In an apparent nod to the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal, the St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) will giveaway Astro the Grouch talking bobbleheads on July 31.
While everyone knows Oscar the Grouch, the Saints will introduce a new character, Astro the Grouch.
The first 1,500 fans that walk through the gates of CHS Field on Friday, July 31 will receive the bobblehead. Astro, who lives in a trash can, has baseball antennas making it easier for him to pick up radio and TV frequencies. With a simple push of a button Astro will let you know, with a bang or two, what pitch is coming – once for a fastball and twice for a curveball. Sometimes he’ll just tell you what’s coming by saying, “fastball” or “curveball.”
In addition, all kids in attendance will be treated to a two-inning fun workshop on why cheating and stealing are bad, while the Saints will have tattoo artists on hand–perhaps bad tattoos can be corrected in the process–and fans can take their photos with a replica trophy.
The controversy surrounding the Astros has resulted in plenty of drama leading up to the 2020 season, though it has also sparked some unique promotions for the coming months. Last month, the Staten Island Yankees (Short Season A; NY-Penn League) announced that they will give away mini trash cans on September 3, when they host the Tri-City ValleyCats, an affiliate of the Astros.