Green Weenie
The Green Weenie was a sports
The Green Weenie was a green plastic rattle in the shape of a hot dog, which, when waved at opposing players, purportedly put a jinx on them. Conversely, when waved at Pirate players it allegedly bestowed good luck.[1] In September, the H.J. Heinz Co. offered a three-foot (0.9 m) inflatable version for one dollar.[2]
The
The gimmick didn't conjure up a pennant for the Pirates in 1966, as they finished three games back, swept at home by the Giants in the final three games. Writer Dave Cole has noted that Roberto Clemente did win that year's National League MVP Award, Matty Alou won the National League batting title, Bill Mazeroski led the league in double plays, and Willie Stargell had his personal best year in batting.
According to the August 12, 1966 issue of Time magazine, however, the hex of the Green Weenie sometimes seemed to work: "When the Pirates played the Giants two weeks ago, Prince pointed a Weenie at Juan Marichal. Marichal won the game, 2–1, but next day he caught the third finger of his pitching hand in a car door and missed two scheduled turns on the mound. In Pittsburgh, the Pirates were trailing the Philadelphia Phillies 3–1 in the seventh inning when Prince's fellow announcer Don Hoak begged Bob to use the Weenie. 'Not yet,' said Prince. In the eighth inning, with Pittsburgh still behind by two runs, Prince finally waved the Weenie. The Pirates scored four runs and won the game 5–3. 'Remember,' said Prince to Hoak. 'Never waste the power of the Green Weenie.'"
The Green Weenie was revived several times during subsequent seasons, but failed to stay popular with fans.
In
References
- ^ a b Allan, William (September 7, 1966). "Pirates strike out on 'Weenie' green". Pittsburgh Press. p. 2.
- ^ "The bigger the Green Weenie, the better". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. (advertisement). September 6, 1966. p. 28.
- Finoli, David and Bill Rainer, editors (2003). Pittsburgh Pirates Encyclopedia. Pittsburgh: Sports Publishing. ISBN 1-5826-1416-4.)
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External links
- The Terrible Blogger – Bob Prince – The Green Weenie & Babushka Power