Sep 12, 2019Idaho Potato Commission helps minor league baseball team turn back the clock
The Idaho Falls Chukars — a minor league baseball affiliate of the Kansas City Royals — recently held an 80th anniversary throwback night that celebrated the team’s former name: the Russets. The event was sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC).
For one night, the team reverted back to its original name and wore 1939 throwback jerseys that featured a steaming baked potato on the front.
Spuddy Buddy, the IPC’s mascot, threw out the first pitch and concession stands featured special potato-themed options, like Idaho nachos, with potato chips in place of tortilla chips, a baked potato bar and fresh cut fries.
IPC President and CEO Frank Muir said the event was timed to celebrate the 2019 harvest and all that are part the Idaho potato industry.
“This throwback night was the perfect event to celebrate the 2019 Idaho potato harvest, kickoff the IPC’s new fiscal year and recognize National Potato Month,” Muir said in a press release. “There are 30,000 people employed by the Idaho potato industry who help grow, ship and process approximately 13 billion pounds of potatoes.
The first 1,000 fans entering the stadium received a free T-shirt featuring Spuddy Buddy leaning against the “Grown in Idaho” seal, holding a baseball bat. In addition, The Big Idaho Potato Truck was parked at the stadium entrance with its signature board supporting the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket.
“We applaud each and every one of them.”
The Chukars are part of the Class A short-season Pioneer League, which plays its games from mid-June through Labor Day each year.
