1. Welcome! Please take a few seconds to create your free account to post threads, make some friends, remove a few ads while surfing and much more. ClutchFans has been bringing fans together to talk Houston Sports since 1996. Join us!

Astro the Grouch

Discussion in 'Houston Astros' started by rocketsjudoka, May 21, 2020.

  1. rocketsjudoka

    rocketsjudoka Contributing Member
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2007
    Messages:
    53,668
    Likes Received:
    41,551
    The minor league St. Paul Saints announced on July 31st (if there is a season) they will be giving away Astro the Grouch bobbleheads. Since there might not be a season they are selling them now for $35.
    [​IMG]
     
  2. SemisolidSnake

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2013
    Messages:
    4,921
    Likes Received:
    5,803
    I admit that I didn't know who the St. Paul Saints were before this thread. "Minor league" may be somewhat of a confusing term since they're not actually a minor league affiliate of any MLB team. They're a member of the American Association of Independent Baseball according to their wiki page and have been around off and on in some form since 1896. Interesting.

    Anyway, so here's the promotion. Since they don't appear to have any connection to any MLB team or fanbase, it seems like is just something they just decided to do. (I wonder if they got licensing permission from the Astros first. That would be an interesting conversation with Astros marketing.)

    From the website:

    [​IMG]
     
  3. juicystream

    juicystream Contributing Member

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2001
    Messages:
    29,254
    Likes Received:
    5,362
    I think it is hilarious, but questionable whether they can legally sell something that rips off 3 copyrights (Orbit, Astros, & Oscar the Grouch).
     
    marks0223 and Buck Turgidson like this.
  4. rocketsjudoka

    rocketsjudoka Contributing Member
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2007
    Messages:
    53,668
    Likes Received:
    41,551
    Yes "minor league" isn't the exact term but that's what they're referred to as even though they aren't an affiliate their league isn't considered major.

    FYI there is some talks about them becoming an affiliate of the Twins.

    As far as them getting permission from the Stros I have no idea. My guess is under fair use as a parody it might legal.
     
  5. Major

    Major Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 1999
    Messages:
    41,383
    Likes Received:
    15,808
    It seems pretty low-risk on their part. They get lots of free publicity. If the Astros order them to stop, they just stop the promotion and get even more publicity (plus bad publicity for the Astros).
     
    Buck Turgidson likes this.
  6. juicystream

    juicystream Contributing Member

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2001
    Messages:
    29,254
    Likes Received:
    5,362
    Very true. Astros would be in a tough spot to call for a cease-and-desist.
     
    Buck Turgidson likes this.
  7. msn

    msn Member

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2002
    Messages:
    11,726
    Likes Received:
    2,093
    That's just funny. I don't have enough energy for sour grapes; I used it all fuming at Manfred's sickening hypocrisy. Kudos to the team and their marketing group. I don't think they were the first, and they won't be the last.

    Orbit, by the way, is the best mascot in the majors now IMO. That shtick with Archer a few years back was hilarious.
     
  8. sealclubber1016

    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2010
    Messages:
    19,000
    Likes Received:
    27,536
    I want one.

    The Astros would be idiots to even acknowledge this. This is the Streisand effect waiting to happen, and they even went ahead and attached a charity to it as well. Only more PR downside and virtually nothing to gain.
     
  9. Joe Joe

    Joe Joe Go Stros!
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 1999
    Messages:
    23,839
    Likes Received:
    13,895
    Only until Fiers rats out where Junction Jack's body is buried.
     
    Buck Turgidson likes this.
  10. Buck Turgidson

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2002
    Messages:
    84,998
    Likes Received:
    83,164
    MLB would do it for them, you would think.
     
  11. Buck Turgidson

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2002
    Messages:
    84,998
    Likes Received:
    83,164
    I love Orbit...and Philly Phanatic...not sure there's another that's close.

    eta: oh, Bernie Brewer
     
  12. SemisolidSnake

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2013
    Messages:
    4,921
    Likes Received:
    5,803
    Hopefully in the same consecrated and secured grave as "buff Orbit" from the 90s. *shudders*

    [​IMG]
    Ugh, it's worse than I remember.
     
    awc713 likes this.
  13. juicystream

    juicystream Contributing Member

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2001
    Messages:
    29,254
    Likes Received:
    5,362
    If it wasn't $35 if buy one. Didn't know it was tied to charity, so maybe I'll still get one (ick only 10% to charity).
     
  14. conquistador#11

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2006
    Messages:
    35,962
    Likes Received:
    22,343
  15. bobrek

    bobrek Politics belong in the D & D

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 1999
    Messages:
    36,288
    Likes Received:
    26,638
    I ordered two last week. They won't be mailed out until late July
     
  16. rpr52121

    rpr52121 Sober Fan
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2006
    Messages:
    7,327
    Likes Received:
    2,695
    Wasn't sure to put this and didn't think it really deserved its own thread:

     
  17. PhiSlammaJamma

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 1999
    Messages:
    28,719
    Likes Received:
    6,991
    Dead Mascot Cemetary. Don't go looking for things you don't want to find.

    [​IMG]
     
  18. BigM

    BigM Contributing Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2001
    Messages:
    17,969
    Likes Received:
    13,116
    I’d take one. Put it right next to my replica championship ring and my vile of Cody Bellinger tears.
     

Share This Page

  • About ClutchFans

    Since 1996, ClutchFans has been loud and proud covering the Houston Rockets, helping set an industry standard for team fan sites. The forums have been a home for Houston sports fans as well as basketball fanatics around the globe.

  • Support ClutchFans!

    If you find that ClutchFans is a valuable resource for you, please consider becoming a Supporting Member. Supporting Members can upload photos and attachments directly to their posts, customize their user title and more. Gold Supporters see zero ads!


    Upgrade Now