The Trenton Thunder, double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, will celebrate an aspect of New Jersey culture that dates back to the mid-1800s—the famously cylindrical, processed ham product known as pork roll (also called Taylor Ham by some). The team will rebrand as the Thunder Pork Roll on Fridays throughout the 2018 season, featuring specialty uniforms along with promotions like apron giveaways and $1 pork roll sandwiches.
🚨🚨🚨Trenton Pork Roll to take the field at ARM & HAMMER Park in 2018! Celebrate a New Jersey favorite during our 25th season! #25SeasonsofThunder https://t.co/tcr7iGZUKF pic.twitter.com/6yqdUxDDda
— Trenton Thunder⚡ (@TrentonThunder) January 24, 2018
“Pork Roll is a New Jersey staple that can be served on everything from breakfast sandwiches to burgers and we’re thrilled to celebrate it on a daily basis at ARM & HAMMER Park,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley in a press release. “Re-branding ourselves as the Trenton Pork Rolls on Friday nights is the perfect way to celebrate a Garden State favorite!”
The Trenton Thunder have embraced the pork roll before this season, hosting an annual pork roll eating contest beginning in 2015.
The Thunder’s Pork Roll brand is the latest in an increasingly long line of food-based alternate identities over the last few years in minor league baseball, including the likes of the Fresno Tacos, Lehigh Valley Cheesesteaks, and Albuquerque Green Chile Cheeseburgers, to name just a few.
The Pork Roll will make their debut May 18.
