Image by Flickr user PMillera4

The Charleston RiverDogs were recognized with a pair of Golden Bobblehead Awards, one for the Best Overall Promotion and one Best Non-Game Day Event, for hosting the first round of the 2012 South Atlantic League All-Star Game Home Run Derby Sponsored by Miller High Life on the flight deck of the USS Yorktown.

The RiverDogs were presented with their Golden Bobbleheads during the Outing at Aces Ballpark at the 35th Annual Minor League Baseball Promotional Seminarin Reno, Nevada on Thursday.

Director of Promotions Noel Blaha was on hand to accept the citations.

“We are thrilled to have been recognized with these two prestigious awards,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “We knew we had a winning promotion with the Derby being held on the Yorktown and a terrific partner in Miller High Life. Being recognized by our peers in MiLB is quite an achievement and we’re proud of that.”

The June 18 Home Run Derby held on the USS Yorktown was round one of the contest. The 10 SAL All-Stars each got 10 swings in an inflatable batting cage that was set up on the ship's flight deck. Staffers on jet skis in Charleston Harbor retrieved the baseballs and the Coast Guard assisted in determining the distance of the longest hit balls. The final round of the contest took place the following evening before the SAL All-Star Game at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

The Golden Bobblehead Awards winners are chosen by MiLB Promotional Seminar attendees in five categories, including the Best Overall winner. Five finalists were selected in each category from the list of clubs that have been nominated during the regular season. After presentations by nominated teams, attendees voted for their favorite in each category, as well as an overall winner.