Collector’s Corner for April 17, 2025

[Editor’s note: Welcome back to the return of “Collector’s Corner” to Uni Watch. Although no longer run by Brinke Guthrie, it has been ably resurrected by Chris Weir. Chris approached me about restarting CC, vowing to uphold the old look and style, but with one new twist: he will make each edition timely with what is going on currently in the sports world (i.e. rivalry games, big events, anniversary of events). Enjoy and please give Chris some feedback about the new (old) feature. — PH]

Collector’s Corner
by Chris Weir

We’re transferring onto the National League on this yr’s baseball promotions preview.

• The Braves aren’t doing too sizzling out of the gate however their giveaway schedule is likely one of the finest within the majors. The spotlight for me is on August 19^th when they’re making a gift of Vinyl Records of Spencer Strider’s favourite music.

• On August 12^th the Mets have a particular ticket provide that features a Billy Joel Mets Jersey. I’d think about just a few of those will pop up on eBay and can go for a reasonably penny.

• Unsurprisingly the Marlins have the worst giveaway schedule within the majors. They don’t even have preview photos for any of their gadgets however on May 18^th they’re making a gift of a Celia Cruz bobblehead. Full disclosure, I had no thought who Celia Cruz was however contemplating I watched Sesame Street each day as a child she in all probability gave me my first Spanish Lesson.

• Looks like on April 22^nd I’ll be including an “Oversized” James Wood Bobblehead to my Nationals Bobblehead Collection. Shout out to the Nats for offering a improbable preview image of the aforementioned bobblehead however what do you anticipate from a group that in 2025 nonetheless has the Terra Club? It’s like if Enron Field was nonetheless a factor in 2005. If anybody from the Lerner household is studying this, please promote the group.

• Shout out to the Phillies for some equally as terrible if not worse than the Nats preview photos. Brandon Marsh often is the worst participant within the majors proper now (18 OPS+) however in case you squint laborious sufficient you may see that his July 19^th Phillies Throwback Basketball Jersey is wonderful. It should solely be out there in child sizes since you need to be 14 or underneath to get it (bizarre age cutoff). Here is a greater image of the jersey.

• I haven’t had hair on my head for about six years but when I’m at Wrigley on May 31^st I can put on this Dansby Swanson Flow Headband to recollect what it was like.

• I don’t know why the Reds’ Mr. Red #27 brand is my favourite baseball brand of all time. Maybe it’s the stirrups, perhaps it’s the mascot sporting a hat, or perhaps it’s the truth that Mr. Red is superior to Mr. Met in each approach. Back in 2014 Todd Radom acquired to the Bottom of why he wears #27. That was only a roundabout solution to inform you on June 28^th the Reds are making a gift of this Hat.

• We’ve seen baseball groups give away basketball jerseys earlier than however on July 13^th in St. Louis we’ll have a baseball group give away Basketball Warmup Jerseys.

• I completely love what the Pirates did with this Paul Skenes Baseball Card Bobblehead which will likely be given out on April 19^th. I’ve by no means seen something prefer it earlier than and would think about subsequent yr each group will likely be making a gift of one thing comparable.

• I’ve by no means performed and even seen anybody play cribbage however it should be fashionable in Wisconsin as a result of on May 17^th the Brewers are making a gift of a Cribbage Board.

• The Dodgers are making a gift of 19 bobbleheads this yr! They don’t have a preview of the Kobe Bryant bobblehead which will likely be given away on August 8^th so right here is the Ice Cube Bobblehead which will likely be given away on June 21^st.

• On September 13^th in San Francisco there will likely be a really distinctive giveaway because the Giants and 49ers be a part of forces to create this Crossover Jersey. I feel individuals are going to confuse that jersey as a New York Giants jersey.

• Not a giveaway however I actually just like the Diamondbacks’ Paint on the Park promotion.

• Deadheads will likely be out in drive at Coors Field on August 1 when the Rockies will embody this Shirt in a particular ticket package deal.

• This century there have been two sport altering innovations which have drastically improved journeys to the seaside. The first is the Shibumi Shade and the second is the sandless seaside towel. On July 29^th get your very personal Padres Sandless Beach Towel.

Reach out at collectorscorneruniwatch@aol.com or on X @uwcollect with a few of your favorites to be featured on Collector’s Corner.