Dodgers’ Yoshi Bobblehead Sparks Stadium Frenzy Amid Giveaway
Dodgers star Yoshinobu Yamamoto is at the center of one of the greatest baseball stadium promotions in history.
Los Angeles Dodgers star Yoshinobu Yamamoto is at the center of one of the greatest baseball stadium promotions in history, with an already iconic Yoshi bobblehead made after him. Yamamoto, the resigning World Series MVP and ace for the Dodgers, is a certified stateside star, and as a result, Japanese company Nintendo has seen a brilliant marketing opportunity. Ahead of the release of “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” Nintendo is giving a makeover to one of its legendary characters, Yoshi, making him resemble Yamamoto, with a hat, jersey, and number all modeled after the Japanese ace.
On Tuesday, March 31, ahead of the game against the Guardians, the Dodgers are giving away 40,000 Yoshi bobbleheads, taking their starting pitcher and making something related to his nickname, “Yoshi. ” Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) is introduced to receive his World Series ring during a ceremony prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images As soon as the bobblehead was announced, fans were excited, and that excitement has only grown in the days since, with fans lining up hours before the game to get their hands on the exclusive collectible.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation) Entry prices were $160 to attend the game, but on the resale market, the bobbleheads sell for up to $240 in presale, shipping after the sellers get their hands on them. With international and local interest, the Dodgers and Nintendo managed to score a promotional hit.