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One of the most popular promotional events for the Mariners has been the
Buhner Buzz Cut night. That night every fan that would go under the shears or was
already bald would get a free admission to the game. Plus, the newly shaved
heads would receive a t-shirt with a phrase like "Take me out to the Bald
game" or "Bald is Buhnerful". Once in the park, the loyal fans
would take their seats in the Bone Yard in right field.
Officially the night was retired in 2000. "Jay and I sat down and talked about it and came to the conclusion that it
worked well in the Kingdome, that's where it should stay," said Tim Hevly,
Mariner director of baseball information. "It was a successful run and it's time to
move on." However, it made it's return by popular demand in 20001. The event, which raises money for the Susan
G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation,
has seen 22,302 heads buzzed over the years. Of that
number, 2,911 were already bald, for a total of 19,391 shorn. Locks of hair 10 inches or
longer were saved to make wigs for cancer patients.
Started in 1994, Buhner wasn't too sure what to think of it. Jay was afraid
that the event may end up making fun of him. However, he had a change of mind
after the reactions by the fans. In 2001 ,at the last Buzz Cut Night as a
player, he said "It's pretty awesome. It's great to give something back to the
community. It's (Buzz Night) taken on its own attitude. I've been very fortunate
to have been a staple here for 13 years."
Year |
Total Fans |
Already Bald |
1994 |
512 (2 women) |
86 |
1995 |
717 (2 women) |
103 |
1996 |
3,697 (28 women) |
376 |
1997 |
3,436 (46 women) |
412 |
1998 |
4,071 (52 women) |
503 |
1999 |
3,623 (56 women) |
443 |
2001 |
6,246 (112 women) |
988 |
Total |
22,302 (298 women) |
2,911 |
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