Benny The Bull, Blackhawks Announcer Gene Honda Honored With Bobbleheads By Stephanie Lulay
NEAR WEST SIDE — Ahead of the holiday season, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled a series of new limited-edition bobbleheads — and several Chicago sports icons made the cut.
The new bobbleheads include White Sox and Blackhawks announcer Gene Honda, Chicago Bulls mascot Benny the Bull, former Bulls star Dennis Rodman, Cubs World Series winners and Northwestern University’s mascot Willie the Wildcat.
Gene Honda bobblehead: Each year, millions of fans hear Honda’s booming voice as the public address announcer for the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks, DePaul Men’s Basketball, the Chicago Marathon, Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament, Maui Invitational, NCAA Men’s Final Four and other major sporting events. A University of Illinois graduate, Honda was inducted into the Illini Media Alumni Hall of Fame in 2008. The limited-edition talking Gene Honda bobblehead is individually numbered to 500 and is now on sale for $25 online.
Benny the Bull bobblehead: This bobblehead commemorates the Bull’s unbelievable 1995-96 season and features Bulls mascot Benny the Bull with the NBA Championship trophy and key records from the season. Licensed by the Bulls and NBA, the limited-edition bobblehead is individually numbered to 216 and is available via presale for $40 online.
Dennis Rodman bobblehead: This bobblehead features Chicago Bulls star Dennis Rodman diving for a loose ball. Licensed by the Bulls and NBA, the limited-edition bobblehead is individually numbered to 216 and is available via presale for $40 online.
Jake Arrieta/David Ross No-Hitter: This bobblehead commemorates Arrieta’s second no-hitter, which he threw against the Cincinnati Reds on April 21st. This dual bobblehead also features Cubs catcher and fan favorite David Ross. Licensed by the Cubs and MLB, the limited-edition bobblehead is individually numbered to 216 and is available via presale for $55 online.
Willie the Wildcat: This bobblehead features Northwestern University’s mascot Willie the Wildcat. Licensed by Northwestern and the NCAA, the limited-edition bobblehead is individually numbered to 144 and is available via presale for $35 online. .
The new bobbleheads make great holiday gifts for Chicago sports fans, said Phil Sklar, co-founder of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame.
“We are excited to capture some great moments in Chicago sports history in bobblehead form for fans to enjoy for many years to come,” he said.
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum was announced in winter 2014. Originally planned for Milwaukee, Wis., the museum is currently planning a permanent location.