The legend of the Black Panther movie that shattered box office records continues to grow. The culture, the merchandising and the lasting effect it has had on the world is still in full effect even as Avengers Infinity Wars replaces it in the 24-hour social media movie cycle.
The sports world has entered the Marvel merchandising rush and celebration of the movie’s success as Black Panther-themed bobblehead dolls graced MLB this weekend. .
The first 15,000 fans who arrived at the A’s game against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday in Oakland received a glow-in-the-dark Black Panther bobblehead. The line outside of Alameda Coliseum resembled that of a World Series Game 7 or American Idol audition and was further evidence of the multi-generational, multicultural and multiracial impact of the Black Panther movie.
Tina Sturdevant on Twitter
No, it’s not a Warriors game. The line for the Black Panther bobblehead night. This line is ridiculous https://t.co/E1c7UbY5ox
The doll is already a serious collector’s item. One seller on eBay is pricing the bobblehead as high as $72.88, with another listed at $65.
Oakland Athletics on Twitter
It’s good to be king. Retweet this tweet for a chance to win a Black Panther Bobblehead! 15,000 fans will receive theirs on Marvel Super Hero Day this Saturday, May 5. : https://t.co/RizI8lp46i
The costumed bobblehead is sitting on a pedestal that features the A’s logo. The organization partnered with Marvel to create the bobblehead in honor of Oakland native and Black Panther director Ryan Coogler. Coogler and his family were in attendance and came onto the field, greeted the fans and took pics before the first pitch.
Tina Sturdevant on Twitter
Ryan Coogler & fam before the first pitch
The As rode the momentum of the day to a 2-0 win and followed that up on Sunday with a 2-1 victory to complete a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles.