway of the former Rochester Mayo standout Twins.  Pretty sweet bobble, and as you may have guessed - produced by Success Promotions.  

New Addition - Nino Niederreiter

Here's another new addition of mine!  Nino Niederreiter from the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL.  This is a mini bobble, but a damn nice one.  And from what I know, Nino's only SGA bobblehead.  Usually when it comes to these minor league bobbles, they are hard to find because of the limited release (guessing this one was limited to 500).  

New Addition - Sysco Minnesota

Here's another recent addition thanks to my buddy Chris.  Sysco Minnesota Chef.  He found it at a thrift store and since it says Minnesota on the base, it was perfect for my collection.  I don't know anything about about it, but happy its mine!  

Notable 2017 Bobblehead Giveaways

I've updated the right sidebar to include more 2017 notable giveaways around Minnesota and from Minnesota affiliates.  Please check that out and send questions if you have any!  I'm happy to help you out!

Team USA Bobbles - Seimone Augustus & Sylvia Fowles

Yesterday I blogged about the Seimone Augustus bobblehead I recently added to my collection.  It's "twin" is a Sylvia Fowles bobble that LSU also gave away recently.  These are super cool bobbles, of course done by my favorite - Success Promotions.  The detail is great, the red jerseys pop as do the gold medals!

Now, time to get on the Lynx to do a Quad set of Seimone Augustus, Lindsay Whalen, Maya Moore and Sylvia Fowles.  Would be cool if they did Team USA jerseys on the front (with gold medals) and their Lynx jerseys on the back.  Fans would absolutely love that type of bobblehead!

New Addition - Seimone Augustus Team USA

One of my newest additions is Seimone Augustus sporting her Team USA jersey (as well as Olympic Gold Medals) that her alma mater, LSU gave out recently.  This was super hard to track down, but due to some extremely good fortune, I was able to add it to my collection.  Freaking awesome!

Brian Dozier Star Wars Bobblehead

Quick blog post tonight.  Here's a sneak peek of the Dozier bobble the Twins are doing for Star Wars night!

Saints Bobbleheads - 2017

The Saint Paul Saints will be doing 5 bobblehead giveaways this season, celebrating their 25th season!  The only one announced so far is a dual bobble of Bill Murray and Kevin Millar from the first season in 1993.  The bobble is from a specific picture that is pretty popular.  See below.  It'll be a very cool bobblehead!  I'll update the blog with more info as I get it!

New Addition - Guy - Mortenson Construction

This is "Guy Savingston" a Mortenson Construction bobblehead that was given to employees when signing up for their 401(k) plan.  These are the bobbles I love, random finds that have everything to do with Minnesota, like Mortenson does!  

New Addition - Earl (St. Cloud River Bats)

Another new addition of mine is the St Cloud River Bats mascot, Earl!  Earl has several different bobbleheads.  The River Bats were a part of the Northwoods League and are now called the St Cloud Rox.  This happens to be a retail version (there was an SGA version that looked very similar instead of "Earl" on the base it included the sponsors logo).  This is the black jersey version and there is also a white jersey variation (both with Earl on the base as well as an SGA version).  

New Addition - Doug Mientkiewicz

Here's another new add of mine, a very tiny Doug Mientkiewicz bobblehead.  This one comes from the New Britain Rock Cats several years ago.  This is the SGA version and they also did a retail version (same thing except no plaque on the base).  It's probably the smallest bobblehead I own!