ALLENTOWN, Pa. — With a name like the IronPigs, you have to take pork products somewhat seriously, a team spokesman said.
Enter the hot dog, a beef and pork product that's the talk of the town in Philadelphia after an Inquirer report that the Phillies are ending their popular Dollar Dog promotion nights after 27 years.
So, might the big league club's decision spell the end of $1 hot dog nights at the IronPigs' Coca-Cola Park, too?
"Absolutely not," said Sam Jellinek, the team's manager of broadcasting and media relations.
"Hot dogs are kind of integral to who we are with the IronPigs. It's right in the name, you know?
"If we're not providing good hot dogs at an affordable price that are both aesthetically pleasing and taste good, and you're not forking over a ton of money for, that's kind of like — we missed the boat, right? Like that's the one thing we have to do well — anything pork-related. We have to hit it out of the park.
"I'm dead serious. I'm not joking."
Bun business
Phillies officials cited incidents such as people throwing hot dogs at each other and onto the field as factors in the decision to retire Dollar Dog Nights.
It will be replaced by a two-for-one deal on hot dogs at their regular price, $5, at Citizens Bank Park for two nights in April, the Inquirer reported.
Jokes aside, Jellinek explained that to get rid of special events such as $1 hot dog nights would essentially be a violation of the Minor League Baseball business model.
"Yeah, you come to see a baseball game, but you're coming to see a show as well," Jellinek said. "You're coming for the cheap food, cheap drinks, and a bit of entertainment on the side as well. So you know, we like to be able to provide that."
"Like that's the one thing we have to do well, anything pork-related. We have to hit it out of the park."Sam Jellinek, IronPigs manager of broadcasting and media relations
The IronPigs were not immediately able to answer the question of how much is taken in on hot dog sales on an average night. The team's 2024 promotion schedule shows nine $1 Berks hot dog nights.
Asked whether the IronPigs have ever had issues with fans throwing hot dogs on the field or using them as weapons, Jellinek replied simply: "No. Our fans are very well mannered and even-tempered about that."
The IronPigs' season opens at home on Friday, March 29.
