Jamie Mottram's Sports Blog - www.misterirrelevant.com

In an attempt to draw fans out to the yard, opposing teams are running promotions for 48 of the Nationals 81 road games this season. As a point of comparison, the Orioles, who stink, are only doing 27 giveaways and events. Ball Wonk posts the full list of tchotchkes while highlighting the absurd along the way (i.e. the Marlins doling out freebies for all three games of a weekend homestand), so let's get in on the fun by handing out superlatives ...

The three finest pieces of swag being used to sell tickets for Nats games:

· Sat., May 5 -- Michael Barrett autographed baseball -- 500 random winners -- Chicago
· Sat., Jun. 9 -- Joe Mauer Batting Title Bobblehead -- 1st 10,000 Fans -- Minnesota
· Mon., Jun. 25 -- Andruw Jones Signature Bat Night -- First 15,000 fans -- Atlanta

And the three most ridiculous items (possibly in giveaway history):

· Sun., Jun. 17 -- Father's Day John Gibbons Necktie -- First 10,000 fathers -- Toronto
· Sat., Sep. 8 -- 80's Mullet Head Night -- Atlanta
· Sat., Jun. 30 -- Bob Walk Bobblehead -- Pittsburgh

In case you were wondering, that photo right there is none other than the magnificent Bob Walk, who was a decent starter in the '80s and probably never thought he'd have his own bobblehead. Well, he does now. The Nats are to thank for that, and it's certainly going to be a long summer in D.C.

Thanks to Capitol Punishment for the tip.

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• #3 Comment from dcsportsguyEntry Author 
  3/21/07 5:00 PM | Permalink

  kid181818, I knew Walk was a Pirates announcer now, but is so popular in Pittsburgh as to necessitate his own bobblehead for his work in the booth?
• #2 Comment from kid181818 
  3/21/07 4:51 PM | Permalink

  Aww come on Jamie, at least you can mention that Walkie is a Pirate announcer now.
• #1 Comment from lerppu 
  3/21/07 3:16 PM | Permalink

  The Bob Walk and 80's Mullet nights aren't the same thing?