PETA (PEOPLE FOR THE ETHICAL TREATMENT OF ANIMALS) started a petition to the Cleveland Indians to add a Vegan option, not to their menu rather to their popular Hot Dog Derby Live Race.

PETA is active on the MLB front, first rating parks for their Vegan-friendly fare (10 MLB Parks That Score Big With Their Vegan Eats) and now looking to break into the Live Racing game with meatless sausage entry.

I probably have more to say here than anyone wants to hear, but here are a couple thoughts.

First, this is playful fun. I like that. PETA often gets cast in a harsh light for their hardline approach….which makes sense for an advocacy group.  However, this isn’t them asking the Indians/Guardians to STOP the costumed race…they just want to be included.  That’s fun.

Even the press release was fun.

“I’m writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 6.5 million members and supporters worldwide, including thousands in Ohio and countless sports fans. Now that you’ve scored a home run by switching your team’s name to the Cleveland Guardians, we have a pitch that we hope you’ll embrace as a way to continue that spirit of inclusivity: Will you please add a vegan hot dog mascot to your Hot Dog Derby? If you agree, we’ll gladly buy the Veggie Dog’s costume and veggie dogs (sold in your stadium) for all the players.”

Second this is a great testament to the power of the Indians Hot Dog Derby.  The fact that PETA wants to be included shows the megaphone the race provides.

This does pose a sponsorship issue, since Sugardale (the partner for this promotion) does not have a vegan-style offering on their menu. “From our uncured 100% Beef, Pork & Beef, and Turkey varieties to our original lineup, Sugardale hot dogs offer all the flavorful fun in a bun you’ve come to expect. (Sugardale website).  So I would suspect they have little interest in sharing the spotlight with a meatless sausage next summer.

Of course in my mind the most ridiculous outcome is the team and sponsor agree to add a Vegan variety racer, then treat it like the Washington Nationals treat Teddy Roosevelt in the Presidential Racer or how the Buffalo Bisons treat Mr Celery in their Wing Race (and never let him win).

…and then have the Vegan character walk the concourse and act judgmental about fans’ food choices.

🤣🤣🤣 Careful what you wish for PETA.  Haha! 🤣🤣🤣

PETA petitions Cleveland Indians for vegan representation during Hot Dog Derby – https://t.co/XHUqVxt2cV

— FOX19 NOW (@FOX19) August 10, 2021

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