Which MLB Team Has the Better 'Seinfeld' Promotional Giveaway?

By Joseph Myers

If someone were to ask us about our admiration for “Seinfeld,” we would definitely not be a “low-talker” in explaining the hold that the sitcom will forever have on our sense of humor. Since this marks the 30th anniversary of the show-about-nothing’s debut, plenty of people will likely acknowledge a similar sway that the program has over them. And for those folks who are seeking ways to celebrate that influence, the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers have them covered, thanks to promotional giveaway opportunities.

The National League teams are among MLB's most-storied franchises, so we appreciate that they are double-dipping in helping fans to commend the 180-episode masterpiece’s influence. “Seinfeld” set its hilarious hijinks in New York, so it is apt that the Mets, one of comedian Jerry Seinfeld’s “favorite things in all the world,” would fete the show’s legacy, with July 5’s tilt against Promo Marketing’s hometown Philadelphia Phillies being their means to do so. That date comes exactly 30 years after “Seinfeld,” then known as “The Seinfeld Chronicles,” became a component of NBC’s lineup, so kudos to the Mets for that display of synchronicity.

The organization deserves another nod for the elements of the early summer event, as a bobblehead of the show’s titular performer will be the promo pull, and the experiential pieces will be appearances by Seinfeld, Keith Hernandez (a legend not only in Mets’ lore but also in the show’s) and Larry Thomas, the actor beloved for his turn as The Soup Nazi. The bobblehead has drawn one writer’s ire due to the scribe’s stance that it looks nothing like Seinfeld, so here’s hoping that any fans who feel the same way come July 5 can overlook that and have a nice evening. However, like in the episode where Kramer and Newman hold Hernandez accountable for spitting on the former, we also hope their day is ruined!

Here's the bobblehead the Mets will give away for this event.

Jerry Seinfeld is also scheduled to host a "Seinfeld" trivia competition at Citi Field that night.

"Two of my favorite things in all the world are the comedy arts and my New York Mets," Seinfeld said in a statement. pic.twitter.com/L96Wje7zbm

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) May 16, 2019

Come May 29, the Dodgers will likewise act as fan boys when they give away a commemorative 30th anniversary baseball. While most people think of “Seinfeld” as strictly a New York show, California proved integral, too, so we could see why the Dodgers would want in on the promo possibilities surrounding the reception to the show’s durability. Featuring the message “30 Years of Nothing, Now That’s Something,” the baseball also features icons that “Seinfeld” diehards will certainly appreciate, including a box of Junior Mints and a chocolate éclair.

These pretzels are making me thirsty.#Dodgers celebrate 30th anniversary of #Seinfeld on their May 29 game against the Mets. Ticket includes exclusive Commemorative Seinfeld 30th Anniversary Baseball. pic.twitter.com/yN86brL18D

— Vassilis Dalakas (@DrSportBusiness) April 26, 2019

We are not sure why the Dodgers chose May 29 as the giveaway date (not that there’s anything wrong with that), so although they will celebrate “Seinfeld” earlier than the Mets will, is the calendar enough to give their promotion the edge over the New York club’s concept? The Mets, after all, are paying their anniversary respects on the actual anniversary.

Back and forth we have gone with debating this, and we are going to give the win to the Dodgers. We think the Mets could have been a bit more creative with their promo decision. Yes, bobbleheads are great, and their creation does acknowledge the entertainer responsible for the show, but the baseball is a more visually appealing keepsake. Though we have disappointed the Mets, they could always shout “Serenity now!” and move on with their pursuit of the National League East crown.