The Growing Popularity of Bobbleheads

In a time when many people are worried about the economy and their own financial security, one hobby is enjoying an unprecedented surge in popularity: collecting bobbleheads. While some may consider it a childish pastime, others use it as a way to escape the stresses of their regular lives and indulge in the fantasy of being their favorite athlete, celebrity or historical figure.

While they are most often given away for free at sporting events, fans can also find bobbleheads in retail stores or online. Prices vary widely depending on the subject matter and quality, with some rare pieces fetching thousands of dollars.

Some collectors focus on a single team or player, while others like to have a diverse collection of celebrities and characters from television shows or movies. Some even choose to collect bobbleheads of themselves or their family members.

Phil Sklar, co-founder of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in Milwaukee, said that his own collection started about 10 years ago when he and partner Brad Novak saw the Rockford River Hawks give out a bobblehead version of their mascot. They began to pick up a few at each game and soon found themselves with a growing pile.

The pair decided to open the museum in February to showcase their collection of more than 3,000 figures. They have since added more than 5,000 additional items. The museum is located in a repurposed factory that once housed a bakery, and visitors can see how the figurines are made.

Sklar said that his collection is not only a hobby, but also a way to help him cope with his battle with colon cancer. He has lost a lot of weight and now needs to get around with the assistance of a motorized scooter. He said that the collection gives him a sense of peace and joy.

Another reason that bobbleheads are so popular is that they can bring a fan closer to the athletes, celebrities or fictional characters they admire. Often, a bobblehead will depict a specific event or moment from a memorable game, such as the Boston Marathon bombing or Kobe Bryant’s championship wins with the Los Angeles Lakers.

While some people may consider the practice of collecting bobbleheads to be a waste of money, the right ones can have tremendous value. For instance, rare and vintage baseball bobbleheads can sell for thousands of dollars.

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum is the most comprehensive in the world, according to its website. It features more than 6,500 bobbleheads, including those of former San Francisco Giants greats Willie McCovey and Mays as well as a rare Jackie Kennedy bobblehead.

Whether it is an iconic sports figure, a historic character or a beloved celebrity, collecting bobbleheads can be a fun and relaxing hobby for anyone. While some might dismiss it as a childish pursuit, the right bobbleheads can be a great investment and a reminder of good times.