Negro Leagues Mystery Bobblehead Box. Courtesy: National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum
On February 2, 2024, in celebration of Black History Month, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled a unique offering. The institution introduced the Negro Leagues Mystery Bobblehead Boxes, presenting enthusiasts with a chance to acquire assorted Negro Leagues Bobbleheads at a discounted rate.
Since 2019, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has collaborated with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to produce bobbleheads commemorating the players and teams of the Negro Leagues, with proceeds contributing to the NLBM and the families of the players. The mystery boxes boast a diverse selection of over 100 different Negro Leagues Bobbleheads, showcasing numerous players and styles.
The Negro Leagues Mystery Bobblehead Boxes are now accessible through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. These boxes are available in three options: one bobblehead for $20, three bobbleheads for $50, or five bobbleheads for $75, each subject to an $8 flat-rate shipping charge per order.
Fans purchasing multiple boxes will receive distinct bobbleheads in each box, with a maximum of 50 unique bobbleheads available due to limited quantities of many remaining bobbleheads. All the bobbleheads were produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in collaboration with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and Dreams Fulfilled, furthering the mission of supporting the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Since 2019, the Museum has introduced over 10 different series of bobbleheads, including the Centennial Team Series, Vintage Series, Field of Legends Series, and various Special Edition Bobbleheads, among others. Notably, the majority of these bobbleheads are individually numbered.
Phil Sklar, co-founder, and CEO of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum expressed enthusiasm about the release, stating, “We’re excited to be releasing these special Negro Leagues Mystery Bobblehead Boxes in conjunction with Black History Month,” highlighting the opportunity to celebrate legendary players like Satchel Paige, Hank Aaron, and Cool Papa Bell.
This year holds particular significance for the Negro Leagues, marked by events such as the Negro Leagues MLB tribute game at Rickwood Field and the Baseball Hall of Fame Tribute to the Negro Leagues All-Star Game. Additionally, the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the first Negro Leagues World Series is scheduled. Notably, on June 20th, Rickwood Field will host a regular season Major League Baseball game between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants, commemorating its historical significance as the former home of the Birmingham Black Barons.
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, situated at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, commenced operations on February 1st, 2019, and has since become a hub for both retail and customized bobbleheads.
Meanwhile, the NLBM, a privately funded museum dedicated to preserving the history of Negro League baseball, continues its pivotal role in ensuring the legacy of African American baseball pioneers. Founded in 1990 in Kansas City’s historic 18th and Vine District, the NLBM stands as a testament to a once overlooked chapter of American sports history, having welcomed over two million visitors since its relocation in 1997.
The collaboration between the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum serves as a fitting tribute to the enduring impact of Negro League baseball on American culture and history.
