BY DAN GLICKMAN
The Rochester Red Wings, continuing the tradition started with their Rochester Plates alternate identity, will pay tribute to another unique Rochester food on August 20 of this season: the white hot.
The unique uniform and logo is part of a tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Zweigle’s product, a hot dog made from a blend of pork, beef, and veal stuffed into a pork casing well-known for its white appearance and unique flavor. The white hot was first created in 1925, according to the team and Zweigle’s to be served at the home stadium of the Rochester Tribe, as the Red Wings were known at the time. The team released a humorous comedy sketch in the style of Drunk History to recap the events leading to its creation:
In addition to the special uniforms and hats, the Red Wings will also have special concessions and events on White Hots night, such as a toppings race, several one-night-only dishes, and a pre-game happy hour.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM JOE TERRITO.
Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason announced the promotion on Friday immediately following the Red Wings’ 9-6 loss to the Buffalo Bisons on Independence Day, just before the team’s annual fireworks show. The Red Wings team store was selling Rochester White Hots gear immediately after the fireworks, with lines of fans lining up to buy merchandise. Souvenirs for the new identity are also available online.
The Red Wings continue their series with the Buffalo Bisons on Saturday night with a 6:05 p.m. start. Rochester’s Andrew Alvarez is set to start against Adam Kloffenstein. The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra as well as fireworks will follow the game.
I don’t mind this promo if its simply a ‘one-off’ and the team is still called Red Wings. The Plates thing has worn out its welcome. Perhaps wear the jersey once a year…and DO NOT REFER TO THE TEAM AS THE PLATES. Its kind of insulting actually.
These teams should always be called by their real names, not some promo product. I know this is a personal pet peeve of mine, but I suspect its also held by many others who just don’t care to speak up. The Red Wings are an iconic team in Rochester and its bad enough that their play on the field is so terrible. Our city deserves (yes I believe that) a team we can be proud of. Lately we all should be wearing bags over our heads.
Harsh? Nah. Not going to be Pollyanna to not ‘offend’ Washington. They have failed miserably to provide us with a legitimate team. They inched slightly over .500 last season but were never really in contention. (not that the IL has anything resembling a meaningful regular season + playoffs anymore)
I love white hots and Tahoe’s ..but they are products. Sponsors. Everyone needs to stay in their lane. The baseball is terrible but this team is still our Red Wings. For better or worse. (end of rant)
The team is terrible but the front office leads the league in coming up with outstanding promotions. Gotta do something to make up for the execrable performance on the field.