Washington Nationals’ 2017 promo schedule highlights

The Nationals announced their 2017 promo schedule today, an event that, among the obscure baseball holidays, ranks towards the top.

Last year, fans were treated to a Bryce Harper MVP Bobblehead, as well as a two-part Max Scherzer bobblehead celebrating his two no-hitters in 2015, in addition to a Dusty Baker bobblehead. Last summer’s promo schedule also included a few special nights, including the return of 80’s Night and Star Wars Day, as well as introducing Oktoberfest at Nationals Park. The Nats also handed out non-bobblehead items, including a Teddy Roosevelt Racing President window cling, and a Bryce Harper Chia Pet.

This season, on the non-bobblehead side of things, the Nats will hand out Magic 8 Balls on Opening Day against the Marlins (4/3), a Max Scherzer Snow Globe against the Mariners on May 24, and a Bryce Harper Starting Lineup Action Figure against the Marlins on August 29th, among other items.

The Nats cut down on their bobblehead total from 2016 into 2017, only giving away three instead of the six included in the 2016 promotional schedule.

The three bobbleheads, which will be given to the first 25,000 fans, are as follows:

Daniel Murphy Bobblehead (April 14th vs Phillies)
Trea Turner Bobblehead (May 12th vs Phillies)
Tanner Roark Bobblehead (Friday June 9th vs Rangers)

The schedule also includes theme games, such as the return of Star Wars Day, on May 27th versus the Padres, Oktoberfest, on September 29th versus the Pirates, and introduces B1G Ten Night against the Marlins on August 10th, as well as 90’s Night on Friday, August 11th versus the Giants (presumably replacing 80’s night from previous years).

Old favorites are also included in the Nats’ schedule this year, including a Mother’s Day Carnation Giveaway against the Phillies on May 14th, multiple College Days (colleges to be determined later), and everyone’s favorite: the traditional (and adorable) Pups in the Park, which will occur on multiple dates.

The Nats will also continue their tradition of honoring each branch of the military during their patriotic series, where they will get to showcase their new white patriotic uniforms.

Unfortunately, despite all of the great ideas suggested by the Federal Baseball community, it looks like none made the cut — maybe next year.