As if baseball didn’t already face enough challenges in regaining fan support, it appears the Diamondbacks will do it without the aid of everyone’s favorite giveaway item. Per sources, the supply chain issues that have impacted importing items into the country since the spread of COVID-19 will keep bobbleheads off the promotional schedule for 2022.

When the schedule was released, the highly-coveted collectible item was noticeably absent. We even speculated on the PHNX D-backs podcast that it may have been due to the lockout. Players’ likenesses are controlled by the Players Association and couldn’t be used, which required even MLB.com to remove their images. But with the lockout over, bobbleheads did not see a miraculous return to the schedule. Now we know why.

The supply chain issues impacting baseball date back to last season. The Atlanta Braves had to cancel Austin Riley bobblehead night because the items did not reach the team in time. Meanwhile, MLB had to cancel using commemorative patches on jerseys during the playoffs for the first time in 10 years.

The delays are impacted by manufacturing complications in Asia.  Shipping delays at ports here in the United States are further exasperating the situation.  This will be the first time the D-backs do not have a Bobblehead Night on their promotional schedule since 2000. They did not give out bobbleheads in 2020 due to the pandemic. With no end to the supply chain issues in sight, it may be best to hug the bobbleheads you have a little tighter tonight. But not too tight. Those things are insanely fragile.