Step up to the plate: New MiLB food items
Hungry? If not, you probably will be after reading this appetizing article. What follows is a by-no-means comprehensive roundup of notable concession items debuting in the Minor Leagues this season. There's more where this came from, so there'll be a second course if the public is hungry for it. For
Hungry? If not, you probably will be after reading this appetizing article.
What follows is a by-no-means comprehensive roundup of notable concession items debuting in the Minor Leagues this season. There's more where this came from, so there'll be a second course if the public is hungry for it. For now, step up to the plate and dig in.
We start in Allentown, Pennsylvania, home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. The Phillies' Triple-A affiliate has always had a reputation for going "hog wild" with their concession items, as a visit to their PigsFoodFinder.com website makes abundantly clear -- 13 items in the "bacon" section alone! The IronPigs added seven items to their Coca-Cola Park ballpark menu in 2023, and the Pepperoni Pizza Pretzel is among the highlights. This self-explanatory snack combines a Philly staple (the soft pretzel) with the beloved all-American staple that is pepperoni pizza.
For another example of "familiar foods combined in a new way," we now travel to Pearl, Mississippi. Atlanta's Double-A affiliate, the Mississippi Braves, have debuted an item at Trustman Park that, at least in theory, features two great tastes that taste great together.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
— Mississippi Braves (@mbraves) March 14, 2023
We made two things you love into one for Trustmark Park this season...Mac n Cheese Pizza! pic.twitter.com/oL82LBYUt3
As for mac and cheese, its profile has steadily grown at Minor League ballparks over the course of the 21st century. This journey of discovery and acceptance -- from non-existent to occasional hot dog topping to full-fledged main course -- is perhaps best exemplified by the Triple-A Round Rock Express's new "Chez Mac" concession stand at Dell Diamond. Options include Porky the Mac, Hot Chick, and pictured below, the Cheesesteak Melt.
And, okay, since we're on the topic, here's one more attention-grabbing mac and cheese debut. The Triple-A St. Paul Saints call the one being served at CHS Field, Mac and Meat, which is presumably a reference to the cult classic 1988 "E.T." ripoff that was "Mac and Me."
Can a ballpark food roundup call itself a ballpark food roundup if it does not include a hot dog? Rather than ponderously debating this existential question yet again, let's circumvent it by showcasing a frankfurter. At LMCU Park, the High-A West Michigan Whitecaps' Firecracker Dog is, per the team, "smeared with cream cheese and topped with grilled onions, peppers and crispy jalapeno chips."
The Firecracker Dog was the winner of the Whitecaps' "Fan Food Vote," an annual contest that in years past has yielded celebrated (and since discontinued items) such as the Fifth Third Burger and the Baco.
The High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, perhaps inspired by their Midwest League compatriots in West Michigan, also stage an annual democratic exercise in which fans vote on a concession item to add to the Fox Cities Stadium menu. Their iteration is called the "Fans' Choice Food Fight," and this year's winner was "The Show" Sandwich -- "fried chicken breast topped with melted Wisconsin cheddar cheese and a sweet & savory bacon cherry jam served on grilled sourdough bread."
In this writer's opinion, however, "The Show" Sandwich is overshadowed by another new addition to the Timber Rattlers' culinary landscape. Poppin' Popcorn and Popcorn Chicken may have an unwieldy name, but it is what its name implies: "a triple-mix popcorn served in a souvenir helmet topped with popcorn chicken and garlic parmesan seasoning."
When have you ever seen this combination before?
We now move from land to the sea, where creatures beyond our comprehension lurk in the abyssal void. The High-A Lake County Captains have plumbed the nautical depths in order to resurrect the gargantuan concoction that is the Moby Dick. First introduced to Classic Park in 2012, and later lost in uncharted waters, the new version of the Moby Dick consists of "24 sardines, 16 fish patties, 12 fried clams, 37 pickles, Cheez Whiz and a dash of oyster sauce."
While the Captains say this creation was inspired by "Moby Dick's appetite," Captain Ahab's leg remains conspicuously absent from the ingredient list.
The eight new dishes listed above should be plenty filling, but hopefully there'll be an appetite for more. To suggest an item for inclusion in a future food roundup, email benjamin.hill@mlb.com. For more information on what the Minor Leagues have to offer, visit our Ballpark Guides, presented by Wyndham.
Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter @bensbiz.
Fresno Grizzlies Announce Thursday Night Specials Featuring Food Truck Battles and Beer Specials
Fresno (CA) – The Fresno Grizzlies are excited to announce their Thursday Daily Special for the 2025 season! Presented by Estrella Jalisco in partnership with Fresno Street Eats, Thursday nights at Chukchansi Park will offer fans exclusive beer deals and thrilling themed food truck battles at Chukchansi Park. Returning for
Fresno Grizzlies Announce Select 2025 Daily Specials
Fresno (CA) – The Fresno Grizzlies have unveiled a portion of their 2025 Daily Specials, aimed at providing fans with different ways to enjoy games throughout the season. With repeating specials on every game day, excluding Saturdays, fans can take advantage of discounts, bundles, and more. 2 for Tuesday, presented
Fresno Grizzlies Announce 2025 Front Office Changes
Fresno (CA) – In anticipation of the 2025 season, the Fresno Grizzlies are thrilled to announce the following new hires and promotions within the organization: - Rylie Atherton joins the Fresno Grizzlies as the team’s newest Account Executive, Ticket Sales directly after securing her Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Business from
Fresno Grizzlies Unveil 10th Anniversary Fresno Tacos Uniform
Fresno (CA) – This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies released the latest redesign in the storied history of their Fresno Tacos alter ego. The 2025 Tacos uniform is a celebration of 10 seasons of Tacos baseball, with the Grizzlies first making the transformation to their world-famous alter ego in 2015. As
Fresno Grizzlies Single Game Tickets On Sale Now
Fresno, CA - This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies went on sale with their full slate of 2025 Single Game Tickets. With Opening Day less than 2 months away, fans can now choose their top games and seats for any home game at Chukchansi Park this season. As part of their
Fresno Grizzlies Release 2025 Promotional Calendar
Fresno, CA - This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies unveiled their 2025 promotional schedule featuring 34 unique theme nights. With many popular nights returning as well as new additions to the theme night slate, this year’s promotional calendar once again ensures that there is something for everyone at Chukchansi Park this
Fresno Grizzlies Announce Coaching Staff for 2025 Season
Fresno, CA - The Fresno Grizzlies and Colorado Rockies have announced the Fresno field and support staff for the 2025 season. Cesar Galvez, who spent the last two seaons as the Grizzlies’ Bench Coach, has been named Manager of the Fresno Grizzlies. Also returning to the Fresno staff is Jerry
Fresno Grizzlies To Host Annual Job Fair February 8
Fresno, CA - The Fresno Grizzlies are preparing for the 2025 season by hosting their yearly job fair on Saturday, February 8. The annual hiring event aims to fill over 100 positions at the ballpark that are an integral part of the game-to-game success of the organization. “We love getting
Fresno Grizzlies Unveil 2025 Season Theme - IT HAPPENS HERE.
Fresno (CA) – This morning the Fresno Grizzlies revealed their 2025 season theme and tagline - IT HAPPENS HERE. From fun to excitement to making memories, everything happens at Chukchansi Park. With over 200 events per year, including Fresno Grizzlies baseball, Tequila Fest, and Taco Truck Throwdown, the downtown Fresno
Fresno Grizzlies Announce Tequila Fest To Be Headlined by Ludacris
Fresno (CA) – This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies announced that Tequila Fest, set to return to Chukchansi Park on Saturday, May 17, will be headlined by three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Ludacris. Continuing the tradition of national-headlining acts like T-Pain, Busta Rhymes, T.I., Lil Jon, and many more, 2025 Tequila Fest’s
Tequila Fest Set To Take Place On May 17 at Chukchansi Park
Fresno (CA) – This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies announced that Tequila Fest will return to Chukchansi Park on Saturday, May 17. Tequila Fest, which was awarded the title of Best Non-Gameday Event of 2023 by Minor League Baseball, is a celebration of local food, vendors, throwbacks, and, of course, tequila.
Fresno Grizzlies’ David Jacinto Wins 2024 California League Head Groundskeeper of the Year Award
Fresno, CA - The Fresno Grizzlies and Minor League Baseball are proud to announce that Grizzlies’ Groundskeeper David Jacinto has won the California League Head Groundskeeper of the Year Award. This is Jacinto’s third time winning the top groundskeeper honor in his career and his second recognition in the California
Taco Truck Throwdown 13 Set To Take Over Chukchansi Park This Saturday
Fresno, CA – Chukchansi Park will turn into the epicenter of the taco universe this Saturday, November 9th, as the downtown Fresno ballpark hosts its annual Taco Truck Throwdown. Now in its 13th year, the annual event will feature music from Larry June, Coyote, Los Del Puerto, wrestling from Lucha
UPDATE: October 20th Concert at Chukchansi Park
The Thomas Rhett performance that was scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 20, at Chukchansi Park, has been cancelled. All credit and debit card transactions will be refunded to the purchasing card within 3-5 business days. Refunds on all cash transactions must be claimed at the Chukchansi Park Ticket
Jace Kaminska Named California League Pitcher of the Year; 2 More Grizzlies Also Announced as All Stars
Fresno, CA – Minor League Baseball announced Wednesday morning that three Fresno Grizzlies were awarded California League All-Star honors thanks to their stellar 2024 campaigns. Right-handed starting pitcher Jace Kaminska, left-handed relief pitcher Welinton Herrera and third baseman Braylen Wimmer were the winning recipients of their respective positions, as voted
Hibernation comes early for Grizzlies in 11-5 loss to Giants in 2024 finale
Fresno, CA (Sunday, September 8) – The Fresno Grizzlies (29-37, 67-64) were vanquished by the San Jose Giants (37-29, 74-57) 11-5 Sunday afternoon from Chukchansi Park. Fresno went into hibernation, dropping the final contest of the regular season, splitting the six-game set with their North Division rival. A Sunday crowd
All smiles as Fresno topples San Jose 7-3 in penultimate game of season
Fresno, CA (Saturday, September 7) – The Fresno Grizzlies (29-36, 67-63) conquered the San Jose Giants (36-29, 73-57) 7-3 Saturday night from Chukchansi Park. Fresno’s penultimate game of the season ended with an offensive outpouring, as the Grizzlies tallied 12 hits and seven runs. The Grizzlies improved to 13-9 on
Comeback claws trimmed by inches in Fresno’s 6-5 (11) defeat versus San Jose
Fresno, CA (Friday, September 6) – The Fresno Grizzlies (28-36, 66-63) were stunned by the San Jose Giants (36-28, 73-56) 6-5 in 11 frames Friday night from Chukchansi Park. The two teams have played 21 total innings over the past two evenings, both ending with free baseball. One night after
Tena and Mena shrink Giants in Grizzlies’ 5-4 (10) walk-off dub
Fresno, CA (Thursday, September 5) – The Fresno Grizzlies (28-35, 66-62) walked-off on the San Jose Giants (35-28, 72-56) 5-4 in 10 frames Thursday night from Chukchansi Park. Fresno enjoyed their ninth walk-off win of the 2024 season with their third consecutive coming in the 10th. The Grizzlies relished a
Hopfe and Hobson hammer homers, but Fresno falls 10-5 to San Jose
Fresno, CA (Wednesday, September 4) – The Fresno Grizzlies (27-35, 65-62) were defeated by the San Jose Giants (35-27, 72-55) 10-5 Wednesday night from Chukchansi Park. The Grizzlies offense scattered nine hits with seven of them landing for singles (first six batters in order had a hit). Fresno also swiped
McCabe’s late knock backs Luciano’s stellar outing in Grizzlies 5-1 win over Giants
Fresno, CA (Monday, September 2) – The Fresno Grizzlies (27-34, 65-61) growled past the San Jose Giants (34-27, 71-55) 5-1 Monday evening from Chukchansi Park. Fresno improved to 46-12 overall and 24-4 at home when allowing three runs or fewer. The Grizzlies finished the season 14-10 in the first game
Rawhide rope Grizzlies 2-1 to open up September
Visalia, CA (Sunday, September 1) – The Fresno Grizzlies (26-34, 64-61) fell to the Visalia Rawhide (35-25, 64-61) 2-1 Sunday afternoon from Valley Strong Ballpark. Fresno dropped the finale and suffered a series setback to their Highway 99 rival. The Grizzlies finished 33-34 on the road overall and 10-23 in
Postseason Chances Dashed after Fresno’s 6-3 loss in Visalia
Visalia, CA (Saturday, August 31) – The Fresno Grizzlies (26-33, 64-60) were overwhelmed by the Visalia Rawhide (34-25, 63-61) 6-3 Saturday night from Valley Strong Ballpark. The Grizzlies fell to 49-16 all-time against the Rawhide (6-5 this season). Fresno has won 30 of their last 41 contests against their Highway
Walks and errors cost Fresno in 3-2 setback to Visalia
Visalia, CA (Friday, August 30) – The Fresno Grizzlies (26-32, 64-59) were edged out by the Visalia Rawhide (33-25, 62-61) 3-2 Friday night from Valley Strong Ballpark. The Grizzlies dropped to 49-15 all-time against the Rawhide (6-4 this season). Fresno has won 30 of their last 40 contests against their
Laundry List of Grizzlies’ Longballs Place Rawhide in 11-2 Spin-Cycle
Visalia, CA (Thursday, August 29) – The Fresno Grizzlies (26-31, 64-58) washed away the Visalia Rawhide (32-25, 61-61) stain 11-2 Thursday evening from Valley Strong Ballpark. Fresno had two players almost spin cycles in Felix Tena and Blake Wright, with both needing triples. The Grizzlies improved to 49-14 all-time against