Link round-up, post-playoff edition

Now that we have a bit of free time on our hands after the end of the Stanley Cup Final, here are a few "recommended reading" links that have piled up \over the past couple months:

• GameOps.com interviews Benjamin Hill, who covers the "wacky minor league baseball promotions" beat for MLB.com. Read about a mustache growing contest, a salute to indoor plumbing, and a bobblehead giveaway featuring the local Catholic Diocese bishop. We're not making this up.
  
  
• National anthems: On NBCSports.com, Eric McErlain makes the case for playing both the U.S. and Canadian anthems before every NHL game. They've been doing it in Buffalo since 1970, why not everywhere else?
  
  
• Here's a list of sports teams that have Build-A-Bear outlets inside their stadiums. Example: Build your own Phillie Phanatic at Citizens Bank Park.
  
  
• Video: Visit the The N.J. Devil mascot page, and check out the "N.J. Devil Shopping" video. It's a very funny trip to the local Walmart.
  
  
• News: Lots of new attractions added to Pittsburgh's PNC Park this season, including a new video scoreboard twice as big as the old one, new food & beverages, and a new & bigger jolly roger flag that will be raised each time the Pirates win.
  
  
• Fun promos: Charlotte Knights join Sheryl Crow to help the environment Crow recently announced on her web site that everyone should use less toilet paper, and suggested a “one square per restroom visit” limit. In honor of Crow, the team hosted “TP Night at the Ballpark” at their May 24 game. Fans who brought a roll of toilet paper received $1 off the ticket price. Every roll of toilet paper was donated to a local shelter. (via GameOps.com)
  
  
• Fun promos: You've heard of hoceky hat tricks, now the Long Beach Ice Dogs have introduced the Golden Sombrero for 4-goal games. (via GameOps.com)
  
  
• News: Texas Rangers launch a "ball girl" program similar to hockey's "ice girls", but not quite cheerleading for baseball (via GameOps.com)
  
  
• Video: Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team (via GameOps.com)