OFFICIALLY LICENSED BUGS BUNNY X MLB ART SERIES

With Major League Baseball being played in empty stadiums this year, fans are going to have to be enjoying games from home during the season. Have you done anything to make a space around your house more comfy while watching games on television or streaming them to another type of electronic device? Now is a perfect time to remodel a man cave, den, office or game room!

For those of you who are looney about both baseball and Bugs Bunny, check out this new artwork by artist S. Preston. It is a minimalist print depicting Bugs Bunny as a ball player from your favorite team. I think S. Preston's imagery of Bugs sporting the Old English D is very sharp looking. These art prints are available with Bugs Bunny representing all 30 MLB teams.

Known for his sports inspired pop art including his popular Minimalist Baseball Stadium art series, S. Preston has just released an all-new series, MINIMALIST BASEBALL BUGS––MLB EDITION. This series is an official collaboration with MLB™ and Chuck Jones Gallery, featuring quirky sets of wall art for all 30 MLB teams available just in time for the return of baseball and the 80th Birthday of Bugs Bunny. These prints are a fun way for pop culture and baseball fans of all ages to show team spirit and an appreciation of Looney Tunes!

With initial dreams of becoming a professional athlete, S. Preston blended his unique artistic talents with his passion for sports, doodling his way to beautiful minimalist art that would deeply connect with sports fanatics. Minimalist ballpark designs led off his success, and from there, he moved on to MLB mascots, moments, trophy designs and princesses dressed in local team gear, eventually achieving national recognition and becoming one of only four licensed MLB artists. In 2016, S. Preston’s artwork made the permanent archives of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, NY, and he is a lifetime member of the coveted institution.

MINIMALIST BASEBALL BUGS – MLB EDITION will be available in limited quantities of 100 variants per team, with an MSRP of $80.00. For more information visit sprestondesigns.com/collections/baseball-bugs-team-variants

America's Favorite Baseball Movies

With the annual hiatus in the Major League season for its All-Star  festivities approaching, the folks from the movie rental service Redbox have released a list ranking America's favorite baseball themed movies to encourage people to continue enjoying the national pastime while their their favorite team is taking a break by watching these films.  According to an omnibus survey conducted by Matchbox/MARU on behalf of Redbox, the following were the favorite movies of U.S. respondents:

1.       Field of Dreams
2.       A League of Their Own
3.       The Sandlot
4.       Major League
5.       Angels in the Outfield
6.       Bad News Bears
7.       The Natural
8.       Bull Durham
9.       Rookie of the Year
10.     Moneyball

How does this list compare to your personal preferences?  For me, Field of Dreams would have been lower on the list; the Bad New Bears higher; For Love of the Game along with Mr. Baseball and Fever Pitch would have cracked the Top 10; while Angels in the Outfield, Rookie of the Year and Moneyball wouldn't have made the cut.  I really have to go back and re-watch some of these great movies. It has been a long time since I've seen any of them. Time to swing by a Redbox kiosk!

Major League Baseball Celebrates Fathers Day

Major League Baseball teams will be celebrating Fathers Day by having their players don special uniforms and use commemorative balls during games taking place on June 18th.  Players will be sporting baby blue colored caps, jerseys and socks in honor of dads.  The baseballs in these games will also feature a unique blue stitching color pattern.

If you like these uniforms picking one up for yourself also benefits a worthy cause -->  prostate cancer research.  MLB royalties from the sales of replica apparel from these special outfits will be donated to the  Prostate Cancer Foundation and Stand Up to Cancer. Plus Rawlings is also donating $1 for each replica baseball sold to the Prostate Cancer Foundation for each of the Fathers Day themed baseballs they sell to fans.

 I like that in addition to the snapback style caps with their large flat brims that are popular today, New Era has also produced the Fathers Day hats in what has become called the "dad cap."  Dad caps tend to be made of canvas or cotton and have a slightly curved brim.  I guess I'm starting to show my age when the hat I prefer to wear is called a dad cap. 

Standard MLB cap

Dad Cap

I'm a Detroit Tigers fan so I've highlighted the Old English D versions of the Fathers Day outfits but each Major League team will have their own variation incorporating their own logo and uniform styling.  Also for the first time this year, players will be able to wear themed socks to go along with their special edition jerseys and caps.  CLICK HERE for more information about these baseballs, caps, jerseys and socks honoring dads.

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.

MLB Holiday Uniforms + Baseballs Support Charitable Causes

On Memorial Day, Fathers Day, and the Fourth of July this year, Major League Baseball teams will again be having their players don special uniforms and using commemorative balls in honor of these holidays.  This has become a regular event taking place the last few years, but for the first time this year players will also be wearing special socks to go along with the holiday themes of their uniform's cap and jersey.  Stance socks join New Era caps and Majestic jerseys in making these special-event uniforms happen plus MLB also gets assistance from Rawlings to create unique stitching color patterns on the baseballs used during these holiday games.

In addition to adding an additional fun factor to the games on these days, the uniforms will be contributing to the community as well.  Teams will tie-in promoting the messages of several charitable causes by providing extra visibility with MLB fans and players in association with these holiday uniforms.  Also royalties from the sales of replica apparel from these special outfits will be donated to designated charities.  Fathers Day will support the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Stand Up to Cancer, while Memorial Day and Independence Day will assist the efforts of MLB Charities. Rawlings is also donating $1 for each replica baseball sold to the designated charity for each of the holiday themed baseballs.

Since I'm a Detroit Tigers fan, A Geek Daddy is primarily highlighting apparel sporting the Old English D but each Major League team will have their own variation incorporating their logo into these three standardized holiday designs.  To check out your particular team's look this year visit these links:

Memorial Day   |   Fathers Day  |  Independence Day

MEMORIAL DAY 2017

This year both the caps and jerseys will display 5 stars on them representing the five armed services of the United States military. The Blue Jays will have 4 maple leafs on their caps and sleeves to represent their country's military.  There won't be camouflage on the jersey's this year but the caps will incorporate a new pattern which MLB calls "ripstop woodlands" rather than the USMC style used in previous years.  Socks will be a continuation of the camouflage pattern from the caps.  

FATHERS DAY 2017

This year's Father Day apparel looks similar to previous years with a baby blue coloring scheme and a fresh heathered pattern to the caps.  New this year is two sock choices for players to choose from to match up with their jerseys and caps.

FOURTH OF JULY 2017

MLB is trying something new with this year's Independence Day caps featuring glossy logos they're saying are made from "LiquidChrome."  This shiny new material paints the logo with an American flag pattern outlined with a silver border.  These caps continue the heathered styling from the Fathers Day version with a patriotic red and blue color pattern.

Jersey's will look similar to last year with the player's name and number plus team logo embracing a waving flag stars and stripes pattern.  The player's socks though will stand out for sure though with one leg featuring a blue background with white stars while the other one will have a red and white striped pattern to it.

MLB also hosted a Mothers Day special event featuring pink caps, jerseys, socks and baseballs at the beginning of the season supporting Susan G. Komen.  Mothers Day themed items can still be found at MLBShop.com.

Wearing these special event balls, caps, jerseys and socks are a nice way to differentiate yourself from other fans and they also make great collectible items.  They also make for great gifts for sports fanatics, especially if you give one to someone to wear at the ballpark during one of these holiday games.  Plus it is nice to have America's national pastime make an extra effort to recognize these special moments during the year that are important to so many people.  Do you have a favorite out of these special event themes?  Mine is the Independence Day gear even though I couldn't find any pictures of it with the Old English D and had to sink to using an example from the Yankees.

TIGER TRAXX ICE CREAM

 ** A Geek Daddy received the featured product for FREE to review **

Two of my favorite things, baseball and ice cream, have come together in Hudsonville Tigers Traxx.  Baseball is back in the D! And along with the return of the Detroit Tigers playing another season of Major League Baseball at Comerica Park is Hudsonville's Tiger Traxx ice cream.

Hudsonville is the official ice cream of the Detroit Tigers and has created its limited edition Tiger Traxx variety in homage to my favorite baseball team that will be available throughout the current baseball season.  It is made up of Hudsonville's original vanilla ice cream and loaded with chocolate covered salty pretzels that look like orange baseballs along with ripples of thick chocolate fudge.  Oh it is so good!  Perfect for a snack while watching the Tigers play on television or listening to one of their games on the radio.  You can purchase Tiger Traxx anywhere Hudsonville ice cream is sold in Michigan.  Plus if you are at Comerica Park for a ball game keep an eye out for the Hudsonville team providing free ice cream samples during Tigers home stands.

Holland, Michigan-based Hudsonville Creamery & Ice Cream Company is known for producing artisan crafted ice cream that is available at affordable rather than gourmet prices.  The company has a goal of making great products that are priced to be attainable for anyone who enjoys ice cream.  They really do stand out by providing great taste and freshness in their ice cream flavors.  Hudsonville is able to do this by having its manufacturing facility in close proximity to the western Michigan dairy farms that provide them with the milk for making their ice cream.  In fact, Hudsonville works to get the freshest products it can for all its ingredients which really makes a positive difference.  You can tell this company's commitment to creating the very best ice cream on the market with every bite or lick of its finely crafted flavors.  Hudsonville Ice Cream really is delicious!

To share my enjoyment of Hudsonville ice cream, I'm giving away a FREE 56 oz carton to one luck winner.  A Geek Daddy will mail the randomly selected winner a manufacturer's coupon that is good for any flavor of Hudsonville Ice Cream you want to select at your local grocery store.  Must be a Michigan resident over 18 years old to participate.  Just complete the entries below for a chance to win:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer:  While Tiger Traxx does not include peanuts or tree nuts it is produced in a facility that utilizes those ingredients.  Because of the risk of cross contamination I do not allow my children that have food allergies to consume any Hudsonville ice cream products whether or not the allergens are included ingredients.  We do not allow any products that actually include ingredients my children are allergic to inside our home and items that may have been contaminated in production process are case-by-case determination.

Contest Rules:  A Geek Daddy has not been financially compensated for this endorsement or hosting the giveaway but was provided the same items being provided as a prize for personal use.  A Geek Daddy is hosting the promotion as a benefit to our readers. Must be a Michigan resident over the age of 18 to participate.  Winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries. Must provide a valid email address and respond within 48 hours of being contacted providing a shipping address to accept the prize.  Failure to reply within the designated time frame will forfeit the prize and a new random winner will be selected from eligible entries. The prize which consist of a manufacturer's coupon that expires on 12/31/2017 courtesy of Hudsonville Ice Cream and valid wherever their products are sold. A Geek Daddy will mail the the prize to the randomly selected winner via the U.S. Postal Service. By participating in this free promotion you waive any liability of any kind against the publisher of this blog regarding this contest or the prize.

Major League Baseball Teams Wearing Patriotic Themed Uniforms During Fourth of July Games

On Monday, July 4, 2016, Major League Baseball teams will be sporting special patriotic themed caps and jerseys during their games to honor America's Independence Day holiday.  The jerseys will incorporate a stars and stripes / fireworks theme to the lettering and numbering while the caps will either be blue or red with a background of white stars emblazoned on the front.

In addition to adding some patriotic spirit to America's pastime on the Fourth of July these uniforms will be assisting the charity Welcome Back Veterans which assists U.S. military servicemen and women with making a successful transition back to civilian life.  Major League Baseball's licensing royalties from the sale of the replica caps and jerseys their teams' players will be wearing on the field for Independence Day will be donated to this veterans charity.

These specialty Fourth of July uniforms are altered each year to make them collectible and maintain fan interest in each year's new design.  Check out your favorite team's Stars & Stripes cap and jersey by visiting shop.mlb.com.  I have to admit not really taking much of a liking to this year's Stars & Stripes cap and jersey designs for the U.S. teams but ironically the Blue Jays Maple Leaf Cap version of the Fourth of July uniforms in my opinion comes off really sharp. The Blue Jays will wear their specialty caps and jerseys on Canada Day (July 1) as well as on the Fourth of July.  So what do you think of this year's Major League Baseball Independence Day uniform designs?

Major League Baseball Customized Fathers Day Uniforms Support Prostate Cancer Awareness & Research

I had to take a second glance and ask the other people in the room with me if there was something wrong with the TV while watching the Detroit Tigers game on Fathers Day as the team's uniforms seemed different.  In fact, they were.  For the first time ever, Major League Baseball (MLB) was having their teams wear customized uniforms and caps for Fathers Day with a "baby blue" theme to them.  While I'm a traditionalist when it comes to the uniforms that sport the Old English D and appreciate keeping a classic look to the outfits, in my opinion these Fathers Day uniforms were very sharp!

For the last several years, MLB has had its teams don pink uniforms on Mothers Day to show support for breast cancer survivors and promote awareness on the topic.  The reproductions of these official pink Mothers Day uniforms and caps that were made available for purchase to fans have had their MLB licensing royalties donated to the non-profits Susan G. Komen and Stand Up to Cancer.  This year the initiative was expanded to include Fathers Day.

The focus of the Fathers Day MLB promotion was to raise awareness, and some money, for prostate cancer prevention.  According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime with 1 in 39 men dying from the disease.  Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths for men residing within the United States behind only lung cancer.  Fortunately, if discovered early and treated many men can survive prostate cancer.  CLICK HERE to learn more about prostate cancer from the American Cancer Society.

As with the Mothers Day specialty uniforms, these unique Fathers Day ones will have their MLB licensing royalties donated to charity as well go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Stand Up to Cancer.  If you like these replica jerseys and caps don't wait to long to grab one as they are meant to be collectible items produced in limited supplies.  I'm not a fan of the flat brimmed snapback caps that seem to be all the rage lately so I'm glad New Era also produced a more traditional Fathers Day version of the ball cap for dads like me who appreciate the vintage look.

Check out all of the Fathers Day looks that were worn around Major League Baseball by all the teams for their June 19th games:




Major League Baseball teams will also be wearing special patriotic themed uniforms on the Fourth of July.  MLB's licensing royalties from these replica Fourth of July caps and jerseys will be donated to the the veterans' support charity Welcome Back Veterans.

So what to think of these special themed uniforms for sporting teams? Love them, hate them or just don't care? 

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?