A Georgia summer collegiate baseball team, the Macon Bacon, has recently been asked to consider changing its team name. The reason? Some individuals find the name offensive to non-meat eaters and those who follow plant-based diets. While the team’s supporters, who happen to be Georgia residents, have a deep appreciation for their pork products, there is now a debate about whether or not the name should be altered.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, based in Washington State, took it upon themselves to advocate for a name change. They penned a letter to the baseball team, urging them to consider an alternative that does not promote the consumption of meat products. The committee also purchased billboard space to remind fans that processed meats, like bacon, can increase the risk of certain types of cancer.
Anna Herby, the nutrition education program manager for the committee, expressed her concerns in the letter, stating that the glorification of bacon sends the wrong message to fans. According to her, bacon is a processed meat that raises the risk of colorectal cancer and other diseases.
The Macon Bacon, a relatively new addition to Georgia’s baseball landscape, was named after the fans voted for “Bacon” as the team name in 2018. The team even has a mascot named Kevin, who posed for a delightful photo on Instagram wearing a Macon Bacon baseball hat with actor Kevin Bacon.
The Physicians Committee is suggesting a name change to “Macon Facon Bacon,” a reference to the plant-based option available in some grocery stores.
On the other hand, the team’s president, Brandon Raphael, stands by the team name. He notes that Macon Bacon fans enjoy the lighthearted and playful nature of the name. Raphael also emphasizes that the ballpark offers a plant-based option for those who prefer not to consume processed meat. He believes that the Macon Bacon is an organization focused on bringing families and communities together and does not view itself as a glorification of an unhealthy lifestyle.
It is worth mentioning that pork, particularly in the form of hot dogs and sausages, is a beloved food among baseball fans across the nation. According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, fans consume approximately 19.1 million hot dogs and five million sausages during a baseball season.
However, it is important to consider that processed meats, including bacon and hot dogs, have been associated with an increased risk of colon cancer and other health problems.
So, should Macon Bacon change its team name? The answer remains to be determined. It’s a matter that warrants further discussion and consideration. Both sides have valid arguments, and finding common ground may be the key to resolving this ongoing debate.
