In a marketing match made in baseball heaven, Honey Bucket, the well-known portable restroom company, has announced a new endorsement partnership with Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh. The All-Star backstop, nicknamed ‘Big Dumper’ by fans, is embracing his nickname in a humorous and brand-savvy manner that is drawing attention beyond the Pacific Northwest.
Raleigh’s famous moniker, ‘Big Dumper’, is a direct reflection of the partnership, which Jarred Kelenic, a former teammate, coined. The nickname was created to reference Raleigh’s powerful home-run swing and his solid build, and it quickly became a favorite among Mariners fans and social media. What began as a locker room joke has turned into a complete identity that now encompasses food items, merchandise, and even bobbleheads. Honey Bucket discovered an opportunity to join in the fun with a smile and a nod, and the outcome is a marketing collaboration that’s both clever and memorable.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with our partnership with Cal Raleigh,” said Honey Bucket CEO, Greg Potts, “Cal plays the game the way we run our business—no-nonsense, hard-working, and committed to excellence.”
“Honey Bucket is the name behind the cleanest, most dependable restrooms in the game. As someone who understands the value of showing up prepared every single day, I’m proud to team up with a company that does the same.”
A video announcing the partnership was recently posted by Raleigh on his Instagram account. Light comedy and on-brand humor are blended in the video, with Raleigh posing next to a Honey Bucket unit and laughing about “staying fresh under pressure.” The post quickly went viral, amassing thousands of likes and comments from fans celebrating the “most appropriate endorsement of the year.”
Raleigh’s popularity has surged as a result of his win in the MLB Home Run Derby and his outstanding season behind the plate, which is strategically timed. By partnering with Honey Bucket, he can tap into the larger MLB fanbase while still being deeply rooted in Seattle sports culture, as he receives national attention.
Raleigh’s nickname has become a popular among fans thanks to the Mariners organization’s commitment to it over the past year. T-Mobile Park now offers ‘Lil’ Dumpers’ dumplings, a culinary nod to Raleigh’s name. T-shirts and collectible bobbleheads are just some of the merchandise featuring ‘Big Dumper’ branding, which has become a staple at team stores and fan events. The Honey Bucket partnership is the latest and perhaps most on-the-nose extension of this branding phenomenon.
The deal is being praised by industry experts as a rare instance of sports marketing that is truly funny while still staying on-brand. By pairing Raleigh’s self-deprecating charm with Honey Bucket’s instantly recognizable (and often joked-about) product, the partnership skillfully walks the line between humor and business. It demonstrates a player’s willingness to laugh at himself and a company’s willingness to embrace the fun.
“It’s genius,” one fan tweeted. “A catcher named Big Dumper teaming up with Honey Bucket? That’s marketing gold.”
This endorsement captures the essence of a city that celebrates quirky traditions and fiercely supports its teams. Whether it’s a bobblehead night or a dumpling snack run, Mariners fans are all in on the ‘Big Dumper’ experience. The addition of Honey Bucket has made the experience a little more enjoyable.
It’s uncommon to witness a sports nickname turn into a marketing campaign that is both natural and hilarious. Cal Raleigh and Honey Bucket have accomplished that, demonstrating that timing (and branding) is crucial in baseball.
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