Fans have been known to line up hours before the first pitch of a game just to make sure they collect that prized giveaway.
While bobble-head dolls are always a big draw, the New York Mets has a very unique giveaway this season…
At the game against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on May 29, the Mets are honouring former manager Bobby Valentine and his famous ejection protest.
After being ejected on June 9, 1999 in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Valentine called for a pitchout to keep Shannon Stewart from stealing second base. Pat Mahomes (the father of Chiefs QB Patrick) threw a pitchout to Mike Piazza who then threw the ball to second base. But umpire Randy Marsch ruled that Piazza stepped out too far in front of home plate.
True to form Valentine came running out of the dug out to argue the call and got himself ejected.
With some encouragement from third baseman Robin Ventura and pitcher Orel Hershiser, Valentine donned a “disguise” and returned to the dugout wearing dark glasses (it was a night game) and a mustache made out of eye-black stickers.
On May 29, the first 15,000 fans in to Citi Field will receive a replica of Bobby Valentine’s ejection “disguise” – 27 years after the event.