The Toledo Mud Hens, a minor league baseball team in Ohio, are about to become the Toledo Wookiees for a weekend. Unfortunately, the team isn't going so far as to all dress up in big, brown fur suits, but they will be wearing some pretty special duds. The uniforms have an exaggerated Chewbacca-hair pattern all over them. Talk about sci-fi stylin'.
The "Star Wars" outfits are just the beginning for May the 4th celebrations at Fifth Third Field. The first 3,000 fans will get a free kazoo to participate in a massive post-game kazoo band version of the "Star Wars" theme song. There will be "Star Wars" face painting for the kids, too.
Plenty of costumed "Star Wars" characters will be in attendance, including Princess Leia, Darth Vader, a selection of Stormtroopers, and someone dressed up as Chewbacca in full fur. The Mud Hens are affiliated with the Detroit Tigers, so they are no stranger to hirsute mascots.
Fans who get peckish during the game can pick up a Yoda Soda and a Darth Chocolate Brownie Sundae. There's a "Star Wars" fireworks celebration planned for after the Saturday game, and attendees are encouraged to wear their own costumes during the festivities.
If you're desperate to get a Chewbaccas Mud Hens jersey of your very own, then you'll have to attend the game and bid in an auction to take one home. The proceeds go to local charities.
The Mud Hens are currently sitting in last place in the International League West standings, with a record of 7 wins and 18 losses. Perhaps this "Star Wars" celebration will give them a much-needed boost so the home team can triumph over the Dark Side forces of the Charlotte Knights, whose uniforms won't be nearly as weirdly cool.