One of the greatest characteristics of minor league baseball is the numerous fan-friendly promotions that each team features. As I mentioned a couple months ago on the Facebook fan page for O's on Deck, the quirky promotions are what I look forward to the most.

The Double-A Bowie Baysox and Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds recently announced their scheduled promotions for the upcoming season.

Bowie's best idea for this year, in my opinion, is the "Party Like it's 1929 Night" on May 4. Cars from that era will be on display at Prince George's Stadium, as well as walk-up ticket specials for the game. Also, the Baysox will host the "Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament" on May 14, which should be an interesting event. You'll need to register in advance if you hope to participate, and the package includes admission to the tournament, a ticket to the game and a two-hour buffet. "Fans Pick the Promo Night" sounds like another good idea, and it will be held on Sept. 4.

The Baysox also are offering several weekday ticket specials this season. Penny Pincher Tuesdays will feature T-shirt giveaways and specials on food, but the true value is on Wednesdays starting in May. On those days, the Baysox will sell all-you-can-eat club seats for $33. You'll be able to enjoy a full buffet from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., including hamburgers, hot dogs and ice cream. Once the buffet closes, fans will receive unlimited hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts and soda until 9:30 p.m.

Several other promotions are on the schedule for the Baysox in 2009. The dates and times are subject to change -- and more events could be added -- so head over to the Baysox Web site in order to learn more.

The Shorebirds plan to hold several giveaways during the upcoming season.

"We may not be able to control wins and losses, but we can control the fun had at the ballpark each night, and this year we've made it our mission to upgrade the excitement level for our fans at every game," Shorebirds general manager Chris Bitters said in a statement.

Orioles fans will be delighted to learn that the Shorebirds are offering a bobblehead in the likeness of Matt Wieters to the first 1,000 fans on Sept. 4. The bobblehead giveaway is somewhat intriguing, in my opinion, since the top prospect didn't play a single game in Delmarva. Oh well, it's another chance for Orioles fans to take advantage of Wieters-mania, and it's good for the Shorebirds to capitalize on the marketing opportunity.

The Shorebirds also will give a T-shirt with the team's new alternate logo to the first 1,000 fans on June 5, and the first 1,000 fans on Father's Day will receive a Shorebirds hat. A fireworks show will be performed after 17 games at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, including every Saturday this season.

For a complete list of promotions for the Shorebirds in 2009, check out the team's Web site.