America’s favorite pastime

Baseball and bad food

By Melanie Mesaros

April 15, 2008

Spring training means that summertime ball games aren’t too far away — and neither are hot dogs, fries, or Cracker Jack. Along with the classic temptations, concession stands at stadiums around the country are now offering indulgent new treats.

Just outside of St. Louis, the minor-league Gateway Grizzlies are becoming infamous for what some are calling the “unhealthiest burger.” The thick burger is topped with sharp Cheddar cheese and two slices of bacon sandwiched between — get this — a Krispy Kreme doughnut. This home run of a burger packs up to 1,000 calories — not surprising, considering that the doughnut alone has 10 grams of fat.

Baltimore’s Oriole Park at Camden Yards features an All-You-Can-Eat section. The purchase of a $40 pass buys fans permission to gorge at the concession stands as often as they like. Some of the new 2008 menu items include corn-dog bites and a Buffalo chicken sandwich (like buffalo wings, but in sandwich form).

World Series champion team the Boston Red Sox serve up fried dough, cheesesteaks, and onion rings. While healthy options are few, fruit cups and turkey wraps do appear on the menu.

Seattle’s Safeco Field may be the healthiest stadium, with sushi, bento boxes, veggie burgers, and veggie hot dogs available as well as the standard chili dogs and fish’n’chips.

According to the Food Channel, one of the biggest providers of major-league-baseball concessions, Aramark, is taking up some environmentally friendly practices. This year, the company will be recycling frying oil to be used for biodiesel and is making a switch to biodegradable serving pieces.

Gotta start somewhere.