Being handed a bobblehead upon entering a stadium is all well and good, but such a means of acquisition is hardly challenging.

In recent years, more ambitious fans have taken part in team-run bobblehead scavenger hunts. These competitions require skill, cunning, and commitment, requiring participants to decipher website clues and then travel to a specific location in order to track down a hidden bobblehead.

The Bowie Baysox have been pioneers in this emerging field, regularly stashing “golden bobbleheads” in well-concealed public locations. The first fan to find it receives an array of prizes, including team merchandise, game tickets, and the opportunity to throw out a first pitch. Their most recent contest featured the “Golden Matusz“:

The individual who discovered this coveted bobble was young Ben Griffith (posing here with his father, Clif):

 

Ben is a bobblehead scavenger hunt prodigy, as he also discovered the “Golden Louie” in 2008. In order to shine some light on what it takes to advance to the top of the field, he took the time to answer a few questions via email. 

Ben’s Biz Blog: First the Golden Louie, now the Golden Matusz.
What led to this desire to locate hidden bobbleheads, and how did you become so
good at it?

Ben Griffith: Well, my dad saw the Golden
Louie on the website and located the clues. Then we worked very hard and found
the Louie. I thought it would be exciting to get the opportunity to have all
the rewards and throw out the first pitch.

BBB: Are there any specific strategies or preparation
techniques you use when it comes to these scavenger hunts?

BG: My Dad says it’s important to find the clues as soon as they come out.

BBB: For those who have not been fortunate to find a
golden bobblehead, can you explain how it is different from a normal one? Is it
made of real gold?

BG: It’s not real gold
but it looks similar to real gold but not as shiny. It’s different because it’s
one of a kind…and it’s gold.

BBB: Have you made any friends (or rivals) while
looking for the bobbleheads? Do fans recognize you at the ballpark now?

BG: Yes. We’ve met Mr. Tom (Sedlacek,
Communications Manager for the Baysox) a couple times and he’s been very nice
to us. Some of the workers remember me from when I found the Golden Louie.
 
BBB: Any plans to retire, or will you be participating in the team’s next contest?

BG: My Dad says we should retire but I want
to keep going.
 
BBB: You must be a baseball fan in addition to an excellent scavenger hunter. Who
are your favorite team and players? Do you play baseball?

BG: My favorite team is the Orioles. A lot
of my favorite players used to play for the Baysox, Matt Weiters, Nolan
Reimold, Brad Bergensen, Lou Montanez, Jason Berken, Chris Tillman and of
course Brian Matusz. My most favorite is Brian Roberts. I do play baseball.
I’ve been playing since I was 5. This is my second year playing for 2 teams at
the same time. I play on a select team where I am the only 9 year old and all
my teammates are 10. When I grow up I want to be a Major League Baseball
player.

benjamin.hill@mlb.com
twitter.com/bensbiz