(TRENTON, NJ) - Fans of the Trenton Thunder Minor League Baseball team will take home items such as Thunder themed collectible race cars, pillow cases and clothes hampers at games this season. 

 

The Thunder, the Double A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, released the bulk of its 2012 Promotional Schedule on Monday afternoon in advance of single game tickets going on sale for the first time on Wednesday, Feburary 1.   

 

The slate includes non-traditional promotional giveaways including Thunder-themed Pillow Caseson May 4 thanks to Capital Health (1st 1,000, 5-15).  Thunder Clothes Hampers will go to fans on May 24 thanks to Arm & Hammer (1st 1,000, 5-15) and young fans at the game on July 22 will take home a Lil Webkinz doll thanks to NJ Best (1st 1,000, 5-15).  Die-Cast Collectible Racing Cars featuring the Thunder logo will go to fans on August 21 thanks to the NJEA (1st 1,000, 5-15).

 

Sunday, June 3 is going to be an awesome day at the ballpark as Brobee and Muno from Yo Gabba Gabba will be the Thunder's special guests at the game.  Both characters will be available for photographs during the game.  

 

The Thunder will host eight Bobblehead Doll giveaways with each one featuring players who have worn the Thunder uniform in their careers.    The first will feature Yankees prospect Manny Banuelos thanks to Capital Health on May 11 (1st 2,000, 6+).  Later in May, DQ Grill & Chill will present a "Catchers Collectors Series" of "Mini" bobbleheads on consecutive days.   Fans will receive Francisco Cervelli on May 21, Jesus Montero on May 22 and Austin Romine on May 23 (each 1st 1,500, 6+).  On June 22, Derek Jeter's 2011 rehabilitation appearance will be commemorated with a bobblehead giveaway featuring the Yankees Captain in a Thunder uniform (1st 2,000, 6+) thanks to TD Bank. David Robertson, a 2011 American League All-Star, will be featured on July 6 thanks to Capital Health.  Pitcher Ivan Nova will make his Thunder bobblehead debut on July 27 thanks to Hyundai (1st 2,000, 6+).  Finally, Arm & Hammer will presentRobinson Cano bobbleheads on August 17 (1st 2,000, 6+).

 

The 2012 promotional slate is loaded with traditionally popular giveaway items as well.  On Opening Night, April 5 as well as April 6, there will be Magnetic Schedules for the first 2,000 fans.  Kids Opening Day on April 7 will feature Replica Jerseys thanks to TD Bank (1st 1,000, 5-15), June 1 will be a Thunder Cap giveaway courtesy of RAI (1st 1,500, 6+), June 8 will beBaseball Card Sets thanks to Verizon Wireless (1st 1,500, 6+), July 20 will be Seat Cushions(1st 1,500, 18+) thanks to A-1 Limousine, August 7 will be Sport Bottles (1st 1,000, 18+) thanks to Capital Health, and August 19 will feature Drawstring Backpacks (1st 1,000, 5-15) courtesy of TD Bank.    

 

On April 19, all fans in attendance will receive free  hot dogs, hamburgers and cheeseburgers as the popular FREE All-You-Can-Eat Night returns for a third season.  A second FREE All-You-Can-Eat Night will be held on Monday, August 27. 

 

Dog-friendly promotions will return to Waterfront Park on Sunday, April 22 with Bark at the Parkpresented by Dogs and Cats Rule.  This event allows fans to bring their canines with them to the stadium.  On Friday, July 5 dogs are invited once again as the Thunder will celebrate thebirthday of its Golden Retriever, Chase.

 

As previously announced, the Thunder will host 16 fireworks shows after games in 2012. 

 

Also added to the schedule are a slew of theme nights including Irish Heritage Night (August 11), Polish Heritage Night (June 28), Italian Heritage Night (August 30) and more.  Many community events will  also be returning to the ballpark including the Third Annual Good Deed Game (July 28) and Community Blood Council of NJ Blood Drives on June 2 and July 28.

 

PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE

 

Additional promotions will be announced at later dates.   

The 2012 Trenton Thunder season at home on Thursday, April 5 versus New Hampshire.  Group tickets, season tickets and ticket packages are on sale now.    Single game tickets for the 2011 Trenton Thunder season will go on sale on Wednesday, February 1 at 9:30 am online at trentonthunder.com, by phone at 609-394-3300 or in person at Waterfront Park.