M's Notes: Bobblehead fever returns to Safeco

The Mariners introduced the first Ichiro bobblehead in 2001, an oversized bobbing head attached to an oversized bulging body that looks like the "before" picture in an Ichiro weight-loss commercial.

The Ichiro bobblehead evolution continued almost yearly: a thinner Ichiro stepping into the batter's box in 2002 to celebrate his 2001 MVP season; a sunglasses-wearing Ichiro crashing into the wall to make a Gold Glove catch in 2003; a smiling Ichiro tipping his cap to fans after his record 262 hits in 2005.

And tonight, for the first 25,000 folks inside Safeco Field, the Mariners (and FSN) debut the latest head-bobbing version of their star outfielder — Ichiro in full stride, his back foot touching a base so detailed you can actually see painted dirt.

They think about these things in the Mariners' marketing department. Why? Because year in, year out, this is one of the most popular giveaways at the ballpark. Because fans and souvenir geeks alike come to the game for the bobbleheads.

And because the latest Ichiro bobbleheads haven't even been given out yet — and they're pre-selling for as high as $51.90 on eBay.

"You'll see the line," said Gregg Greene, Mariners director of marketing, on the fans outside Safeco Field. "You'll see how different it is in the ballpark before the game, because there are so many people here early to get the bobblehead. You'll hear louder cheers in batting practice."

Ichiro gives the Mariners input on each bobblehead, although he wasn't in town to offer as much this offseason. That's why this bobblehead isn't wearing shorter pants and high socks, a look Ichiro switched to this season.

The bobbleheads are produced by a company named BD&A, located in Woodinville. They are made in China, which can present some unique problems. Like the time the 2002 bobblehead came back with Ichiro batting behind the plate where the catcher crouches. As a result, most bobbleheads need two or three versions before they're ready to be handed out.

Other bobbleheads the Mariners are giving away this season include first baseman Richie Sexson and The Moose. Sexson's bobblehead is 8 ½ inches tall — real-life Richie is 6-8 — which forced the manufacturers to make bigger boxes for shipping.

Ichiro spied his latest bobblehead before stretching Thursday. His response? Appropriately, he nodded and said he liked it.

Walk (off) this way

In the three games before Thursday, designated hitter Carl Everett went 6 for 12, with a game-winning home run and a double. That raised his average to .231 and possibly gave the Mariners' lackluster offense some momentum.

"If a month from now we're playing really good," manager Mike Hargrove said, "it can be a springboard to better things."

Everett's walk-off home run Wednesday was the fourth of his career, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Each came for a different team: the New York Mets (1997 against Pittsburgh); the Houston Astros (1999 against the Chicago Cubs); the Boston Red Sox (2000 against Oakland); and Wednesday against the Texas Rangers.

Notes

• An exhibit titled "Times of Greatness" will be on display today and Saturday at Safeco Field when the Negro Leagues Mobile Museum comes to town. The trailer will be parked across the street from the home-plate entrance and is free to the public. The exhibit is open between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. today and between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday.

• Jeff Nelson, former reliever for the Mariners and Rangers, was spotted chatting with old friends during batting practice.

• Entering Thursday, Jose Lopez led all American League second basemen with eight extra-base hits.

• Hargrove, on major-league veteran Kevin Appier, who made his first appearance in Class AAA Tacoma this week: "His velocity was down from his last outing in spring training. I don't know if you have a true gauge until he's been at Tacoma [for a while]. In a couple of weeks or so, we'll find out where he is."