Dodgers schedule Justin Turner Chia Pet giveaway for 2016
The Los Angeles Dodgers released their promotional schedule for 2016, and there was quite a unique item on the giveaway list.
In addition to a series of bobblehead and commemorative pin giveaways, the Dodgers have also scheduled a Justin Turner Chia Pet giveaway for April 30 against the San Diego Padres.
Turner, who has been one of the Dodgers' most consistent offensive producers in the past two seasons, is known for his iconic orange beard, which will sprout green out of a terracotta bust of his likeness in the thousands next season.
While the giveaway is a unique diversion from the typical promotions MLB teams host to bring fans to the ballpark, the Dodgers aren't the first to hand out Chia Pets of one of their players, as the Washington Nationals did the same with outfielder Jayson Werth this past season.
As for the usual giveaways, the Dodgers will host 10 different bobblehead nights in 2016, beginning with ace Clayton Kershaw on April 25 and new manager Dave Roberts on May 11. Dodger Stadium will also pay tribute to former Dodger and new Nationals manager Dusty Baker with a bobblehead night on June 22, when the Blue Crew hosts his new club.
Among the other highlights on the promotional schedule for 2016 (full list here) are a Vin Scully T-shirt on May 10, a welcome mat on May 17, and a Magic Johnson gnome giveaway on Aug. 14.
