Racing Sausages: Baseball's Beloved Food Mascot Tradition

Racing sausages are costumed food mascots that compete in between-innings races at baseball games, most famously at Milwaukee Brewers home games at American Family Field. This beloved tradition began in 1993 as a promotional event and evolved into a permanent fixture featuring characters like Bratwurst, Polish Sausage, and Italian Sausage racing around the warning track during the fifth inning.

The racing sausages phenomenon represents one of baseball's most enduring and entertaining non-sporting traditions. What started as a simple promotional gimmick has grown into a cultural institution that draws fans specifically to witness the lively competition between oversized sausage characters. This unique entertainment element demonstrates how sports franchises can create memorable experiences that extend beyond the game itself.

Origins of the Sausage Race Tradition

The racing sausages tradition began in 1993 with the Milwaukee Brewers at Milwaukee County Stadium. Originally conceived as a one-time promotional event called the "Sausage Race" during a game against the Chicago Cubs, the concept proved so popular with fans that it became a regular feature. The initial race featured three sausages: Bratwurst, Polish Sausage, and Italian Sausage. The event was designed to celebrate Wisconsin's strong German heritage and the region's love of sausages.

When the Brewers moved to Miller Park (now American Family Field) in 2001, the sausage race transitioned to the new stadium with even greater production value. The race course was expanded, and additional characters were introduced. The tradition has survived ownership changes, stadium renovations, and even a brief suspension in 2006 when a federal judge temporarily banned the race due to trademark concerns—a decision quickly reversed after public outcry.

The Complete Sausage Character Lineup

Today's racing sausages lineup has expanded beyond the original trio to include five main characters, each with distinctive personalities and visual designs that reflect their cultural origins. These characters have developed loyal fan followings and have become integral to the Brewers' game-day experience.

Sausage Character	Introduced	Distinctive Features	Winning Percentage*
Bratwurst	1993	Traditional German design, blue and white colors	22%
Polish Sausage	1993	Red and white stripes, often portrayed as the strongest	25%
Italian Sausage	1993	Red, white, and green colors, known for dramatic falls	18%
Hot Dog	2006	Added after legal resolution, often the underdog	15%
Chorizo	2010	Spanish/Mexican influence, vibrant red color	20%

*Approximate winning percentages based on recent decade of races

How the Sausage Race Works During Games

The racing sausages competition occurs during the middle of the sixth inning at Brewers home games (previously the fifth inning). As the stadium organist plays upbeat music, the five sausage characters emerge from a giant picnic basket near the warning track. They then race approximately 300 feet around the warning track, with the finish line positioned near the Brewers dugout.

Unlike professional athletic competitions, the sausage race outcomes aren't predetermined but follow certain patterns that keep fans engaged. The races typically feature dramatic moments where sausages stumble, argue with each other, or receive "help" from stadium staff. These unpredictable elements have become part of the charm, with fans developing favorite characters and rivalries. The racing sausages tradition has inspired similar food mascot races at other minor league and major league baseball stadiums across North America.

Cultural Impact and Fan Engagement

The racing sausages have transcended their original purpose as a simple between-innings distraction to become cultural icons. They've appeared on national television shows, in commercials, and even have their own merchandise line. The Brewers organization has embraced the sausages as central to their brand identity, featuring them prominently in marketing materials and community events.

Fans have developed elaborate superstitions and rituals around the sausage race. Some believe certain sausages win more frequently during winning streaks by the team, while others track performance by season or opponent. Social media has amplified fan engagement, with dedicated hashtags and live-tweeting during races. The tradition has also inspired educational initiatives, with local schools incorporating the sausages into lessons about Wisconsin's food heritage and cultural diversity.

Experiencing the Racing Sausages Live

For fans planning to witness the racing sausages in person, certain game days offer enhanced experiences. The Brewers typically schedule special sausage-themed promotions during summer months, particularly around Wisconsin State Fair time in August. Ticket packages sometimes include meet-and-greet opportunities with the sausage characters, though these require advance planning due to popularity.

While the Milwaukee Brewers popularized the concept, several other baseball organizations have adopted similar food mascot races. The Great American Race at Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park features racing meats (hot dog, sausage, bacon, and cheese), while minor league teams like the Richmond Flying Squirrels have created their own variations. However, the original Milwaukee racing sausages remain the most famous and historically significant iteration of this baseball tradition.

Memorable Moments in Racing Sausages History

Over three decades, the racing sausages have created countless memorable moments that have become part of Brewers folklore. One of the most famous incidents occurred in 2006 when Polish Sausage dramatically collapsed near the finish line, only to be revived with a shot of beer from a fan—prompting stadium staff to implement new safety protocols. Another notable moment came during the 2011 playoffs when the sausages raced despite the team playing postseason games, demonstrating their importance to the Brewers' identity.

The racing sausages have also participated in community service initiatives, visiting children's hospitals and schools throughout Wisconsin. During the 2020 pandemic season with limited attendance, the Brewers organization created virtual sausage races that fans could watch online, maintaining the tradition even when in-person experiences weren't possible. These adaptations highlight how the racing sausages have evolved from simple costumed characters to beloved community ambassadors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Racing Sausages

When did the Milwaukee Brewers racing sausages tradition begin?

The racing sausages tradition began in 1993 at Milwaukee County Stadium during a game against the Chicago Cubs. What started as a one-time promotional event quickly became so popular with fans that it evolved into a permanent fixture of Brewers home games.

How many sausage characters participate in the race?

Five sausage characters currently participate in the race: Bratwurst, Polish Sausage, Italian Sausage, Hot Dog, and Chorizo. The original trio (Bratwurst, Polish, and Italian) debuted in 1993, with Hot Dog added in 2006 after a trademark resolution, and Chorizo joining the lineup in 2010.

When does the sausage race happen during Brewers games?

The racing sausages competition takes place during the middle of the sixth inning at Milwaukee Brewers home games. Previously held during the fifth inning, the timing was adjusted when the team moved to American Family Field to better align with game pacing and fan experience.

Have other baseball teams adopted similar sausage race traditions?

Yes, several other baseball organizations have created similar food mascot races, though the Milwaukee Brewers version remains the most famous. The Cincinnati Reds feature the Great American Race with racing meats (hot dog, sausage, bacon, and cheese), and numerous minor league teams have developed their own variations of food character races inspired by the Brewers' tradition.

Are the racing sausages outcomes predetermined?

No, the racing sausages outcomes are not predetermined, though certain patterns have emerged over time. The races follow loose choreography to ensure entertainment value and safety, with occasional stumbles and interactions that have become part of the tradition's charm. Fans track winning percentages, with Polish Sausage historically having a slight edge in victories.