Baseball's 10 Worst Local TV Commercials and Promos Heading into 2012

Credit: sullivantire.com

Remember those old Pete Rose/Aqua Velva commercials and how terrible they were?  

It seems as though baseball teams and players have come a long way since those days; however, there still remain a fair amount of just terrible local commercials and team promotions.

Be it bad acting or silly giveaways, there is always something.

Here is a list of 10, in no particular order, that I think you'll enjoy taking a look at.

Tampa Bay Rays Zim Bear Promotion

On Friday, June 29, the first 10,000 fans to enter the Trop will be, uh, treated to this God-awful bear.

I think this may be the scariest thing I've seen in my life.

Logan Morrison Car Ad

There are a couple of these ads from 2011. This one is from about five months ago and features some fantastic/terrible acting by Marlins star Logan Morrison.

The dealership owner is pretty creepy.

The part that seals the deal for me is the closing scene with Morrison where he looks like a choirboy. Excellent. Just excellent.

San Francisco Giants Brian Wilson Gnome

I'm not entirely sure what to make of this promotion.

While, it is cool to have a gnome with a beard resembling Brian Wilson...I don't get it.

Baltimore Orioles Spring Training Ad

*sigh*

I know it is difficult to get excited about the Orioles these days. I do find it funny to start the commercial off by highlighting the 1969 AL Champions banner and focusing on the only player that people will recognize—Nick Markakis—twice.

Other than that, really, what is there to get so excited about in Birdland, Sarasota?

Dustin Pedroia Sullivan Tire Commercials

Dustin Pedroia has been doing these commercials for Sullivan Tire for the past several years. Every single one of them is just awful.

While this one is not new by any means, they have been playing it this season during Red Sox spring training games.  

If you want a laugh, just look up a few more of these gems.

New York Mets Texting Gloves

On Saturday, April 7, the first 25,000 fans to Citi Field will receive a pair of "texting" gloves, courtesy of Verizon.

Now, this could be just a pet peeve of mine, but I LOATHE being at a game and seeing other fans on their phones.

You're there for the game, not to text, not to chat. The idea of encouraging this behavior is ridiculous to me.

Philadelphia Phillies Charlie Manuel Commemorative Ball

This is another one that confuses me.

On Saturday, April 14, the Phillies will be giving out Charlie Manuel commemorative baseballs...to children under the age of 14.

Now, I don't see how this is appealing to kids.

I could see a Phanatic ball, or, I don't know, one of any of the superstars on the team, but Charlie Manuel to kids? That's like me giving my four-year old a copy of Game of Shadows for Easter...enjoy!

Now, the Phillies in general have it right with several awesome promotions lined up for 2012, but this one is a head-scratcher.

Arizona Diamondbacks Gibby Is Watching

I don't really get the point of this commercial.

I mean, I get it, but it just seems silly to me.

Texas Rangers Chicken Express Nolan Ryan Snow Monkey

What in the bloody blue hell does a snow monkey have to do with Nolan Ryan?

I have no idea, but the first 10,000 kids 13 and under on July 1 will get to take this silly guy home with them.

Minnesota Twins Cowboy Hat

On May 26, the first 10,000 fans to attend the Twins/Tigers game will receive this stunning black Twins cowboy hat.

I'm not sure if I think this is silly or really like it.

It definitely is an original concept. I know they've done this promotion in the past, and obviously, it goes over well.

Leave You with One Last Thought

There are tons of bad promotions and commercials out there. While this year is still young, trust me, there will be plenty.

So, I hope you have enjoyed the list to some extent. I welcome your comments, and please, direct me to some other great local promotions, I'd love to see them (I don't know, like Manny Ramirez dreadlocks day in Oakland?)

Also, enjoy this Pete Rose classic.