Detroit Tigers: Tasty Treats at the Ball Parks

Baseball food is no longer limited to hot dogs and Cracker Jacks. Ballpark chefs now create gourmet junk food, like the tasty grub that fans can enjoy while watching the Detroit Tigers, the Toledo Mud Hens, and the West Michigan Whitecaps.

Detroit Tigers Redefine Junk Food

Of course, fans can still enjoy the classic food that they have come to love at Comerica Park, like the Little Caesar’s Pizza slices, Dippin’ Dots, and hot fries, but there are some outstanding new options that will debut on Opening Day. These options offer a little something for everyone. 

For those who love a little taste of Mexico, there will be Street Nachos and a Quesadilla Wrap. Those with a hankerin’ for Greek food can enjoy a Grecian French Fry treat or a Gyro.

The CoPa has upped the ante on hot dog options. Look for the Jumbo Corn Dog, The Downtown Dog, The Mac Daddy Dog (think mac-and-cheese-meets-hotdog), and the Brat Pop – which is a deep fried brat on a stick. The chefs have taken certainly traditional baseball food to the next level.

If you prefer a sandwich, the park has added a few of those, too. The Fried Bologna Sandwich is new and The Lenny takes cold cuts up a notch by frying them and adding spicy peppers and other toppings. The burger options have grown by two with the Cork Town Burger that will make you reminisce about the old Tigers Stadium, and the Smokehouse Burger that is loaded with more peppers here.

Lastly, the Tigers have also added some snack foods to the menu. They, too, take junk food to a new level. Deep Fried Oreos will certainly be a hit with kids and their parents – the chocolate sauce sounds like heaven. Everything Pretzel Bits, Smokehouse Fries, Pork Rind Nachos, and Chicken and Waffles will delight the taste buds.

Better wear your comfortable pants to the park. And maybe some Pepto Bismol.

Toledo Mud Hens Gourmet Grub

Minor league ball parks have been playing with their menus in recent years. The unbelievable food draws in visitors who not only love baseball but want to try the unique food combinations that are only offered within the confines of the park. The Toledo Mud Hens baseball field is surrounded by restaurants in the warehouse district, but the park can hold its own with tasty menu options.

The BirdCage Bar and Grill has gourmet options like the Holy Toledo Chicken Sandwich, House Sirloin, Chili Mac, and Chicken Kabobs. They also offer Red Velvet Cake for dessert.

In other places around the park, visitors can choose a Fried Green Tomato Burger, Mac & Cheese Burger, Cheddar Peppercorn Sausage, Triple Play Nachos, Nutella Poppers, Pineapple Habanero Sundae, and Oreo Churros.

Detroit Tigers

West Michigan Whitecaps Get Creative

West Michigan is leaving their newest menu items to the fans. The local fans get to choose what will be served on a regular basis at Fifth Third Ballpark. In previous years, the park has been known for the 5 ⅓-pound hamburger that tempted those who love a challenge (and the potential for a heart attack).  

Now, the West Michigan Whitecaps are letting the fans decide what will be the featured food for the 2016 season. The options look delicious. Some of the more creative options include the Alaskan Chili, which is a Klondike Bar covered with chili; Frankly Ears – a corn cob wrapped in bacon and put on a stick; and Shellfish Tendencies, which is a waffle covered with lobster salad.

If those options don’t sound appetizing (and they don’t to me), there are more. The one I would like to try is Deep Fried Reese Peanut Butter Cup Pie, which is on a stick. Fans can also choose the Dutch Love, a pita filled with pot roast, fries, cheese curds, and gravy; the Nut So Healthy – which is a chocolate covered granola bar that’s been deep fried; the Plato Nut – which is a gyro between a donut; and the High Five Burger filled with mozzarella sticks, Founders Beer Mustard, and fries.

I think I just gained ten pounds writing this.

Next: Concussions and the Future of Baseball

If you love baseball and food, a road trip of Detroit Tigers ball parks would prove to be quite a feast for the senses. What tasty treat would you like to try?

Check out more Detriot Tigers news and opinions at Motor City Bengals.