SF Giants: Ranking the five best fan giveaways for the 2024 season
The SF Giants have announced their 2024 season promotional schedule, and there are some good ones on the list. I know plenty of fans plan their schedules around the best giveaways of the season, so I decided to highlight my five favorite events. Here they are, in chronological order
1. New York Giants Throwback Jersey
Sure, the Giants off-season moves this season, with the exception of one Jung Hoo Lee, have been rather lackluster. But the storied franchise goes back a long way, and more than 2500 miles. To celebrate their former home against the Pirates on April 27th, the Giants are offering a throwback jersey to the first 15,000 fans. New York Giants jerseys are hard to come by these days, too.
2. Willie Mays Birmingham Black Barons Bobblehead
The Giants will be playing at the legendary Rickwood Field in Birmingham this summer, to honor Juneteenth and the Negro Leagues. For those who won't be able to make it to such a historical reprise, the team is offering a Willie Mays Birmingham Black Barons Bobblehead on its African American Heritage day (May 31st against the New York Yankees) for the first 20,000 fans.
3. Mickey Mouse Ears Hat
There is nothing like a good joke between friends. But between bitter rivals? Even better. For the last few years, fans around MLB have been calling the Dodgers' 2020 shortened season World Series a "Mickey Mouse" championship. Apparently, the term originated because the 2020 NBA season was played at Disney World, and sports fans across the globe have begun using it to diminish the value of many championships since. On June 30th, against the Dodgers, the first 15,000 fans will receive a Mickey Mouse Ears Hat on Disneyland Day. Coincidence? Maybe...
4. Mt. Core Four Statue: Affeldt, Casilla, Lopez and Romo
Earlier this week, the Giants announced that the "Core Four" or the Giants' four workhorse relievers during their Championship era from 2010-2014, would be inducted to the team's Wall of Fame on July 13th against the Minnesota Twins. To honor this occasion, The Giants will be giving away a Mt. Core Four Statue featuring the quartet to the first 20,000 fans.
5. Jung Hoo Lee Bobblehead
The Giants' most charismatic off-season addition in Jung Hoo Lee has always dreamed of playing in Major League Baseball. Now that his dream has finally come true the team is determined to honor his accomplishment too, with a bobblehead (perhaps his first of many!). On July 28th against the Rockies, the first 20,000 fans will receive one.
Young core players like Camilo Doval and Patrick Bailey will also be making their bobblehead debuts, and the SF Giants aim to celebrate more historical moments throughout the season beyond these with special giveaways.