The ultimate ballpark food has always been the hot dog. Like the slogan at the famous Hot Doug’s restaurant in Chicago says, “There are no two finer words in the English language than ‘encased meats,’ my friend.”

Interns vs. Spring Mobile Ballpark Food Day 7

 Chicago Dog vs. All-Star Dog vs. Bratwurst

In our opinion there is no such thing as a bad a hot dog, but when you get the fine array of specialty dogs that Spring Mobile Ballpark serves up then we you are truly in for a treat.

All the dogs were expertly cooked, so the real choice comes down to how you want to dress your dog.

The bratwurst comes with grilled peppers and onions and the choice of spicy or regular mustard. To spice this one up we went with the spicy mustard and added a couple of sport peppers to the mix.

TheChicago dog is a tried and true classic. The formula is repeated here at Spring Mobile Ballpark. This dog comes with tomatoes, relish, mustard, onions and a pickle spear.

The All-Star dog gives you a little bit of everything. It’s a footlong hot dog with peppers, onions, mustard, cheese, bread and butter pickle slices and two pickle spears. The only downside is trying to find a way to pick up and eat the massive offering.

Verdict:

 Every dog was fantastic. No matter which one you choose you will be a wiener.

Tonight’s battle is one that we recommend fans avoid if on a date. Save this battle for “guys/girls night out,” and you won’t have to worry about scaring your date away with your breath. The garlic fries vs. cheese fries battle sure didn’t help us interns in networking with the strong scent of nacho cheese and garlic in our breath.

Interns vs. Spring Mobile Ballpark Food Day 6

 Garlic Fries vs. Cheese Fries

We came to a very important conclusion tonight; cheese can be added to just about anything at a ballgame to increase flavor. Hot fries and cheese are just meant to be, much like nachos. The difference is that fries can be made to order. Some people like their fries soft and chewy, while others like them a little overcooked and crunchy. Either way, cheese is a perfect topping for this ballpark favorite.

Now take your same order of fries, and toss them in a little oil, parsley and garlic. It is amazing how both items have the same main ingredient, but taste completely different. We were big fans of the garlic fries but devouring this concoction required a few sticks of gum before we were allowed back into the press box.

Verdict:

Both were really, really good. In fact, too close to call a winner. If tonight’s battle was a close play at first, the umpire would rule that the fry goes to the runner.

Due to a special request from our dentists, and back-to-back nights of sugar-highs, we decided to leave the rest of the ballpark sweets for another game this week. With empty stomachs, we decided we were ready for the “Pie Battle,” the match up of a Papa John’s Pizza and a Frito Pie.

 Interns vs. Spring Mobile Ballpark Food Day 5

 Papa John’s Pizza vs. Frito Pie

Luckily, Papa John’s has a stand just down the first base concourse and we didn’t have to wait for a delivery. Right as the pizza was out of the oven and in our hands, we added our parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper. Ready to dive into one of America’s most consumed favorites, the pizza was hot, cheesy and wasn’t short on pepperonis. The only bad part about the pizza was that we had to share it to save room for the Frito Pie.Now, one might call us sheltered, but a Frito Pie was a new dish for usMidwestboys. A simple concept of Frito chips, mixed with chili and cheese, made for a nice ballpark snack. Jalapeños are available upon request, and we felt they would add to the experience. We were bummed to find the Frito Pie served in a bowl and not the Frito bag itself, but maybe it was a good thing for us “rookies.”

 Verdict:

This one should come as no surprise as over three billion of these are sold each year. The Frito Pie was good, but the pizza was amazing. To whomever is keeping count of the number of pizzas consumed a year, add one more to the total, we want seconds.

With theSaltLaketemperature close to triple digits today, we figured tonight might be a good night to stick with the sweets and cool down at the same time. There is just something about a brain freeze at a hot game that brings satisfaction. We decided to go with two ballpark traditional treats, ice cream and a snow cone.   

   Interns vs. Spring Mobile Ballpark Food Day 4

 Snowie vs. Ice Cream 

The Snowie is just like your normal snow cone of shaved ice in a cup. The fun of ordering a Snowie at Spring Mobile Ballpark is choosing your flavor and how much syrup to add at the flavor bar. Choose from six different fruity favors, or if you dare, all six at once.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. The only bad part of choosing ice cream during a sold out game is the line. Standing in the heat while everyone in front of you walks away licking their selection is pretty tough, but it just makes that first bite of your own so much more rewarding. 

 Verdict:

Although both treats brought relief from the warm night, only the ice cream cooled us down and left us two memorabilia helmets.

After two nights of featuring main courses from the various concessions around Spring Mobile Ballpark, it was time to take a break and sample some snack food. So where should you go if you are looking for a cinnamon-infused treat?

Interns vs. Spring Mobile Ballpark Food Day 3

Cinnamon Roasted Almonds vs. Churro

The song goes “buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks” but nevertheless almonds have been a popular addition to the ballpark courtesy of Nuts 4 You. Two stands on the first and third base sides are available for those craving something a little different than just a regular bag of peanuts.

A churro is a staple of concession stand food all across the country. At Spring Mobile Ballpark, they are available at Grand Slam Snacks. It is a warm, soft, sugary treat that is just the right amount of chewy and crunchy.

.Verdict

Churros are great, but when in doubt you have to go with something different so the winner tonight is Cinnamon Roasted Almonds.

After last night’s feast at the smokehouse, we decided to try out Café Olé, the ballpark’s south of the border cuisine which is on the concourse behind the third base dugout. Fans that choose to dine at Café Olé have three main options; a burrito, salad or nachos. The size of the three meals might just be the largest that Spring Mobile Ballpark has to offer. Now, with only two of us eating, we had to eliminate one of the three items. With the same toppings available for the salad and nachos, we decided to forego the salad and save the lettuce for the rabbits.

Interns vs. Spring Mobile Ballpark Food Day 2

Café Olé Burrito vs. Café Olé Nachos

The sweet pork burrito resembled many others like it acrossUtah. The difference was that the price remained the same whether or not the burrito was smothered. Feel free to add all the toppings you’d like for no extra charge as well. The sweet pork was juicy and tender and went well with all the extras. It was just as good as all the sweet pork burrito chains, but only at Café Olé can you enjoy a baseball game with it.

Look at those toppings.

Verdict:
Both were very tasty and even more filling than we thought, but the winner goes to the nachos. Good luck finishing the nachos and try your best not to take some home on your favorite Bees shirt.

In an attempt to bring the game day atmosphere of Spring Mobile Ballpark to this blog, we the Bees interns are going to take on the task of comparing the different food offerings presented around the park during the final nine games of the 2011 Bees season. For your enjoyment we have broken down every night into a competition between two items.

Interns vs. Spring Mobile Ballpark Food Day 1

Tom’s Smokehouse Chicken vs. Brisket

Earlier this season this blog went to Tom’s Smokehouse to try the Bee-Bee-Que sandwich. We went back tonight to take on two other dishes: the beef brisket and the half chicken.

The brisket was fantastic. It was very tender and smothered in the bourbon style sauce. The quarter chicken was also delicious. Both items were smoked to perfection in the brand new smoker parked just beyond the left field berm.

Verdict:

Both items had the same smoked taste and delicious sauce. For the health conscious connoisseur the chicken might be the better option, but for those not counting calories go with the brisket.

Can you name the last pitcher who started a season in the Independent League and won a MLB game in the same season?

I’ll give you a hint.

He went 7-2 with a 3.91 ERA in 10 starts for the Bees before being called up to the Angels last week.

That’s right, Jerome Williams.

Williams started the 2011 season playing for the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League. It wasn’t until former Bees pitcher Brian Lawrence retired on June 3 that the Angels went out and picked up the Hawaiian native and signed him on June 20.  

After joining the Bees, Williams would strike out 60 while only walking 15. His walk-to-strikeout ration and his ability to work late into games gave the former major leaguer a shot at pitching in the big leagues again.

The Angels didn’t waste anytime putting Williams to work, as he threw two-thirds of an inning on August 17, the same day he got the call. Making his first appearance in the bigs since 2007, the right-hander gave up two quick hits but both failed to score and Williams finished the inning with a goose egg on the scoreboard.

The short relief appearance was just enough to rid the nerves out of Williams before making his starting debut for the Angels.

Making his first MLB start in over four years, Williams pitched seven strong innings and looked as if he had never left the majors, striking out six and not giving up a single walk. In fact, he made only one mistake all game by giving up a solo home run in the seventh inning.

Thanks to former Bees Peter Bourjos and Howie Kendrick’s home runs, Williams had a lead to pitch with all game and was able to win his first MLB game since September 25, 2005. 

Nate Gray

Where do you reside in the offseason?

Lynwood, California.

How many siblings do you have? Did any of them play baseball?

Three older sisters. My oldest sister played softball and taught me to play first base.

What was your favorite team growing up?

Los Angeles Dodgers.

Which baseball player do you look up to most?

Hank Aaron.

What advice would you give kids who want to grow up and play baseball?

Have fun.

Where did you go to High School/College?

Lynwood High School and UNLV.

What is your greatest personal sports moment?

A walk-off grand slam in high school.

Who is your biggest fan?

My parents.

What is your favorite food?

Enchiladas.

What is your favorite book?

Angels and Demons.

What was your first car?

2000 Malibu.

If you were not playing baseball, how would you make a living?

Finish my psychology degree and work with kids.

Where do you reside in the offseason?

Shreveport, LA.

What was your favorite team growing up?

New York Yankees.

Which baseball player do you look up to most?

Tori Hunter.

What advice would you give kids who want to grow up and play baseball?

Work hard and have fun.

Where did you go to High School/College?

North Caddo High. I didn’t go to college, but was recruited by LSU to play football.

Which teammates are you closest with?

I love ‘em all.

In the time you have been in Salt Lake, what do you like the most?

The mountains and all the scenery.

What is your greatest personal sports moment?

Scoring 45 points in a high school basketball game

What is your favorite food?

Cajun Catfish

What is your favorite book?

Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy

Who is your biggest fan?

My Grandma

What was your first car?

2001 Grand Marquee

What is the best part of playing triple-A baseball?

Being so close to the big leagues