Bert Blyleven, whose father suffered from Parkinson's disease, has donated 1,200 extremely tan Circle Me Bert Bobbleheads to the Parkinson's Association of MN. Bert's father died last October. Bert and his lovely wife Gayle will be appearing from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 20, at the DQ Grill & Chill on Excelsior Blvd. & Highway 100 in St. Louis Park to sell and sign the bobbleheads. The proceeds go for education and support for people with Parkinson's and their families. If you can't make it to SLP Saturday but would like a bobblehead, unsigned dolls are available at Parkinsonmn.org.
Warning: too much bobblehead sun can cause skin problems and premature bobblehead aging.
Hahaha, I always think he is holding a cigar! But this is way cool! I am going to have to order myself one very tan Circle me Burt Bobblehead!
Posted by: Mic at August 18, 2005 11:28 AMMight it be a wee bit insensitive to use shaky-headed-dolls as a fundraiser for Parkinson's Disease?
Oh dear... the arm bobbles, too.
Adam, my thoughts exactly.
Posted by: HooliganKat at August 18, 2005 12:32 PMMy dears,
Now, now. Let's focus on the cause, shall we?
Throat-clearingly,
BG
What's this "Victory Sports One" on his shirt? Whatever it is, I bet it'll do for sports broadcasting in Minnesota what chicken fries do for fine dining.
Posted by: Skorch at August 18, 2005 12:39 PMI hasten to add that I might very well have to get myself one since it's only a couple miles from my place.
Posted by: Skorch at August 18, 2005 12:41 PMTruth is, if anyone IS offended, how much you wanna bet the offensensitive party is NOT actually a sufferer of Parkinson's?
I think that bobblehead looks more like me than that 'be home by 11' fellow. Burt...Bert...maybe the bobblehead sculptor got confused?
Posted by: Burt Reynolds at August 18, 2005 01:14 PMI can't tell if my computer screen is just really really dark, or if Bert looks like he came from Egypt instead of Holland.
Posted by: Karl at August 18, 2005 01:21 PM
Nice to see that Bert has found a good use for the VS-1 promo bobbleheads. I can imagine him and Gayle trying to figure out JUST WHAT TO DO with 'em.
As for skin tone, bobblehead makers will never be confused with Picasso, O'Keeffe or even Hartman when it comes to accuracy. Legend has it that when the Twins ordered up a Winfield bobblehead a few years back, the original version showed up in Caucasian.
Posted by: RonDavis at August 18, 2005 02:00 PMYeah, the bobblehead industry isnt one that prides itself on perfect accuracy. Half the fun of collecting them is to see how bad of a representation of the actual person they are. I seem to remember some absolutely horrible ones being given out at Twins games, the Kirby Puckett for instance.
Posted by: TwinsinBoston at August 18, 2005 02:05 PMThere have also been some really good ones, the Dougie bobblehead was adorable.
Posted by: HooliganKat at August 18, 2005 02:08 PMHi Batlings,
Just to let you know that our Parkinson's Board approved the bobblehead idea and are happy the Blylevens are helping raise funds and awareness about the disease. Of course we're sensitive to the tremors and other symptoms...but our members with Parkinson's said "lighten up!" In fact, one friend, a 40-year-old with the disease, has an email address that starts with bobblehead@ .... So, come out, say hi to Bert & Gayle, pick up a doll and enjoy!
By the way, that's Bert's Florida tan...
Eileen, a fan of BG and all the batlings, and Parkinson Association of MN Board member
Posted by: Eileen from Parkinson's at August 18, 2005 02:13 PMI work in stem cell research education, advocacy and policy. The Parkinson's community is really, really tied into this issue, and I've had the good fortune of working with dozens of amazing, driven, intelligent Parkinsonians. Parkinson's is a terrible, hugely debilitating disease, and witnessing the fervor with which families and communities come together to work towards more research funding - and, ultimately, a cure - has been extremely heartening for me.
However, nobody makes my little smile glow quite like Bert Bly; and knowing that he's locked into this issue, and doing what he can to help, fills my sails with a warm, westerly wind.
And I love suntans.
Posted by: Haplo at August 18, 2005 02:24 PMI bought my bobblehead weeks ago, and I'm very excited to bring it out on Saturday to get it signed! I've been circled three times this year!
Posted by: kafumbly at August 18, 2005 02:38 PMI want one!
And having lost an Uncle to the disease just adds to the need.
But driving 5 hours each way to get it signed might not exactly be doable.
Posted by: JimCrikket at August 18, 2005 02:56 PMDougie made sure his bobblehead was the best ever. I recall that he rejected at least a couple prototype models, including one which he thought made him look so tan as to be Black. I also like the A.J. bobblehead, and the Rod Carew from a few years ago looks really good.
Btw, I see that Saturday's bobbleheads are already listed on ebay. One seller is listing the complete set of 10 for $900 to start.
Posted by: frightwig at August 18, 2005 03:08 PMBG and Batlings:
I have been lurking at this site off and on for a couple of years--having a father-in-law suffering from Parkinsons and enjoying Bert's broadcasts (when I can get them on MLB extra innings) I did two things--ordered a bobble head and finally posted a message. BG you did good by posting this offer--sorry that I am so far away I cant get an autograph.
By the way, I have never heard the Hawk as subdued as he was on last nites game--he was almost bearable--though of course the Twins feed would have been better.
Posted by: DC Twins Fan at August 18, 2005 04:06 PMDear Ms. Eileen,
Thank you so much for letting us know about this event. May you raise many dollars.
Sincerely,
BG