Great Pierogy Race

Pierogie race august 2006

Great Pierogy Race

The Great Pierogy Race, also known as the Pirates Pierogi Race, is a popular in-game entertainment event held during Pittsburgh Pirates home games at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The race features costumed characters representing different types of pierogies, a nod to the city's rich Eastern European heritage and its love for this traditional dish.

History[edit | edit source]

The Great Pierogy Race was introduced in the early 1990s as a fun and engaging way to entertain fans during the seventh-inning stretch. The race quickly became a fan favorite and has been a staple of Pirates games ever since. The event is similar in spirit to other mascot races in Major League Baseball, such as the Milwaukee Brewers' Sausage Race and the Washington Nationals' Presidents Race.

Characters[edit | edit source]

The race features six pierogy characters, each with a unique name and personality:

Cheese Chester - A yellow pierogy with a love for cheese.
Sauerkraut Saul - A green pierogy filled with sauerkraut.
Jalapeño Hannah - A spicy pierogy with a jalapeño filling.
Oliver Onion - A pierogy with an onion filling.
Potato Pete - A traditional pierogy filled with potatoes.
Bacon Burt - A pierogy with a bacon filling.

Race Format[edit | edit source]

The race typically takes place between innings, with the pierogies starting from the right-field corner and racing along the warning track to the finish line near the Pirates' dugout. The event is known for its humorous antics, with the pierogies often engaging in playful shenanigans and sometimes even receiving assistance or interference from other mascots or players.

Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]

The Great Pierogy Race is more than just a fun diversion; it is a celebration of Pittsburgh's cultural heritage. Pierogies are a beloved dish in the region, reflecting the city's large Polish-American and Eastern European communities. The race has become an iconic part of the Pirates' game-day experience and a symbol of local pride.