Positive branding

The NY Mets, like every other team, occasionally gives free stuff to fans who buy tickets. Usually these are tacky throwaway items, but I really like this one. (You can see it on my other blog.)

It's a growth chart for kids, using first baseman Lucas Duda's image. He's 6'4" and I imagine it's made with a lifesize image of this earnest, hardworking player. I'm a big fan of his because he's talented and he tries so hard. He'll be a well-regarded baseball star, when all is said and done. That's my prediction. But for now, he's young and this is his first major league team.

To return to the topic of branding, the idea of using his image for a height chart for kids is really good. Not only will kids have fun trying to grow as tall as Lucas, they'll also turn into lifelong Mets fans. That outcome is built into this lightweight giveaway.

That's smart. It costs the Mets next to nothing to produce, turns kids into fans, provides fun for the kids in their private lives -- and gives Lucas something really nice to remember when he's old and gray. I mean, just imagine how many kids will use this chart for years. They'll remember it all their lives, which has to be a kick for young Lucas.

Now, that's good branding. It's positive in every direction. You can't ask for more than that.

Sleeping with the enemy

I'm watching the first baseball game of the season: Cardinals/Marlins. The new Marlins uniforms are very cool. The lettering is green and tangerine. I like it. (Mind you, on this page where the new team colors were announced, there is no jersey like the one I see them wearing tonight. I don't like the colors shown in that link at all. Yeesh. The new logo's nice, though.)

As I watch tonight's game, I'm in pain. It's sad to see two former Mets stars -- Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran -- playing for the Marlins. The Marlins are the Mets' longtime enemy team! It just ain't right. I understand the players play musical chairs, traveling from team to team in search of the biggest salary anyone has ever been paid -- but don't go over to the goddamn enemy.

This is why I don't understand unflinching team loyalty. The players aren't loyal so why should you be? Watch a bunch of games, pick the most interesting team and root for them. Doesn't that make sense?

Go, Tigers!

I'm being very brave, you know. Jason Varitek retired this spring. It's been difficult to carry on since I heard the news. Mr. Baseball is no longer in the game. He damn well better get a coaching job real soon so I can see him in the dugout again. Seriously, it's a tragedy. I can't even watch a Red Sox game. It just ain't the same.

Anyone else out there watch baseball? Yoo hoo.