Earlier this year the Los Angeles Dodgers announced an in-season addition to their 2017 promotional schedule of giveaways by marking Friday, Sept. 8 as Cody Bellinger bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium.
The giveaway comes during the second of a four-game set against the Colorado Rockies, who are relegated to fighting for the National League Wild Card after losing control of the NL West to the Dodgers. Los Angeles figures to have the division officially secured by the start of that series.
Part of the Dodgers’ turnaround this season coincides with Bellinger’s arrival in April. Initially a spark, he’s emerged as a key contributor for the team in the wake of Adrian Gonzalez’s absence.
The Dodgers formally unveiled Bellinger’s bobblehead on Monday, which depicts him swinging. It can safely be presumed it was modeled after one of Bellinger’s several home runs.
Bellinger’s prolific first half amounted to him being named one of the Dodgers’ six All-Stars. He became the first position player in Dodgers history to make All-Star Game in his first season in Majors, and also participated in the Home Run Derby.
The Dodgers are a remarkable 70-21 since Bellinger was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to make his MLB debut. What’s more, they became the first team since the 1912 New York Giants to win 43 of 50 games.
In 91 games with the Dodgers, Bellinger is hitting .264/.344/.608 with 16 doubles, two triples, 32 home runs, 75 RBIs, 42 walks and 61 runs scored. He leads the team in home runs, RBIs and total bases, is tied for third in triples and tied for sixth in doubles.
Bellinger joined pitching phenom Julio Urias as the two additions to the promotional schedule this season, with Urias having his bobblehead scheduled for Sept. 26. Although, he is out for the season after undergoing successful anterior capsule surgery in June.
