It’s A Whole New Ball Game

Cynthia Lopinto Then & Now Leave a comment 2,437 Views

By CYN LoPINTO
Editor-in-chief, gerontologist

Going to a major league ballpark to watch your favorite team brings up fun memories for many of us. Relaxing outside in the summer sun, singing “Take Me Out to The Ball Game” and smelling the peanuts and hot dogs excited our senses. Ballpark food was always a big part of the day. As soon as you got comfortable in your seat, you would flag down the vendor for some snacks and an ice cold beer. While these classic baseball foods are still a big staple in major league ballparks, fans have a lot more culinary options today

With many Americans moving towards a more plant based diet, major league ballparks are getting in on the act. PETA.org ranked the Top 10 most vegetarian-friendly ballparks in 2015 and some of the food choices were incredible. White Sox fans in Chicago ate tofu flatbread, while Red Sox fans in Boston were served kale salad and black bean quinoa burgers. Coors Field in Denver had fried risotto balls and even those tough Phillies fans ate vegan wild mushroom/tofu cheesesteak and three-bean vegetarian chili. Vegan Portobello mushroom sandwiches and potstickers were enjoyed by Giants fans at San Francisco’s AT&T Park. At Citi Field (where my beloved New York Mets play), vegan pizza, vegan mac ‘n cheese and vegan El Verano Taqueria tacos were on the menu. The top ballpark went to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles where they offered vegan nachos and homemade vegan mini burgers. With plant-based chefs working around the clock to come up with dishes for everyone to enjoy while watching the game, we are hopeful that the 2016 season has even more offerings.

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Cynthia Lopinto

Cyn LoPinto, M.A. is a gerontologist focusing on significant issues affecting older adults and their families. Her areas of interest include lifestyle enrichment, family dynamics, and caregiver support. Cyn has worked in both the recreational and healthcare industries.