BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — There’s no Bisons fan more loved and recognizable than Mark Aichinger.
If you’ve attended a game, you’ve likely heard the “ballpark icon” supporting the home team from the Sahlen Field stands with his classic heckles and gestures, including shouts of “you stink!” and a point to his armpit directed at opposing pitchers.
Saturday, that iconic gesture will be immortalized in bobblehead form.
The Bisons announced the “MARK Bobblehead Giveaway” for Saturday’s game against the Indianapolis Indians in July. After originally planning to give away 2,000 bobbleheads depicting Aichinger in a Bisons jersey and cap pointing to his armpit, the team will now have 3,000 for fans who enter at the Swan Street gate.
In addition to the bobbleheads, the Bisons will be selling limited edition “Hey, You Stink” t-shirts for $25, with 100% of the net proceeds benefiting the Beyond Support Network, where Aichinger works. The nonprofit organization offers a multitude of services for children and adults with disabilities.
“It cannot be overstated how Mark is not only a part of our Bisons Baseball family, but how he has become such an integral part of the Bisons Baseball Experience at Sahlen Field,” Bisons general manager Anthony Sprague said in a release. “Our fans and our team feed off his energy and passion. When former Bisons players and coaches return to Buffalo, they look for him. The fun and excitement he brings to every game is what Bisons baseball is all about.”
Bisons Assistant General Manager Brad Bisbing joined News 4 to talk about the new bobblehead:
MARK Bobblehead Giveaway night will be a celebration of Aichinger’s support and passion for the Bisons as a season ticket holder of more than 25 years, according to the team. Fans can purchase tickets for the game here.
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Adam Gorski is a Buffalo native who joined the News 4 team in 2022. You can find more of his work here.