by Trey Wilson
AltoonaCurve.com
Today is National Bobblehead Day, and to celebrate, we are taking a look back at some of the bobbleheads given away at Curve games over the last 19 seasons.
Our bobbleheads have picked up some acclaim in recent years. In 2015, MLB.com’s Cut4 recognized two of our bobbleheads in their list o the top bobbles of the year. Last year, MiLB.com recognized two of our 2017 bobbles in their year-end rundown.
We have already announced 11 bobbleheads coming your way in 2018 with the Fans’ Choice All-Time Curve Team selections.
Here is a look at (most of) the bobbleheads from our first 19 seasons in Curve, PA. We have also had plenty of unique non-bobblehead giveaways here over the years, including figurines and statues, but to keep to the spirit of National Bobblehead Day, only bobbles are featured on this list.
The Hits
Some of our most popular bobbleheads over the years have been the ones with a unique twist, from pop culture references to plays on nicknames and more.
A sharp-dressed Jamo.
We realized we didn’t have a lot of giveaways that featured the cowbell, so along came a tribute to one of Saturday Night Live’s classic sketches. Bruce Dickinson (yes, the Bruce Dickinson) said we had what appeared to be a dynomite bobblehead. Coming from him, that meant a lot. This bobblehead also included a bobblehand for just the right amount of cowbell.
Caution! Hot coffee! This bobblehead came along in 2016, featuring Gregory “El Coffee” Polanco as a barista ready to serve you up some fresh java. Clearly he’s had a sip or two himself, with his caffeinated eyes and jittering, bobbling hand.
Andrew McCutchen as an astronaut. Because he’s out of this world.
Punxsy Phil came down the hill from Gobbler’s Knob to throw out a ceremonial first pitch, correctly predict six more weeks of baseball (a playoff appearance) and see his bobblehead for himself.
The former Curve and Pirates pitcher made getting outs look “elementary.”
We brought the Marte Partay to Curve, PA in 2015, complete with party hat, a gift and some cake.
Some say former Curve and current Pirates infielder Jordy Mercer looks like movie star Jim Carrey. Jordy even dressed up as Lloyd Christmas from “Dumb & Dumber.” And then we made it into a bobblehead.
McCutchen grew from top prospect in Altoona from 2006-07 to winning the NL MVP Award in 2013 with the Pirates. Here’s a nod to that journey.
A silver bat to commemorate Pedro’s Silver Slugger Award in 2013.
Because it’s Brock Holt.
Nate McLouth won a Gold Glove Award in 2008. The next year, Curve fans got this bobblehead to commemorate the award and the outfielder’s 2004 season in Altoona.
Players
With all the great stars who have come through Altoona, we’ve been able to feature quite a few on bobbleheads over the years.
This Hyzdu bobblehead was given out in 2008 and featured the “fauxback” uniforms the team wore for select games that season.
Neil Walker was one of the Pirates’ top prospects when he returned for a second season in 2007.
Along with Walker, the Curve had another future Pirates’ star on the team in 2007 in Andrew McCutchen.
Josh Bonifay is tied for the most career homers hit by a Curve player. Here is his head bobbling on top of a bobbling baseball.
Zach Duke was lights-out with the Curve in his brief run in Altoona in 2004. The next year, he was a bobblehead.
One of the early Curve stars, Sean Burnett was the first Curve pitcher to ever be featured on a bobblehead.
J.R. House and Rico Washington were the first Curve players to have a bobblehead given away during a season in which they played in Altoona.
Dale Sveum managed the Curve for three seasons before an MLB coaching career that has included stops in Chicago, Boston, Milwaukee and Kansas City.
The first Curve bobblehead was, of course, Adam Hyzdu, who still holds many of the team’s all-time records after a tremendous run from 1999-2000.
Mascots
There have been nearly as many mascot bobbles over the years as their have been player bobbles.
From Parrothead Night, Loco all ready for a luau.
From Star Wars Night. Everyone’s favorite rally mascot swims in from a galaxy far, far away.
As part of his retirement farewell night, Steamer with his beloved bucket of popcorn.
Al Tuna in 2011, showing off what was, at the time, one of the brand new Curve logos.
Local high school mascots:
And the rest…
Celebrating our franchise’s founders and owners’ induction into the Blair County Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.
There’s a look at some of the bobbleheads from the first 19 years of Curve baseball. Don’t forget, there will be 11 All-Time Curve Team bobbleheads coming your way for our 20th Season Celebration in 2018.
UPDATE: The bobbleheads of the 2018 season!
Around the Curve 