The first 750 fans to arrive at Friday night's Missoula Osprey baseball game will get a free edition of the longtime baseball supporter's commemorative likeness.
“I was humbled, honored, excited and embarrassed,” Fraser said of the circumstances that led to his miniaturization.
“And they pointed across the room and said they wanted the bobblehead to be of Hal Fraser,” Fraser said. “It was a really nice thing of them to do. I was embarrassed, but I was honored. Especially to happen in that kind of format.”
Fraser was one of the original board members of Play Ball Missoula, the volunteer group that fought to bring professional baseball to Missoula. He led negotiations that convinced Missoula government agencies to help buy and develop a triangle of the former log yard next to McCormick Park as a ballfield. And he worked on the private fundraising effort that brought in the bulk of the stadium project's $13 million cost.
“There's not one single person who had a bigger impact on this facility, and a lot of others in this community, than Hal,” said Osprey general manager and Vice President Matt Ellis. “He deserves to be acknowledged by the community.”
The Osprey have produced eight other heads over the years. Several were former Osprey players such as Lyle Overbay, who got their start in Missoula before making it to the major leagues. But last year, the idea came up to honor a Missoulian - specifically Mayor John Engen.
“That one turned out to be a huge success,” Ellis said. This winter, the offer was made to do the bobblehead of whoever won the auction, or their grandmother, or even their dog. Having the winner pick Fraser was all the more special, he said.
Bobblehead makers require numerous photos of the subject's face and head. They make a clay model of the design and submit it for approval, followed by a painted version. Ellis said the whole process takes about three months.
Fraser said he's collected more than 100 bobbleheads over the years. His personal favorite is one of Joe Montana, although he's also fond of a couple of wild-looking mascot dolls as well. Seeing his own wobbling mug on the shelf will definitely be the most unusual addition to the lineup, he said.
Friday's game begins at 7:05 p.m. The gates open at 6 p.m. along with the boxes of bobbleheads.
“They'll probably be gone by 6:30 or 7,” Ellis said. “After that, I'm sure some will end up on eBay at some point.”
Reporter Rob Chaney can be reached at 523-5382 or at rchaney@missoulian.com
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