Harrisburg Senators vs. Erie SeaWolves – Iguana Bobblehead Night

My fourth and final bobblehead game of the summer took me back to Harrisburg, PA. The Harrisburg Senators (AA of the Washington Nationals) took on the Erie SeaWolves (AA of the Detroit Tigers). The Senators lost 8-4.

When the Nationals traded Juan Soto to the Padres one of the players they received in return was CF Robert Hassell III. Hassell is currently playing for the Senators. Doing a quick eBay search you can clearly see collectors/investors think of him as a major prospect in the minor league system.

It was Playeros de Harrisburg night. According to the Senators “Harrisburg’s “Playeros” identity, which roughly translates to “beachgoers,” connects the familial bonding of going to the beach to the importance of family to the Hispanic community. The beach-themed moniker also celebrates the team’s home on City Island.”

The first 1,000 fans through the gates received a Playeros de Harrisburg Iguana bobblehead. Both the head and tail bobble. It looks like something you’ed get if you combined Jurassic Park and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Robert Hassell III #9

Robert Hassell III

State College Spikes vs. Mahoning Valley Scrappers – Wally Triplett Bobblehead Night

My second bobblehead night within a week! The other being the Harrisburg Senators vs. Altoona Curve.

On Friday, July 29th I saw another MLB Draft League game. This time the game took place in Happy Valley between the State College Spikes and Mahoning Valley Scrappers. The Spikes went on to win 6-3.

You know if I’m attending the game there must be a bobblehead giveaway. The first 1,000 fans through the gates received a talking bobblehead of Wally Triplett. Upon pushing the button on the bobblehead’s base the crowd cheers “We are… We are… We are… Thank you.”

Who is Wally Triplett? He was a halfback who played for Penn State in the 1940s. After college he went on to play for the Detroit Lions and Chicago Cardinals.

Wally Triplett’s career accomplishments:

• Back – 1948 Cotton Bowl – caught the game-tying TD pass – 2018 Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame Inductee
• 1949 Draft Choice – Detroit Lions – 1st black player drafted by an NFL team to play in the NFL
• Single-game Lions record – total kick return yards – 294 – (10/29/50)
• 1st NFL player drafted to serve in the Korean War
• 594th Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army

When it comes to cards of Wally Triplett he only has two – 1948 Topps Magic Photos #1R, and 1950 Bowman #109. The Bowman is considered to be his true rookie card.

Cheeseburger, fries, and cinnamon roasted cashews for dinner.

Beaver Stadium across the street

Harrisburg Senators vs. Altoona Curve – Gregg Mace Life Size Bobblehead Hall of Fame Induction

It was a hot night for a baseball game in Harrisburg, PA. The Harrisburg Senators (AA of the Washington Nationals) took on the Altoona Curve (AA of the Pittsburgh Pirates). At the end of the night the Senators won 2-1.

One of the main attractions on City Island is the Harrisburg Senators Life Size Bobblehead Hall of Fame. Each year they induct a new member. On July 23, 2022 we saw former WHTM ABC-27 Sports Director Gregg Mace get inducted. In 2019 he passed away. He never missed a Senators opening day from 1987 to 2019. The first 1,000 fans through the gates received a replica bobblehead.

On August 27, 2022 the Harrisburg Senators are scheduled to give out a Playeros de Harrisburg Iguana bobblehead. Although they haven’t posted any pictures of that bobblehead on social media yet, I did see some images of it around the ballpark. It looks really cool.

Cheeseburger, fries, and a dish of chocolate ice cream for dinner.

Altoona Curve

Harrisburg Senators 3B Omar Meregildo

Harrisburg Senators SS Gilbert Lara

Williamsport Crosscutters vs. Mahoning Valley Scrappers – Ed Ott Bobblehead Night

On the evening of Friday, June 17th I attended a Williamsport Crosscutters game. The Crosscutters took on the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and won 9-5. Historic Bowman Field is the same place they play the MLB Little League Classic. The Orioles and Red Sox are scheduled to play here in August.

No longer associated with the Phillies, the Crosscutters are a founding member of the MLB Draft League which was formed in 2021. The MLB Draft League is a summer collegiate baseball league that is for top draft-eligible prospects leading up to the MLB draft. Only six teams make up the league – Williamsport Crosscutters, State College Spikes, Mahoning Valley Scrappers, Frederick Keys, Trenton Thunder, and the West Virginia Black Bears.

Former Pirates and Angels catcher Ed Ott was the guest of honor. He lives close by in Montgomery, PA. One of his career highlights was when he tripled on a misplayed ball in the outfield before scoring the winning run on a throwing error. In 1979 he won the World Series with the Pirates beating the Orioles. Card #594 in the 1976 Topps set is where you will find his rookie card.

Former Pirates and Angels catcher Ed Ott talking on the field before the game.

The first 1,000 fans attending the game received an Ed Ott bobblehead.

Harrisburg Senators vs. Portland Sea Dogs – 6/5/21

Bobblehead night in Harrisburg!!! On Saturday evening I attended my first minor league game since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world. The Harrisburg Senators (Washington Nationals) took on the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox). The Senators won 3-0. (750) fans received a Trea Turner bobblehead. It was HOT! Grabbed myself a cheeseburger & fries, and a dish of Hershey’s chocolate ice cream. I also picked up a new pin, and a couple of t-shirts for my collection. Their bundle of two t-shirts for $25 is a great deal. I’ll be going back on August 7 when they unveil Ryan Zimmerman’s life-size bobblehead.

1st in line!

Rascal

Grrrounder

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