10 Great Halloween Costumes: MLB Edition

Do you need a last minute costume idea for this Halloween?

Are all the stores out of the big name brand costumes-in-a-box?

Fear not.

Baseball is an inspirational sport, and in more ways than one. This October 31, we explore the wide world of baseball costumes.

Who knows? Maybe you'll find one to use for this year's holiday, just in the nick of time.

America: Patriotism and Baseball

Costume: Colonial United States of America

Take Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki and his Benjamin Franklinesque turn-of-the 18th Century garb.

Many teams hold special theme days in which the jumbo-tron displays players dressed in themed attire as they come up to bat.

Although the Rockies computer graphics team doctored a photo of Tulowitzki in his team uniform for this image, you can put together a similar costume with a black full brim hat, some loopy hair extensions, a colonial cravat—or just a plain white cloth napkin—and an old fashioned frock coat.

Just make sure it has lots of buttons.

Baseball: Integrating Two Popular Team Sports

Costume: Human Baseball

How about a baseball costume? I mean it, a costume that makes you a baseball.

Start by measuring your head and grabbing a basketball. You will be removing about one-third of the basketball's facing—the basketball should fit your head snugly, starting at the back of the neck and ending at the forehead in a ball-peen shape.

Next, get out the white paint and cover that basketball in white. Using a finer brush, paint two chevron-filled streaks of red to simulate the baseball's seams.

Now, put on your costume hat and use white face paint to cover everything above the neckline not covered by the basketball. Using a fine brush, paint two red curves on each temple and check, connecting the seams to those painted on the basketball.

If you happen to be a fan of a particular team, feel free to paint or paste your team's logo on the center of the basketball, as demonstrated by the fan above.

Little Ron: Dressing Up as the Wash

Costume: Major League Manager

During the Rangers' post-season run, Texas provided us with plenty of story-lines.

There was the rise and fall of Alexi Ogando, Mike Napoli's MVP campaign, and a wild World Series turning point called Game 6.

But we were also introduced to something special in October.

I am referring to Little Ron Washington.

Little Wash—aka Liam Roybal—pulled off his costume with little more than a razor, glasses and a fake mustache.

When the real Ron Washington found out about Roybal, he invited his mini-counterpart to Game 4 of the 2011 World Series, where Roybal met with the team during pre-game festivities and made the "play ball!" announcement prior to first pitch.

Not bad for an afternoon's work, though I have a feeling Roybal will have some costumed company when he goes trick or treating.

Rookie: Grab Yourself a Pink Backpack

Costume: MLB Rookie

No matter what you happen to be wearing, make sure to wear a pink backpack.

One of the best hazing rituals around is the MLB tradition of forcing rookies to carry equipment—using pink backpacks.

When a new player arrives in the big leagues, he has to pay his dues. All in all, wearing a slightly age inappropriate backpack isn't all that embarrassing—every rookie does it.

Fans have a way of immediately identifying new talent, as do scouts and teammates. The pink backpack bonds teams and is good old fashioned fun.

Or you could always be a Padres rookie and wear a Star Wars-themed backpack.

Penguin: His Name Is Brian Wilson

Costume: The ESPY Penguin

When Giants closer Brian Wilson attended the ESPY Awards on July 13, 2011, he shocked many—yet surprised no one—by wearing spandex to the show.

Since orange and black are the official colors of the San Francisco Giants, Wilson's ESPY attire worked perfectly.

Since orange and black are also the preferred de-facto colors of Halloween, Wilson's outfit can function perfectly as a Halloween costume as well.

The only thing white does is serve to make Wilson look like a penguin.

All you need are sunglasses, a spandex tuxedo, a matching orange bow tie and socks, black and white shoes, a black cane and white gloves.

Oh, and a dark black beard doesn't hurt either.

Player: Manny and Other Signature Looks

Costume: Your Favorite Player

Then again, if penguin tuxedo costumes aren't for you, why not do the next best thing and dress up as a player?

For Brian Wilson, all you need is a wicked black beard and a Giants uniform. A killer fastball doesn't hurt, either.

For an easier costume, we turn to former MLB joker, Manny Ramirez.

The gentleman pictured in front of the Mannywood sign above is not Manny. But, because Ramirez often covered his face with goofy sunglasses and wore dreadlocks extending into the strike zone, emulating his look is fairly simple.

All it takes are those glasses and hairpieces, as well as a very baggy jersey with a long-sleeved undershirt.

Speaking of Manny hair, didn't the Dodgers schedule a 2010 giveaway of just such an item?

Wrestling Masks: Giveaways, Anyone?

Costume: Courtesy of Your Favorite Team

Yes, they did! Dodger fans who received the 'piece—or bought one in the team's stores—can go fish it out of the closet and prepare to become Manny Ramirez.

Last season, all teams in Major League Baseball held multiple giveaway days.

For the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, however, giveaways were also a chance to try something outrageous.

Among the standard fare of bobbleheads, magnet schedules, calendars, jerseys, hats and fleece blankets, the Angels gave their fans chia pets, gumball machines and wrestling masks.

If you're an Angels fan, it's time to go back to wherever you put those giveaway items after you got home from the game.

Good news! You now have a Halloween costume, courtesy of your favorite team.

Star Wars: The Promo Night That Never Ends

Costume: Star Wars Character

It feels like almost every MLB team holds an annual "Star Wars Night." Darth Vader, C3PO and all the others stop by the stadium, Chewbacca throws out the occasional first pitch and player pictures turn into movie characters.

The Atlanta Braves played host to the New York Mets during one such Star Wars promotional event and playfully attributed a character to each and every player on both teams.

As Jason Bay demonstrates, anyone can be a storm trooper. All it takes are sheets of white plastic cut out in the shape of body armor and a black undershirt.

You don't even need to wear the helmet, much less make it. Star Wars is so popular, everyone is going to know what you are.

Home Plate Umpire: Polos and Printouts

Costume: Major League Umpire

It takes a lot to be an MLB umpire: finishing ump school with top honors, years in the minors, a lifetime on the road being away from your family and a bit of luck.

It doesn't take that much to make the uniform, however. All you need is a blue or black polo shirt with a pocket, charcoal- or heather-grey slacks, a computer, printer, scissors and some clear double-sided tape.

First, find some black and white MLB logos, or make them yourself. Print out a three-inch square size graphic, cut it out and place it on the shirt's left breast pocket—if you don't have a pocket, don't worry. You can still go as a base umpire. If you're feeling nitty gritty, print out another logo—this time less than an inch in width—and place it centered on the backside, right below the collar.

You can also print out a black and white number for your right sleeve.

Write down some fake lineups and rosters on two sheets of paper, fold them and place them in your pocket as lineup cards. Add a pen for special effect.

If you happen to be a catcher by day, wear your protective gear on the inside of your ump costume to complete the illusion.

Executives: Commissioner Bud Selig or Your Favorite Owner

Costume: MLB Executive

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig keeps things simple.

He always wears a suit, always wears glasses and always opposes expanding instant replay. He is also quite good at avoiding the color gray when it comes to hair-care.

If you can do all of these things, you have yourself a Bud Selig costume.

Remember to use a four-in-hand knot on your tie, which should be red in color.

In conclusion, no matter what costume you wear this Halloween, remember just one thing: Sometimes the best costumes are those which do not come pre-made out of a box.