25 Photos: Bill Murray Bobblehead Night, Kids, Parents, Fans Had Blast

JOLIET ? For several years, Joliet Slammers baseball games were boring, and low attendance plagued the Frontier League team as the team frequently exaggerated their game day attendance.

But 2024 is a different story. Now that Mike Veeck, his son, Night Train, as well as world-famous comedian and movie star Bill Murray are the new owners, Joliet Slammers baseball is fun again, and large numbers of people are filling the stands this summer.

Saturday night's game against the Ottawa Titans of Canada marked the first Bobblehead giveaway of the season, and it was a talker. The first 1,500 Joliet Slammers fans received a Bill Murray Bobblehead.

Although Murray wasn't at the game ? unless he was there incognito wearing a disguise or dressed up as one of the team's mascots ? Joliet Slammers fans didn't seem to mind or notice his absence.

Maybe he had an inkling the game wasn't going to go the Slammers way, so he chose to stay at home and cheer on his Chicago Cubs.

In downtown Joliet, Saturday night's final score was a 7-2 victory for the Ottawa Titans, dropping the Slammers to 22-28 on the season. For the complete game recap, visit the Joliet Slammers website. Otherwise, keep on reading because there are plenty of great photos from the Bill Murray Bobblehead Giveaway, and you can't beat fun at the old ballpark.

The game and pre-game festivities featured performances from a time-honored community treasure, the Joliet Legion Band.

In the fifth inning, Joliet Patch interviewed Night Train Veeck, who talked about his upcoming home schedule and promotional events, which are listed below:

Sunday, July 7 1:05 p.m. vs. Ottawa Titans

Christmas in July ? ?Tis the season! Nothing says Christmas like a nice, hot July day. Join us at the ballpark as we batter up for a jolly good time bringing Santa?s workshop and merry moments to the baseball diamond for Christmas in July.

Tuesday, July 9 at 6:35 p.m. vs. Schaumburg Boomers

Hawaiian/Luau ? Aloha! Get ready to hula the night away at our Hawaiian Luau Night in the ballpark. Join us as we hula our way through a night of fun, food, and fantastic baseball action! Fans are encouraged to show out wearing their best Hawaiian shirts.

Wednesday, July 10 at 10:05 a.m. vs. Schaumburg Boomers

Day Camp Day Join the fun at Day Camp Day in the ballpark. It?s a day filled with sunshine, smiles, and summer camp vibes, where kids come together for a day of adventure and baseball.

Thursday, July 11 at 6:35 p.m. vs. Schaumburg Boomers

Country Night presented by WCCO ? Dust off your cowboy boots and saddle up for a boot-scootin? good time at our Country Night at the Ballpark. Come dressed in your country best and join us as we two-step under the lights as we bring a little bit of the Wild West to the diamond.