Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Buy me some Twizzlers and Cracker Jack

Take me out to the ball game
Take me out with the crowd;
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack...

Most everyone knows those words to "Take Me Out to The Ball Game," which was written 100 years ago this month.

But Mr. Peanut and his friends were not welcome at last Friday night's Reading Phillies game as First Energy Stadium in Reading became a "peanut-free zone."

It was Food Allergy Awareness Night at the game, so peanuts were not sold and an entire section of the stadium was reserved for fans with peanut allergies.
Watching baseball without peanuts is like watching a Thanksgiving parade without the giant balloons. Thousands of fans were denied the enjoyment of eating peanuts while watching the game. And those who were allergic to peanuts had their own section, so why did the rest of us have to suffer?
As a mild form of protest, a few of us changed the line of the song to "Buy me some Twizzlers and Cracker Jack." It just doesn't have the same ring to it, does it?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Did one night of baseball without Peanuts really hurt you so badly? Think of the thousands of people that can't even attend a baseball game because of a possible reaction. Hurray for the Reading Phillies! Kudos!

Anonymous said...

Poor man. Had to do without peanuts for a few hours while these kids and families (5-10% of kids today) can't eat half the food you do, can't go to restaurants, parties, baseball games, malls, work, even school without worrying about exposure to a food that might send them to a hospital or worse. And, they have to carry around shots with them ALL the time in case it happens. So yes, I feel so sorry for you having to do without for 4 hours of your life. Poor man. WAY TO GO PHILLIES!

Anonymous said...

We were at that game. It was great to see so many new happy faces from the kids and families who otherwise can't attend because of peanuts. You should thank your lucky stars that you don't have this allergy to deal with. My family thankfully does not, but I for one would support the Phillies if they went Peanut-free all the time to allow more kids to come to these games. Keep up the good work, Reading!! - Madge

Anonymous said...

My son was able to attend a "real baseball game" for the first time in his life without the fear of having an anaphylactic reaction. How dare you make fun and complain about this small inconvience to you... Do you also have a problem with ramps and seating for wheelchairs?
My son did not choose to have a life threatening allergy, but he does and so often we are faced with others, like your self, who really don't get it. If there were peanuts all through the stands, walkways, etc., he could track them on his shoes and clothing. All that needs to then happen is to have him touch any of the peanut protein to any part of his face (eyes, nose, mouth) and he could face a life threatening reaction. Please be more considerate of those around you. I do hope you teach your children a little more respect and understanding for others!

Anonymous said...

After reviewing your Background List of Favorite Movies, it appears your sense of humor led you to your Twizzlers and Cracker Jack comments, not any real thought of the impact on others. I am sure you agree with Drug Free Zones and Lower speed zones around schools. Also, at any game, you are not permitted to take weapons in and other rules that apply to protect you and those you love. The Peanut Free night was just one night, not a restriction that You will have to deal with every day to survive. For those that attended who have food allergies, and their families, peanuts are as frightening as bullets. That is why this is so serious to them. The "I'm having a Weird Day" that they live with is Every Day - Every Place they go. They are working to have a "Safe ALIVE day", which they do hope to relive each day.

Anonymous said...

The ignorance of some people is incredible. Take your head out of your a$$, educate yourself prior to making asinine statements and realize that for many children peanuts (and other foods) can be as deadly as anthrax. These kids have to carry epinephrine around with them every second of their lives and constantly have to be alert at restaurants, parties, baseball games, malls, friend's houses and school; otherwise they could end up in the hospital or even worse dead. Once exposed, even if they have been given a shot of epinephrine, they still must go to an Emergency Room. Living with all that is bad enough, without having to put up with ignorant folks such as yourself. I applaud the Phillies for making some people aware (while others rudely think of themselves) of Food Allergies - WAY TO GO PHILLIES!

Anonymous said...

To all those who put Mike down, I happen to know that his mother has a life threatening allergy which could kill her the next time she eats a few particular foods. So he is senitive to food allergies. Why is everyone so up tight these days? Can't we have a little humor. After all, isn't that what blogs are supposed to be.

Anonymous said...

You're all NUTS!!