Force strong as Star Wars Night jerseys unveiled
What kind of Star Wars fan are you? Did you line up to see it over and over again in theaters in 1977? Or are you just here for the Baby Yoda memes? It may not be May the Fourth -- aka Star Wars Day -- anymore, but Minor League
What kind of Star Wars fan are you? Did you line up to see it over and over again in theaters in 1977? Or are you just here for the Baby Yoda memes?
It may not be May the Fourth -- aka Star Wars Day -- anymore, but Minor League teams are still celebrating the billion-dollar franchise in style, with promotional jerseys, giveaways and more.
Three teams in particular hosted their belated Star Wars Night on Saturday and honored two of the most beloved, small characters.
The Great Lake Loons went all-in on the galaxy's most popular astromech droid, R2-D2. After donning the themed jerseys, the Loons went on to score 10 runs in their win, equal to the number of theatrical movies Artoo has appeared in.
Join us as we travel to a galaxy far, far away. End the night with our first Fireworks Loontacular of the season, thanks to Farm Bureau.
— Great Lakes Loons (@greatlakesloons) June 10, 2023
🎟️ https://t.co/76XOrvvoDd
Bid on a game-worn R2D2 jersey 🔴 https://t.co/wSdPwIAmsY pic.twitter.com/z250D3mOOs
And it wasn't just the jerseys either. The grounds crew created an immaculate rendition of the droid behind home plate, presumably replete with a message from Princess Leia inside.
Start Wars Night! #GroundsCrew pic.twitter.com/HmcpFnEiwC
— Ryan Wolter (@NebraskaLegacy) June 11, 2023
Younger Star Wars fans may want to turn their attention to the Nationals' affiliates, whose promotional jerseys were based on the Disney+ show "The Mandalorian." Whether you call him Baby Yoda, The Child, Grogu or even Din Grogu, there's no escaping space's cutest foundling.
Single-A Fredericksburg rolled out jerseys honoring Clan Mudhorn and had an array of stormtroopers on the premises for the game. But don't worry, their phasers were just set to stun.
Get ready to travel to a galaxy far, far away because it's STAR WARS NIGHT, presented by Rappahannock Area YMCA! 🤩
— Fredericksburg Nationals (@FXBGNats) June 10, 2023
Catch the FredNats taking the field in Mandalorian themed jerseys, plus the 501st Legion will be here.
May the force be with you!
🎟: https://t.co/0i2VvNLSqI pic.twitter.com/ZfWMt2wp5R
Double-A Harrisburg's Star Wars Night jerseys (pictured at the top) were perhaps the best of the night. If you've ever wondered what a baseball player looks like clad in beskar with a force-sensitive baby in tow, the Senators answered your wishes.
Do you think Minor League teams will keep producing new Star Wars jerseys throughout the summer if it means more wins? You can bet that This Is The Way.
The Force Made its Presence Known! pic.twitter.com/uV0BUflZcZ
— Harrisburg Senators (@HbgSenators) June 11, 2023
Ben Weinrib is a contributor for MiLB.com.