Top 5 Kids Clubs in Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball is back in the full swing of things for another season so that means it is time for A Geek Daddy's annual look at the best "Kids Clubs" that teams have to offer this year.  Of the 30 MLB teams, 25 have programs to encourage children to become fans of the team and develop an interest in the sport of baseball.  The programs vary from team to team in both the price charged to participate (ranging from FREE to $50+) and the benefits provided.  They can include perks such as team apparel and branded merchandise, special experiences at the ballpark, and a kids focused team newsletter among other things.  Some of the Kids Clubs are really nice and are legitimately aimed to enhance the fan experience and a child's enjoyment of the game.  Other programs aren't much of a value and seem to be run as just another way to try to get a few more bucks out of a fans' wallets.

I personally like the Kids Club concept as a way for fan dads and moms to share a passion for their favorite MLB team with sons and daughters in a fun way.  Also as every parent knows, children are often more interested in exploring a stadium, snacking on junk food, and getting a souvenir compared to watching a game during a family outing to the ballpark.  A Kids Club membership can provide a great memento from attending a game that won't bust your bank account.  In some cases these programs even make a visit to see a team play live at their stadium affordable when it might not otherwise have been for a family.

A Geek Daddy has taken a look at each of the current programs offered by MLB teams and ranked the Top 5 KID CLUBS for 2017 in my opinion based upon these factors -  price/value, coolness/wow factor, originality, quality of materials/swag, special events, and branding for the program.  So going from fifth place to the best we have:

5.  Houston Astros  -- Buddies Kids Club $25

The Astros are one of the hottest teams in baseball staring off the 2017 season and they also have one of the more impressive Kids Clubs in the American League.  As you'll notice the National League dominates the rest of our list.  Sponsored by Coca Cola, Houston's program has a combination of perks that will help get kids to the ballpark to watch a game, exclusive benefits when they get there and some cool swag to take home with them all for a family budget friendly price tag.

Each Astro Buddy receives four complimentary game tickets.  Plus once they are at Minute Maid Park they can participate in exclusive opportunities such as player autograph signings, batting practice viewings, pregame parades, baseball clinics, and get first access on the field to kids run the bases.  They're also invited to a special behind-the-scenes day event.  Membership in the Astros Buddies Kids Club includes a branded backpack, baseball cap, membership card, lanyard, and socks.

4. New York Met -- Mr. Met's Kids Club $33

With the inflated prices of living in the Big Apple, Mets fans can get a good deal with this Kids Club for youth under the age of 14.  The package includes four promenade outfield outfield seats redeemable for select games throughout the season plus four complimentary tickets to see the Met's minor league affiliate the Brooklyn Cyclones play at their stadium located next to the Coney Island board walk.  Plus every time a Kids Club member attends a game at Citi Field and checks in at the Mr. Met Kiosk they can earn prizes throughout the season including an autographed player card and a Mr. Met's Kids Club baseball cap.

A really nice aspect of the program, is every member is provided an opportunity to submit a score board message that can be displayed on the Citi Field scoreboard while they are attending a Met's game for FREE as part of their membership.  Plus they get fast access to the Mr. Met Dash that takes place on the field after Sunday games by showing their membership card.  To help members cheer on the team while the Met's are playing, the Kids Club also has a membership kit designed to bring along to the game with them.  It includes a draw string backpack, inflatable thunder sticks, a silicon wrist band, a book mark, a squishy miniature baseball, and a membership card on a Mets branded lanyard.

3.  St. Louis Cardinals -- Cardinals Kids Club  $30

The St. Louis Cardinals always do an outstanding job with their Kids Club program and this year is no different.  In addition to a pair of tickets to attend a Cardinal's home game it offers many of the same things as the other programs we've referenced including first-in-line access for Kids Run the Bases and a free Pitch Speed session at Busch Stadium's Family Pavilion.  Where the team really stands out though is the incredible Members-Only Autograph Party they throw at the stadium.  Plus once again the Cardinal's are providing some of the nicest branded merchandise in Major League Baseball in their membership packs.  Members receive a Fredbird mascot action figure toy, a duffel bag, baseball cap, lapel pin, and membership card with lanyard.

2. Cincinnati Reds -- Reds Heads  $30

The Reds have one of the best Kids Club programs in Major League baseball and have fallen somewhere on our list every year because of the originality of their efforts, the uniqueness and quality of their branding and the really great swag they include in their membership packs.  This year is they continue to provide great deals for their members. In addition to providing 2 free tickets to attend a Reds game they also encourage members to go to attractions such as Newport Aquarium, the city's Museum Center and the Cincinnati Zoo with special Kids Club offers.  While at the ballpark, members also have special access to ballpark experiences like player autograph sessions and chance to take the field.  Plus they get priority placement in line for the postgame Run the Bases.

The Reds always make an effort to provide their members with top-notch swag and that tradition continues with this year's assortment of items inside their membership pack.  Reds Heads receive a really nice jersey, a quality backpack, an exclusive bobblehead of the club mascot, an authentic Kids Club branded baseball, an activity book and a membership card along with a lanyard to display it.

This year the Reds have also introduced a new program for parents to share their love of the team with newborns called the Rookie Club.  Red's Rookies receive a hooded towel, gapper plus cuddle-up, a baby fan club branded picture frame and a diaper bag tag.  Plus parents can take baby to his or her first Reds game with the included 2 tickets for mom and dad (of course babies always have free admission) to attend one of the select home games which also include the family joining in on the field for a Reds Rookies parade.  The program also includes access to a parent/baby photo session with a Reds player and mascot.  Joining the Reds Rookie Club is just $20 dollars.

1. Arizona Diamondbacks -- D-backs Kids Club  FREE

The Diamondbacks have gotten off to one of the hottest starts this baseball season and really want fans to come out to cheer on the team as they compete for a playoff berth.  Children who are registered with Arizona's Kids Club can show their membership card each time they attend a game at Chase Field to receive prizes that range from a D-backs hat to a spot in their baseball academy camp.

Thinking this isn't that great of deal because you still need to buy tickets to go to the game?  Guess what! Kids Club members get FREE tickets for every Sunday home game!  So by signing up for a FREE program your child gets complimentary tickets and gifts from the Arizona Diamondback throughout the season. Plus members get VIP front of the line access to Kids Run the Bases after games as well.

Another plus for this program is that the Diamondbacks have teamed up with Delta Dental of Arizona to utilize the Kids Club to bring awareness to young fans about the dangers of spit tobacco.  So in addition to promoting the team and the game of baseball, the D-Backs Kids Club is also encouraging healthy living.  D-backs players and the team's bobcat mascot, D. Baxter, provide informative presentations and materials to Kids Club members to get this message across in a campaign called the NO CHEW CREW.  Plus there are rewards for the members who make a NO CHEW PLEDGE.

A tip of the cap to the D-back for a job well done with your Kids Club this year.  Good luck on your efforts to win a World Series title in 2017 to go along with your Kids Club top ranking from A Geek Daddy!

Cheering on your favorite sporting team can be a great bonding experience for parents and kids plus a fun way to spend time together as a family.  MLB Kids Clubs can be a nice way to introduce your children to the team you cheer for and encourage them to join you as a fan.  What team are you rooting for this year?

Of course we've only highlighted a handful of the Kids Clubs that are available to join.  Check out your favorite team's website and see if you like what they have to offer.  Unfortunately, the Tigers didn't make our list this year but we'll still be cheering them on while enjoying the baseball season.

Best MLB "Kids Clubs" for 2016

Major League Baseball is back in the full swing of things for another season so that means it is time for A Geek Daddy's annual look at the best "Kids Clubs" that teams have to offer this year.  Getting your child a Kids Club membership can be a fun way to connect your child to a favorite team or can be a nice souvenir during a family outing to the ballpark. MLB Kids Clubs are a membership fan package sold by various baseball teams that can be purchased for children that can include things such as team apparel and branded merchandise, special experiences at the ballpark, and a kids focused team newsletter among other things. 

Last year I purchased a Detroit Tigers "Kids Club" membership for my kids to help boost their interest in my favorite team since they watch a lot of the games with me on TV.  We also went to Toronto to see the Tigers play last summer and while we were at the Rogers Centre picked up the Blue Jays Kids Club pack as a memento of our trip for my kids.  When you think of how expensive souvenirs can be at the ballpark, the Blue Jays Kids Club pack which featured a nice baseball cap, a drawstring backpack, a metallic water bottle, and a canvass wallet was a great bargain.

Of the 30 MLB teams, 25 have kids programs to encourage children to become fans of the team and develop an interest in the sport of baseball.  The programs vary from team to team in both the price charged to participate (ranging from FREE to $50) and the benefits provided, so it is important for the adult who may be purchasing a kids club membership for their child, grandchild, niece, nephew and so on to do some research before signing up to participate to make sure there is a value in your situation to participate.  Some of the programs are really nice aimed to enhance the fan experience and enjoyment of the game while other Kids Clubs aren't much of a value and seem to be run as just another way to try to get a few more bucks out of a fan's wallet.

A Geek Daddy Blog has taken a look at each of the current programs offered by MLB teams and ranked the Top 5 KID CLUBS for 2016 in my opinion based upon these factors -  price/value, coolness/wow factor, quality of materials/swag, special events, and branding for the program.  So going from fifth place to the best we have:

5.  CINCINNATI REDS - REDS HEADS

The Reds always do a stellar job with branding for their "REDS HEADS"  Kids Club.  They provide some great members-only experiences like free autograph sessions with the players and other special ballpark events children can participate.  They also supplement their Kids Club benefits with nice freebies and discounts from sponsors that include the Cincinnati Zoo, Newport Aquarium, Bob Evans, Cincinnati Museum Center, and Coney Island among others.  Normally the Reds have some of the nicest swag of all the MLB Kids Clubs but this year they are a bit lacking in my opinion though the REDS HEADS branded pillow case, sports performance shirt, gym bag and spirit cape this year's members are provided are still nice and a lot better than the merchandise provided by a lot of the other programs.  If your family roots for the Reds and has children between the ages of 3 and 12 this really is a nice program to participate in.

4.  ATLANTA BRAVES - BRAVES KIDS CLUB

The Brave's first baseman, Freddie Freeman is the player ambassador to their Kids Club providing a nice connection between the team and the children.  Each child get a welcome letter from him and a Freddie Freeman Kids Club jersey.  Kids Club members also get access to special events at the ballpark such as a VIP Batting Practice Experience, VIP access to Kids Run the Bases, a meet and greet with team mascot Homer and the tools from the Home Depot Tool Race, free face painting and a chance to to be selected to "bang the big drum" at a game among other opportunities.  Plus a coupon for a FREE Chick-fil-A sandwich.

3.  BALTIMORE ORIOLES - JUNIOR ORIOLES DUGOUT CLUB

The Junior Orioles Dugout Club provides each kid with a FREE ticket to each of six specially designated games and provides parents with special discounted pricing for those game day tickets.  At every one of these Dugout Club games, the child also gets a special members-only giveaway item available only at that game.  Each Kids Club membership also includes a Junior Orioles Dugout Club branded cap, sunglasses and messenger bag that each member received with their welcome package.  Members are kept updated on team news throughout the season with a subscription to Orioles Kids Magazine.

2. LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM - JUNIOR ANGELS

Priced at $18 this is one of the better Kids Club bargains available throughout Major League Baseball.  With a membership, children are provided the opportunity to attend four games for FREE, though a parent or guardian still needs purchase a ticket to attend with them.  They do a nice job of branding their Kids Club merchandise with its Rally Monkey mascot.  Junior Angels members receive with their membership a lunch bag, t-shirt, sweatband, and a toy featuring Rally Monkey.  All members are entered into drawings throughout the season where randomly picked children receive autographed items from Angels players.  The team also allows adult fans to donate money which sponsors sick children at a local children's hospital to be Junior Angels with players and coaches personally delivering those kids' membership gear to them at the medical facility throughout the year.

1.  KANSAS CITY ROYALS- SLUGGERRR'S BLUE CREW

Kansas City gets top honors because in addition to free ticket vouchers and special members events and opportunities they have the nicest swag out there this year.  For a reasonably priced $25, Sluggerrr's Blue Crew members receive a very nice exclusive zippered KC performance pullover, special edition KC flat bill snap back cap, a Blue Crew sports necklace and a VIP membership badge with lanyard.

We're also giving an honorable mention nod to the Arizona Diamondbacks for their NO CHEW CREW promotion this season.  The team has teamed up with Delta Dental of Arizona to bring awareness to young fans about the dangers of spit tobacco.

During one game each month of the season, Delta Dental of Arizona hosts a SUNDAY SLUGGERS 30-minute show featuring a D-backs player and D. Baxter the team's bobcat mascot who discuss the dangers of using smokeless chewing tobacco.  Plus any kid under the age of 15 who takes the NO CHEW PLEDGE while attending any game or by filling it out online joins the NO CHEW CREW which includes the perks of a FREE children's admission ticket to every Sunday home game this season and a FREE toothbrush.

Cheering on your favorite sporting team can be a great bonding experience for parents and kids plus a fun way to spend time together as a family.  MLB Kids Clubs can be a nice way to introduce your children to the team you cheer for and encourage them to join you as a fan.  What team are you rooting for this year?

Of course we've only highlighted a handful of the Kids Clubs that are available to join.  Check out your favorite team and see if you like what they have to offer. For more information on the various MLB Kids Club programs available, visit mlb.mlb.com/mlb/kids/

The Top Major League Baseball "Kids Clubs" for 2015

It'll be Opening Day in a few weeks and soon Major League Baseball action will be in full swing for its 2015 season.  I've been a passionate Detroit Tigers fan since being a child and it appears my kids are gaining an appreciation and passion for the game from the time we spend enjoying the national pastime together.  One way to encourage your children to become fans of the game, and also carry on your support of a favorite team, is to consider purchasing a Kids Club membership for them from one of your favorite Major League teams.  This could be especially useful if you plan on attending a Major League Baseball game this summer because you could use the gear/swag as a souvenir to give your child at the game during your family outing to the ballpark rather than spend the elevated and extraordinary amounts of money charged for hats, jerseys, baseballs and other mementos at the onsite gift shops.

Of the 30 MLB teams, 25 have kids programs to encourage children to become fans of the team and develop an interest in the sport of baseball.  The programs vary from team to team in both the price charged to participate (ranging from FREE to $50) and the benefits provided, so it is important for the adult who may be purchasing a kids club membership for their child, grandchild, niece, nephew and so on to do some research before signing up to participate to make sure there is a value in your situation to participate.  Some of the programs are really nice aimed to enhance the fan experience and enjoyment of the game while other Kids Clubs seem to be run as just another way to try to get a few more bucks out of a fan's wallet.

A Geek Daddy Blog has taken a look at each of the current programs offered by MLB teams and have ranked the Top 5 KID CLUBS for 2015 based upon these factors -  price/value, coolness/wow factor, quality of materials/swag, special events, and branding.   While I have to admit normally rooting for American League teams to win the World Series in this competition the National League swept all the top rankings for providing the best value to fans who participate in their Kids Clubs.  So going from fifth place to the best we have:

5) San Diego Jr. Padres - This program for kid's 14 years old and younger is FREE!  Jr. Padres earn a reward for every home game they attend by scanning their official card.  Rewards range from a rubber bracelet for attending one game to an exclusive player autograph session if the Jr. Padre makes it to the stadium for 11 games during the season. Club members also receive exclusive access to special team hosted events. Moms who go to the games with their Jr. Padres win too getting a special parent gift - a mom themed tumbler.  If you are already going to some games you have nothing to lose and get some extra perks by enrolling in the team's Kids Club.

4) St. Louis Cardinals Kids Club - The Cardinals really do a stand out job of working to create an experience to develop children into life long fans which includes having two distinct clubs, the Kids Club for ages 4 to 13 and a Varsity Club for teens 14 to 19 years old.

The Cardinals Kids Club provides its members with a fun exclusive perk in hosting a MEMBERS ONLY PARTY at Busch Stadium that includes games, snacks, Cardinals players signing autographs, and a chance to meet the team mascot.  Members are also provided 2 tickets to a Monday - Thursday home game during the regular season.  Another perk of membership is Cardinals gear that includes an official Kids Club drawstring bag and a  Fredbird Bobble Head Bank.

The Varsity Club provides 2 tickets to a Monday - Thursday home game at Busch Stadium during the regular season plus admission to a specially designated "Varsity Club Day @ The Ballpark" game. Members are provided early access to the "Varsity Club Day" game which features a pre-game program featuring Cardinals Front Office executives and players and a parade around the warning track.  Varsity Club gear includes a flat-bill cap and tablet cover with wireless charger.  Members also receive a coupon book that provides discounts and free perks at Cardinals games and a membership magazine that is mailed to their homes.

One drawback though is that these programs are on the pricier side when it comes to Membership fees for MLB kids clubs.  The Cardinals Kids Club costs $30 plus $2 processing charge & $5 shipping and handling for a total cost of $37.  The Membership fee for the Varsity Club is $35 plus 2 processing fee & $5 shipping and handling for a total cost of $42.

St. Louis was #1 on the 2014 list of Best MLB Kids Clubs and while still a nice option for fans to participate in was downgraded to #3 this year because of what appears to be a slight reduction in the quality of the merchandise provided to the Kids Club's members compared to what was offered last year at the same price.

3) Philadelphia Junior Phillies- the Phillies have a decent Kids Club program that revolves around its 2015 designated player chairperson, Ben Revere.  Members get Revere-branded swag that includes posters and magnets plus a Junior Phillies Club backpack.  There are also other discounts and special events for Junior Phillies.  Joining is just $15 but the caveat is that you have to pick up your membership items at Citizens Bank Park during a Phillies home game.

What really stands out though about the Philadelphia Phillies is that they have a separate fan club just to celebrate their mascot for children 14 called the Phanatic MVP Club which is a  separate program from the Junior Phillies.  For $13 dollars, kids can become a member of the Phanatics MVP Club that includes a Phanatic MVP bobble head, sunglasses, a poster and other fun swag.  Members also get the opportunity to be invited to special events and receive a Phanatic birthday box.  If parents sign their kids up for both clubs they can $3 on the total price of both memberships.  Either membership is a bargain price by itself and the combined rate of $25 is equivalent to the average price of Kids Club membership across the MLB teams.

The Phillies made the list this year for providing quality products at a reasonable price and for their creative use of their mascot in enhancing children's attention and attraction to their team.

2) Cincinnati Red Heads - For $30 members 3 to 12 year olds receive perks that include numerous special events and some of the best swag items of any MLB kids club.  RED HEADS receive an exclusive replica of a Reds batting jersey, a backpack with detachable lunchbox, 2015 ALL STAR Game wristbands, membership card with lanyard, free Bob Evans kids meal, and free admission opportunities to the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum, Cincinnati Zoo, and Cincinnati Museum Centers OMNIMAX Theater.  A Reds Heads email newsletter is also thrown into this membership package for young fans.

The Red Heads consistently provide a quality product to its fans and are a benchmark for MLB Kids Club programs.  Cincinnati didn't make the number one slot this year though because they raised the membership price by $5 while slightly downgrading the quality of the merchandise they provide to its members compared to 2014.  It's still a great program but not as great as it was last year.

 1)  The Chicago Cubs - Clark's Crew really upped their game this year to get the #1 Kids Club in MLB ranking for 2015.  As they promote on their website, Clark's Crew provides "Better Sizes, Cooler Items and More Fun!"to its kids club members than it has in the past.  This year, members get a unique backpack, a replica jersey in a choice of youth sizes to ensure a good fit, a membership card with a fast-pass for Kids Run the Bases at Wrigley Field, an activity book with 32 pages of puzzles and games, a special Jewel-Osco Healthy Eaters Card (valid for a free apple or banana with EVERY visit to a Chicago area Jewel-Osco grocery), an opportunity to attend a Clark's Crew Member Only Player Q&A event during the season, exclusive mailings throughout the year, and other discounts and special experiences throughout the season.  Joining Clark's Crew costs $25 plus shipping and handling for the delivery of the membership kit to your house.

Another impressive option provided to fans by the Cubs, is its Newborn Fan Club.  For $45 this program is perfect for new parents and their newborns.  The Newborn Fan Club includes a customized photo announcing the birth (complete with baby's name, birthday, and birth weight) on the historical landmark of the Wrigley Field Marquee, exclusive Cubs birth certificate to hang in the newborn's nursery, Cubs baby stocking cap to help keep their smallest fans warm, and a Cubs "Rookie of the Year" onesie to show off the loyalty around town.

Because the Cubs are doing an outstanding job of providing Kids Club offerings that enhance the fan experience at a reasonable price in an effort to build the life long loyalty of children to their team they are the World Champs this year for our A Geek Daddy Kids Club competition - now we'll have to see if that carries over to a World Series title on the diamond this season.

Cheering on your favorite sporting team can be a great bonding experience for parents and kids plus a fun way to spend time together as a family.  MLB Kids Clubs are a nice way to introduce your children to the team you cheer for and encourage them to join you as a fan.  If you haven't checked them out for your local team, I encourage you to do so.  CLICK HERE for a listing of all the MLB team's website kids' sections.

Well our favorite team didn't make the list this year, but come Opening Day we'll still be cheering for the guys on the field wearing the Old English D.   What team will you be rooting for this year?

5 Best "KIDS CLUBS" in Major League Baseball for 2014

It is Opening Day and Major League Baseball is swinging into action for its 2014 season.  So it seemed a fitting day to post my annual list of the Top 5 "Kids Clubs" in Major League Baseball (MLB).  These programs can be a fun way for a parent to share his or her love of America's Pastime as they provide newsletters, team swag, and special events geared toward attracting the interest of children.  Of the 31 MLB teams, 27 have kids programs to encourage children to become fans of the team and develop an interest in the sport of baseball.  The programs vary from team to team in both the price charged to participate (ranging from FREE to $50) and the benefits provided, so it is important for the adult who may be purchasing a kids club membership for their child, grandchild, niece, nephew and so on to do some research before signing up to participate to make sure there is a value in your situation to participate.

I've taken a look at each of the current programs offered by MLB teams and have ranked my Top 5 below based upon these factors -  price/value for the money, coolness/wow factor, quality of materials/swag, special events, and branding:

1) ST. LOUIS CARDINALS  The Cardinals set the standard for hosting Kids Clubs in the Major Leagues by hosting not just one but two quality programs for young fans.  For children 4 to 13 they have the Cardinals Kids Club and for teens and young adults they host the Varsity Club for fans aged 14 to 19.

The Cardinals Kids Club provides its members with a fun exclusive perk in hosting a MEMBERS ONLY PARTY at Busch Stadium that includes games, snacks, Cardinals players signing autographs, and a chance to meet the team mascot.  Members are also provided 2 tickets to a Monday - Thursday home game during the regular season.  Another perk of membership is some nice Cardinals gear that includes an exclusive kids club bubble head figure, an official kids club backpack, binoculars, a color themed rope bracelet, 2014 membership lapel pin, a Cardinals lanyard, and a coupon book with discounts and perks.

The Varsity Club provides 2 tickets to a Monday - Thursday home game at Busch Stadium during the regular season plus admission to a specially designated "Varsity Club Day @ The Ballpark" game.  Members are provided early access to the "Varsity Club Day" game which features a pre-game program featuring Cardinals Front Office executives and players and a parade around the warning track.  Varsity Club gear includes a branded duffel bag and ear buds with a carrying case.  Members also receive a coupon book that provides discounts and free perks at Cardinals games and a membership magazine that is mailed to their homes.

One drawback though is that these programs are on the pricier side when it comes to Membership fees for MLB kids clubs.  The Cardinals Kids Club costs $30 plus $2 processing charge & $5 shipping and handling for a total cost of $37.  The Membership fee for the Varsity Club is $35 plus 2 processing fee & $5 shipping and handling for a total cost of $42.  The team scored well in all of the 5 judging categories though to earn it the top ranking for 2014.

2) MIAMI MARLINS  The Miami Marlins took second place this year based upon its extraordinary scoring in the judging category of PRICE/VALUE FOR THE MONEY.  The Billy's Bunch Kids Club is FREE for children 12 and under who live in the 5 Miami area counties that pay a property tax supporting the team's stadium.  If you live in Florida outside those counties it still only costs $2.95 to join and if you are a fan living outside of the state there is a  $9.95 membership fee.  When you taking into consideration the items members receive from the team when they join, even at $9.95 participating in Billy's Bunch Kids Club is an exceptional value.  The Marlin's Kid Club provides its members a Welcome Letter from their mascot, Billy the Marlin, 2 complimentary tickets to a Marlin's home game, a membership card, Billy the Marlin ear buds, a sports backpack, an activity book, a Billy the Marlin LED watch, coupon for a free Duffy's Kids Meal, a free month access to the MLB.com Digital Academy Players Clubhouse, and front of the line access for Kids Run the Bases after Sunday home games.

One item that was disappointing when it comes to the Billy's Bunch Kids Club though was that they offer a really nice special event perk that allows members that are between 7 and 12 years old to participate in a baseball skills clinic with Marlins players and coaches, but it is limited to the first 100 members to RSVP when it is announced.  It is nice that the team limits participation to maximize the value for those who attend but it would be nice if they held several similar events throughout the season to provide more kids the opportunity to participate.  A random draw versus a first to RSVP might be more fair for everyone to have a chance too.

If you family cheers for the Marlins, especially if you live in the Miami area, you shouldn't miss out in letting your children enjoy this Kids Club.

3) CINCINNATI REDS  The REDS HEADS scored high marks high marks in EVERY judging category this year to lock up the 3rd place ranking in 2014.  For $25 members receive perks that include numerous special events and the best swag items of any MLB kids club.  RED HEADS receive an exclusive replica of a Reds home jersey, a replica batting practice hat, glove shaped backpack, hologram Reds logo baseball, membership card with lanyard, free Bob Evans kids meal, and free admission opportunities to the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum, Cincinnati Zoo, and Cincinnati Museum Centers OMNIMAX Theater.  A Reds Heads email newsletter is also thrown into this membership package for young fans.

4) KANSAS CITY ROYALS Sluggerrr's Blue Crew scored high marks with its branding and giveaway items to secure the fourth spot in this year's Top 5 list.  For $25 (plus $5 if you order online bringing the price up to $30 since that is the primary way the program is marketed), Sluggerrr's Blue Crew members receive an exclusive t-shirt, special edition KC cap, official club magnet, 2 game ticket vouchers, passes for Outfield Experience activities, and a VIP membership badge with lanyard.  Members also are provided front of the line access to the Sprint Fun Run around the bases after Sunday home games and can get a free stadium tour.

Kansas City does an incredible job with branding their program but is a little lacking with providing special events and non-merchandise item perks.  If they up their game next season Sluggerrr's Blue Crew could be a contender with the Reds Heads for the number one spot in 2015's rankings.

5) OAKLAND A's  The A's cracked the Top 5 this year based on their great score in the Wow Factor category based upon their offering members the most unique and useful giveaway item of any MLB kids club program, the STOMPER bobblehead toothbrush holder.

Unfortunately, without this great giveaway item this Kids Club probably be in the middle of the pack when compared to other teams' programs.  Its Kids Club Passport program is a costly burdensome incentive package involving families having to purchase tickets for 10 to 25 games to have the chance to win prizes. This is a nice feature for season ticket holders but not for families that just attend a few games during the season.  I'm also flabergasted that the A's cheaped out and didn't include their toothbrushes with their toothbrush holder.

The special in-game promotions by the A's involving its Kids Club members are what push them over the top to grab the final spot on the Top 5 list.  Each member can spin a wheel during Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday home games and is guaranteed to win a prize, including a chance to "Steal the Base" on Saturdays, announce the A's lineup on Sundays, bring the umpire water on Fridays.

At $25 (plus $5 for shipping and handling for a price tag of $30) to join, the A's are going to need to pick up their game to chase off teams like the Angels, Nationals, Orioles, Redsox, Rockies, or Tigers from passing them up on the 2015 best of list.

Cheering on your favorite sporting team can be a great bonding experience and fun way to spend time together as a family.  MLB Kids Clubs are a nice way to introduce your children to the team you cheer for and encourage them to join you as a fan.  If you haven't checked them out for your local team, I encourage you to do so.  CLICK HERE for a listing of all the MLB team's website kids' sections.

Some of these teams have kids clubs and others just have information of interest to children and teens posted online.