Inspired by the Mariners’ awesome JJ Putz soul patch giveaway this weekend, I decided to take a look at what all teams are doing in terms of promotions and giveaways this year. Here are some of the best and worst ideas…

The good ideas

• A couple teams, including the Rockies and Astros are having a canvas grocery tote bag giveaway, which I think is a really neat idea. I just found out that if everyone started using reusable grocery bags, 14 million trees would be saved every year. Might as well have one with your favorite team logo on it…

• The A’s are certainly trying to appeal to the college crowd with several Pyro Nights (what is this?) and something called “Beerfest.” They also have some cool promotions this year, including an A’s pet calendar and a 40th Anniversary DVD.

• Getting a DVD as a giveaway is a really nice item that has value other than collecting dust on a shelf and I think the Tigers giving away a DVD of Justin Verlander throwing a no-hitter last year is a prime example of doing that right. Who wouldn’t want to have that?


• The Indians are giving away a Grady Sizemore fleece blanket. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to cuddle up with Grady Sizemore?

• The Giants and Diamondbacks are doing promotions that I’ve always thought were really cool and would certainly take part in, if they were done in Seattle: sleepovers! Wouldn’t it be great to sleep in the outfield at Safeco Field?

• The Padres are doing something cool in August, when they have a day game against the Diamondbacks. After the game, fans can stick around and see a Cal League game between the Lake Elsinore Storm and the Inland Empire 66ers. Take a hint, Mariners...


• Last week, the Rockies gave away 2007 League Champion collectible, wearable rings. This already happened, but that's an awesome idea. My friend showed me a similar item he got at a Sonics game one time and I thought it was one of the best giveaway ideas I'd ever seen.

Now, for the bad ideas…
• The Angels are giving away a chest protector backpack. Confused? Think about how six-year-olds must feel!

• The Giants are giving away Crazy Crab Bobbleheads. I’m not a huge fan of bobbleheads to begin with, but especially not of ones for old, hated mascots.

• A few teams are having Chick-fil-A plush cow nights. The giveaways are little cow stuffed animals that have an apron showing support for (insert team here) and reminding kids to eat chicken. A cow telling you to eat chicken, get it? Yeah, it’s lame and it’s definitely not something I would want…well, ever, but especially not at the ballpark.

• The Cubs are giving away Cub-themed doll clothes that fit American Girl dolls. I can understand trying to get more young girls interested in the game, but is that really the best way to do it?


• The Phillies are giving away a Paint-the-Phanatic figurine. Just what every kid wants when they come to the ballpark — an art project. What’s next…sew your own shirt night?


• The Rays are having a ’90s night, which makes me feel old. But, at least they’re doing it right by having a postgame concert featuring MC Hammer!

• Worst of all, though, is the White Sox and their Mullet Night. Puh-lease. Mulllets being funny? So five years ago…