Josh Donaldson Blue Jays Bobblehead

The first time I heard Josh Donaldson was coming to the Blue Jays I was shocked and angry because we had traded Brett Lawrie to get him.  Lawrie wasn’t amazing, but he played with a lot of heart and was a fan favourite.  Funny enough, it only took a few games of watching Donaldson for me to forget about Lawrie, and think that the Jays had gotten away with a steal of a trade.  Donaldson wasn’t only better he was flawless at third base by not letting any ball get past him, and was one of the top hitters in the league.  By mid-summer if you went to a game, you were shouting MVP every time Donaldson went up to bat.

Thankfully the league recognized his greatness by awarding him the 2015 American League MVP award.  His stats were as followed: .297 average, 41 home runs, 123 RBI’s, and he led his team to become A.L. east division champions.  The significance of which was an end to a 22 year drought since the last time the Blue Jays had reached the playoffs; Josh Donaldson truly was the bringer of rain.

Donaldson’s first Blue Jays bobblehead was given out on April 24^th, 2016.  Although 20,000 were given away at Roger’s Centre, you could still purchase one a few days later at Pizza Nova locations.  I personally find the bobblehead pose boring, and would have preferred a more exciting and unique pose; but since it was celebrating Donaldson’s MVP award, I guess displaying the award plaque and silver bat required a more traditional pose.  Once you actually look at the bobblehead you will notice how many details are actually in it, and can really appreciate it.  Although it’s not the most interesting bobblehead, it’s still a great start for what I’m sure will be many to come from the Bringer of Rain with the Blue Jays.

Josh Donaldson Wiki:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Donaldson

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NthSg5j8dmc

Edwin Encarnación Blue Jays Bobblehead

During the 2012-13 offseason the Toronto Blue Jays had made major trades, and the city was excited with the possibilities of what the 2013 season could offer.  Unfortunately any hope of making the postseason soon dwindled as the team finished in last place of the American League East division.  Yet those major trades had breathed new life into Blue Jay fans as many people came back to baseball and started to cheer for the team.  Thankfully fans were treated by awesome stadium giveaway bobbleheads that year.

The first of three bobbleheads of that season was of Edwin Encarnacion, which was given out on April 21^st, 2013.  20,000 bobbleheads were given out to fans at Roger’s Centre, as the Jays also beat the Yankees 8 to 4.  Edwin is shown wearing the alternative 3^rd uniform, with a royal blue jersey and white pants.  This is one of my favourite bobblehead’s because of how accurate it captures Edwin’s face; almost cartoonish.  I also love how it comes with a bat accessory, which I wish more bobbleheads would do.  While the 2013 team didn’t live up to expectations that year, at least Edwing made it a winning season for bobbleheads.

Edwin Encarnación Wiki:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Encarnaci%C3%B3n

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxNC3xPHdBA

Toronto Raptors Bobblehead Damon Stoudamire

To celebrate the Toronto Raptors 20^th anniversary season in the NBA, the Raptors decided to release past alumni player bobbleheads as stadium giveaways for the 2014-15 season.  We have had many great players wear the Raptors jersey in the past, but my favourite has always been Damon Stoudamire.  Stoudamire was there from the birth of the franchise team way back in 1995.  During that first season the Raptors went on to beat the Chicago Bulls with Michael Jordan during their 72 and 10 season (1 of 9 teams to beat the Bulls), they won their inaugural first game on November 3, 1995 at the SkyDome, and Stoudamire won the Rookie of the Year award.

The Damon Stoudamire bobblehead was given out on March 27^th, 2015, and it was limited to 5,000.  It comes packaged in a vibrant purple box, with the Raptors XX anniversary logo.  Stoudamire is displayed in an away purple jersey featuring the classic Raptors dinosaur logo, (which I have come to love over time) and he’s carrying a basketball in his hand.  At the base there is a commemorative plaque which again features the Raptors XX anniversary logo, and the Air Canada logo.

The bobblehead was made by Alexander Global Promotions, who I think did an excellent job considering that this is a mini bobblehead which was hand painted.  My only complaint would be the lack of Stoudamire’s tattoos, especially considering he’s famous for his Might Mouse tattoo.  Other than that this is a wonderful bobblehead that celebrates the wonderful history of one of Toronto’s best Raptors.

Damon Stoudamire Wiki:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damon_Stoudamire

Raptors:

http://www.nba.com/raptors

Alexander Global Promotions:

http://www.alexanderglobal.com

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzmisIUZTaQ

Blue Jays 2016 Bobblehead Wishlist

Here’s my 2016 Blue Jays bobblehead stadium giveaway wish list.

1. José Bautista

2. Josh Donaldson

3. Troy Tulowitzki

4. Edwin Encarnación

5. Kevin Pillar

6. David Price

Blue Jays:

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad1W2aIZaIE

Marcus Stroman Bobblehead

On June 7^th, 2015 the Toronto Blue Jays gave away the first Marcus Stroman SGA bobblehead.  Unfortunately during spring training, Marcus sustained a leg injury (ACL) which caused him to miss most of the season.  This injury prevented him from being an active player for the release of his bobblehead.  Fortunately the determination and heart of Stroman pushed him to work his way back to the rotation and become a starter in September, HDMH.

This bobblehead is pretty much one of my favourites not only because Stroman is an inspiring figure, but because Stroman is displayed blowing a bubble.  This feature is truly unique, and the pink contrast matches well with the white and blue Jays uniform.  As bobbleheads are now collectable items and a multitude are released every year, I really appreciated it when unique features such as this are added to them and I hope to see more of this from the Jays in the future.

Marcus Stroman Wiki:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Stroman

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4p1u5ocBe0w

Russell Martin Blue Jays Bobblehead

When Russell Martin first signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2014, I was upset.  I was upset because as a former New York Yankee, he had accused the Jays of stealing signs, and we were now making him a Blue Jay.  Like most fans, once I started to see the benefits of adding Martin to our team all that disappointment dwindled and I started to cheer for him.  I also came to realize that stealing signs was just a part of baseball that everyone did anyways (former Blue Jay catcher, Gregg Zaun admitted doing it).

Russell Martin’s Blue Jays bobblehead was given out on August 3^rd, 2015.  He was the third release for 2015, and 20,000 were given away.  While it is a nice bobblehead, I am unhappy with the lack of details included.  For example Martin wears a Rawlings chest protector with gold highlights, yet his bobblehead lacks this feature.  The bobblehead is still nice, but as a collector it does leave me wanting more details and contrasting poses.  A badass pose that would have kicked ass would have been one where Martin is throwing the ball to catch a runner stealing.

Gregg Zaun admits to stealing signs:

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25259565/gregg-zaun-admits-to-stealing-signs-as-a-blue-jays-player

Russell Martin Wiki:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Martin

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2h_xmQZuhU

Jose Bautista Blue Jays Bobblehead 2015

Jose Bautista was the first SGA (stadium giveaway) bobblehead of the 2015 season.  20,000  were given away on Sunday, April 19th, 2015.  His bobblehead is also the 3^rd giveaway bobblehead that the Toronto Blue Jays have made of Bautista.  While that might seem like a lot, I’m actually happy that their most popular player is being honoured again.  While his first bobblehead was given out back in 2011, the Team has gained a lot more fans and followers since then and it’s only nice to have the fans also receive a Bautista keepsake (especially for those who missed out on the previous releases).

Since this is the 3^rd Bautista bobblehead, I thought it fitting that his pose be unique and different.  It certainly is because Jose is featured “muscle man” posing or rather “flexing”.  This is the same pose he does after he hits a home run, reaches home plate, and celebrates with a teammate (usually Encarnación).  I believe he started doing this back when Yunel Escobar was still a Blue Jay.  Jose is also featured in his road grey uniform.

Just based on the unique flexing pose, this is truly one of my favourite bobbleheads in my collection.  BDA Inc did an excellent job on this one, with lots of details and paint throughout the bobblehead.  With bobbleheads like this I will never get tired of having another SGA of Bautista.

José Bautista Wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Bautista

Toronto Blue Jays Bobblehead Archive:

http://piper2381.blogspot.ca/2015/04/toronto-blue-jays-bobblehead-archive.html

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK7RHJDbvSE

Toronto Blue Jays Bobblehead Archive

This is my Toronto Blue Jays bobblehead archive list of stadium giveaway bobbleheads.  Please keep in mind that this archive can be updated from time to time if corrections are necessary.  Feel free to cut/paste it, link it and print it out to help you keep track of your collection as well.

2001

1) April 29 - Carlos Delgado (white uniform)

2) October 7 - Billy Koch

3) September 19 - Cal Ripken Jr.

2002

1) April 7 - Dave Winfield

2) May 5 - Joe Carter

3) May 19 - Pat Borders

2003

1) Fan Rewards - Roy Halladay (Standing inside of miniature Skydome)

2) March 31 - Eric Hinske

3) August 23 - Paul Molitor

Mark Buehrle Blue Jays Bobblehead

The Mark Buehrle Blue Jays bobblehead was the third and final bobblehead of the 2014 season.  20,000 of these bobbleheads were given out at Rogers Centre on Sunday, August 24^th, 2014.  The bobblehead was manufactured by BDA Inc., and was made in China.  It comes packaged in a box with a display window, and a nice little write-up on the side.  The figure is wearing the alternate uniform which features a royal blue jersey, and white pants with blue stripes.

Buehrle was traded from the Miami Marlins in 2012, in what many consider a revitalization of the franchise.  It certainly did lift the spirit of the city as people started to believe this team was capable of making the playoffs.  Unfortunately two years later, the drought continued as the team went more years without seeing the postseason.  Buehrle however was an All-star as he went on to surpass 200 innings pitched in 14 consecutive seasons in his career.  His leadership was also something valuable as he mentored the younger pitchers such as Stroman, Hutchison, and Sanchez.

The quality of bobbleheads from BDA Inc. keeps getting better and better as Buehrle is displayed winding up for a pitch.  The details included on the figure are impressive as it even captures the chain he wears around his neck, and the details of his glove.  The paint job is also nice with a near flawless face, and even going so far as painting the ball in Buehrle’s hand (now that’s craftsmanship).  This is an excellent bobblehead, and the perfect way to end off another Blue Jays season.

Mark Buehrle Wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Buehrle

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxwNLf9mHpQ

2002 SGA Blue Jays Bobbleheads

Player: Dave Winfield

Date: April 7

Quantity: First 15,000 fans

Additional:  Hall of Fame plaque on base; Has a 1992 World Series patch on his sleeve; Plain white box packaging

Player: Joe Carter

Date: May 5

Quantity: First 15,000 fans

Additional: Sponsored by Pizza Pizza; Has a 1992 World Series patch on his sleeve; Plain white box packaging

Player: Pat Borders

Date: May 19

Quantity: First 15,000 fans

Additional: Sponsored by The Toronto Star newspaper (thestar.com), 1992 World Series MVP plaque on base; Has a 1992 World Series patch on his sleeve; Holding the 1992 World Series MVP Award, Plain white box packaging