1991 - Special Dates

This will be the first in a series of great stuff from my 1991 Reds Official Yearbook/Program. My mom bought me this at a game in early 1991. I had to have it since the Reds' World Championship trophy was pictured on the front. I figured I would want to have this later in life. My young self was so right too.

Tonight, we will delve into one of our favorite topics - FREEBIES! Here's the list of giveaways (aka Special Dates) for the 1991 Season. There's some great stuff in here...

Gatorade Replica World Series Ring Night
Sat., May 18 vs Padres
A free replica World Series Ring to the first 15,000 fans in attendance, 18 years and over

MCI Sportsbag Day
Sat., May 19 vs. Padres
A free nylon athletic bag will be given to the first 12,500 fan in attendance, 18 years and over

SportsChannel Cap Day
Sat., June 8 vs. Phillies.
A free Reds cap to the first 25,000 fans in attendance

Cap'n Crunch Watch Day
Sun., June 9 vs. Phillies
A free Cap'n Crunch/Reds digital watch to the first 15,000 fans in attendance, 14 years and under

Kroger Grocery Night
Fri., June 21 vs. Expos
Thousands of dollars in free groceries will be given away

Upper Deck Heroes of Baseball
Sun., Jun 23 vs. Expos
Form Reds stars take on the Upper Deck Heroes of Baseball prior to the Reds=Expos game. Also, a free limited Upper Deck Commemorative Baseball Card Sheet will be given to the first 15,000 fans in attendance, 14 years and under

Nationwide Insurance Commemorative Poster Night
Fri., June 28 vs. Astros
A free poster commemorating 1991 Reds Opening Day to the first 40,000 fans in attendance.

Smokey the Bear Youth Wallet Day
Sat., Jun 29 vs. Pirates
A free Smokey the Bear/Reds wallet to the first 12,500 fans in attendance, 14 years and under

All American Raisin Replica Batting Helmet Day
Sun., June 30 vs. Astros
A free Reds Replica Batting Helmet to the first 12,500 fans in attendance, 14 years and under

Marathon Fireworks Night
Fri., July 12 vs. Pirates
A spectacular fireworks display following the Reds-Pirates game

Cracker Jack Sports Bottle Night
Sat., July 13 vs. Pirates
A free Reds/Cracker Jack Sports Bottle to the first 25,000 fans in attendance

Donruss Baseball Card Album/Starter Set
Sun., July 14 vs. Pirates
A free collector's baseball card holder with a starter set of Reds Baseball Cards from Donruss to the first 15,000 fans in attendance, 16 years and under

Coca-Cola Pin Night
Fri., Aug 2 vs. Giants
A free Reds/Coke lapel pin to the first 20,000 fans in attendance

Farmer's Night
Sat., Aug 3 vs. Giants
Special pre-game fun and big prizes for fans

Kahn's Baseball Card Day
Sun., Aug 4 vs. Giants
A free set of limited edition 1991 Reds baseball cards will be given to all fans in attendance

Superpretzel Team Picture Day
Sat., Aug. 31 vs Mets
All fans in attendance will receive a 1991 team picture

Oreo Thermos Day
Sun., Sept. 1 vs. Mets
A free Reds/Oreo back-to-school thermos to the first 15,000 fans, 14 years and under

Fan Appreciation Day
Sun., Sept 29 vs. Padres
Thousands of dollars worth of prizes for fans

It's okay, you were distracted

I know, I was too. It's Mega-Junior-Mania today. It's okay.

But you did miss this - the Reds gave us a peek of the new Bronson Arroyo-designed t-shirt to be given away at the game on Saturday, August 9th. The Redlegs take on the Astronomicals that evening.

As you can see by the photo on the left, the tee is Arroyo-tastic. You'll be singing "Together Agaaaaaain!!!!" every time you put it on, I swear.

Here's what the Big Red Promotional Machine has to say about this fine piece of attire:

Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo's musical talents are well known, but now the right-hander has put his art skills to work on a giveaway for the fans! On Saturday, Aug. 9, the first 20,000 fans in attendance will receive a Reds T-shirt designed by Arroyo, thanks to CBS Personnel. The shirt features a stylish print with Arroyo's No. 61, a white wishbone C and a nod to Bronson's music career with a guitar.

Fan. Tastic.

I think we've had enough fashion this year from the Reds between the Junior Camo jersey, 80's Dunn and the Cowboy's beret.

In better news, you can cleanse your pallet after the Dunn bobble with the Tom Browning "Mr. Perfect" Bobblehead! Here's a look at that one too. Looks nice. Chiquita is a new sponsor of the bobbleheads... looks kinda funny to see their logo on one of these. You can pick one of the 30,000 up on Tuesday, September 16 - the 20th anniversary of Browning's perfect game. Very nice.

Griffey tributes & giveaways

It's always fun when historic stuff happens... not only do you get to witness (or at least watch on TV) history, but you also get SWAG! You know what we are all about here at OMGreds... SWAG. So, here are the deets about freebies associated with Griffey's 600th, contrary to what Cincinnati.Com posted earlier today. Contrary to that report (which is now updated) there will be no Junior freebie tonight.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Everyone in attendace will recieve a 5x7 art card depicting the swing on the histroic 600th home run.

Junior will be honored personally at the game beginning approximately at 6:45 pm.

The Reds host the Dodgers that evening.

We'll be there! Sounds good. Also, don't miss out tonight on the Joe Nuxhall Bronze Statue replica. Free to the first 30,000.

First Look: Dunn '80s Bobblehead

Well, Adam Dunn will now officially take over for Bronson Arroyo as the butt of all clubhouse jokes.

The Reds have posted a preview image of the bobblehead being given away on "1980s-themed Adam Dunn Bobblehead Night". The Big Donkey is doing his best to channel Don Johnson with the white jacket and gold chain, complete with medallion. Actually, take that back... not Don Johnson... the bobblehead looks like Spencer, from MTV's "The Hills". MFingOMG, indeed.

Could this be one of the worst bobbleheads in MLB history? Or, could it be the best? Pick one up for yourself and your mom on Saturday, July 26. The Rockies will be in town that night laughing at Dunn and the Reds.

Too bad the 1980s-themed lunchbox being given away the next day is only for kids... that has some serious potential.

BP Bobblehead: How We Roll

Brandon Phillips' Bobblehead Night* is here and OMGreds is celebrating... by doing homemade helmet sundaes and beers after the game. Great combo, eh? Well, that's just how we do 'round here. There is at least one other blog that's excited about it.

So, BP is going to RAKE tonight, just as he did last night. The cycle, perhaps? Only time will tell.

So, here's to bobbleheads and helmet sundaes... may we never grow up.

Oh, and catch the action on the photoblog today too. I'm sure OMG Helmet Sundae will be throwing down as well.

Junior Camo

In spite of all the Junior trade talk going around... we are still stoked about Ken Griffey Jr. Camo Mesh Jersey Night... brought to you by the fine folks at America's Army.

Okay, we're not stoked. But, someone out in Clermont county is. You can go deer hunting in the thing, you know!

Mark it on your calendars, folks. Saturday, July 5th... 7:05... Great American Ballpark. The kids version will be dealt out the next afternoon.

Hat tip: C Trent. Buy one here.

BP Bobblehead: First Look

The Reds have a photo of Brandon Phillips' 30/30 Dual Bobblehead posted on the promotion and giveaways page of reds.com. The BP bobblehead is free to the first 30,000 fans on Saturday, May 17 again Cleveland.

There is also a photo posted of the Joe Nuxhall figurine to be given away on Joe Nuxhall Night - Tuesday, June 10 against the Cardinals. This one is also free to the first 30,000 fans in attendance.

An interesting twist

The Reds have posted their 2008 promotion calendar online.
Until this schedule was released, there was a TBD bobblehead on Saturday, July 26 against the Rockies. The spot is being filled by a "1980s-themed Adam Dunn Bobblehead Night" which fits into what adds up to an 80s themed weekend - the next day is "1980s-themed Kids Lunchbox Day". The lunchbox sounds cool. I bet more adults will be interested than kids.

The bobbleheads:

Saturday, May 17
Brandon Phillips 30/30 Dual Bobblehead (Cleveland)

Saturday, July 26
1980s-themed Adam Dunn (Rockies)

Tuesday, Sept. 16
Tom Browning "Mr. Perfect" Bobblehead Night (Cardinals)

The Phillips bobblehead - I guess he's getting paired up with someone else? Possibly on the Cleveland roster? Or, is he being dualed with himself? A stealing BP and a home run hitting BP? We'll see.

There are a handful of other fun promotions worth highlighting... I'll get to those soon. More on all this later.

Reds Bobbleheads '08

Alright, let's lay down the Reds bobblehead predictions for 2008. Well, I have to say that I only have one to predict as of right now - I have sources that have supplied me the first two of the year - Brandon Phillips and Tom Browning.

Now, Phillips was going to be a pick for sure He had an all-star caliber '07 and joined the 30-30 club. Browning was also going to be on my list - maybe not a shoe-in, but at least as a reasonable possibility. Both Phillips and Browning showed up on my picks from last year.

Now it gets hard.

I'm not sure I have a definite for a third slot. The Reds do have a third bobblehead, my source indicated it's listed as TBD right now. I thought that Josh Hamilton had an outside shot this year until he was traded to the Rangers. Though he's young, Cincinnati really embraced him and he's pretty damn good.

Homer Bailey?
I hesitate to throw out Homer Bailey's name. He's not a lock to be in the rotation this season at this point (though I think he will make it) so I don't think the Reds want to pull the trigger on him just yet.

Ryan Freel
A few names I have thrown out in the past may have a chance. At the top of that list is Ryan Freel. They could capitalize on the dirty jersey all Reds fans know and love. He's been a Red for quite a while and is popular with the fans.

Scott Hatteberg
I listed Scott Hatteberg last year, but I actually feel this has less chance of happening this season.

Edwin Encarnacion
Nope, not yet.

David Ross
I guess he is my wild card. The Reds have pretty much said that the catcher position is up for grabs in spring training, so he may not be a great choice for a bobble either. I do think a Javier Valentin bobblehead would be pretty badass, but Ross has a better shot than Javy does.

Jose Rijo
I'm surprised I didn't bring him up earlier. Rijo has a great chance if not this season, next. He's a fan favorite, in the Reds HOF and part of the '90 World Series team with a few other that have received bobbles: Eric Davis, Chris Sabo and Tom Browning.

Wish List
The Reds couldn't go wrong with dipping into the past - even twice in one season. I'll stick with my trio from last year - Ted Kluszewski, Johnny Vander Meer and George Foster. Any of those guys would be strong - at least Big Klu and Foster. A few others to throw out: Ken Griffey Sr., Mario Soto, Sparky Anderson. All long shots, though.

The Reds are running out of great historical player to portray in bobblehead form. Not that the Reds haven't had great players in the past, but many of the most charismatic, most popular players have received one already. I believe this is the 8th season they have had bobbleheads. It's a trend that will start to die soon - if it's not dying already.

Here comes the Reds iPod Nano giveaway!!!

btw, if anyone out there has a Pete Harnish bobble from 2001 - I am looking for one. It's one of two that I don't have. The other being the Johnny Bench one - that giveaway was a mess!

Here's a list of Reds bobblheads broken down by year:

2001
Barry Larkin
Danny Graves
Pete Harnish

2002
Eric Davis
Chris Sabo
Adam Dunn
Johnny Bench

2003
Austin Kearns
Mary Brennaman & Joe Nuxhall
Gapper (blah!)

2004
Joe Nuxhall
Joe Morgan
Sean Casey

2005
Ken Griffey Jr.
Tony Perez
Wily Mo Peña

2006
Dave Concepcion
Barry Larkin
Filipe Lopez

2007
Aaron Harang
Bronson Arroyo
Frank Robinson
Thom & Marty Brennaman