Nathan's Famous hot dogs, licensed by Smithfield Foods, and Major League Baseball (MLB) have partnered to make Nathan's Famous the official hot dog of MLB. Nathan’s Famous also is now a supporter of MLB’s PLAY BALL initiative, promoting participation in all forms of baseball and softball with a special focus on engaging youth.
Smithfield Foods is the licensee of Nathan's Famous pre-packaged hot dogs, selling a wide variety of beef franks at more than 20,000 supermarkets and wholesale club stores across the country including natural casing, skinless, bun-length, 50 percent reduced fat, angus, and more.
First official hot dog of Major League Baseball
Nathan's Famous now becomes the first official hot dog in the league's history. From its original restaurant in Coney Island to thousands of supermarkets across the country, the partnership will connect America's national pastime to a hot dog.
"This is a monumental day in the long history of Nathan's Famous," said Wayne Norbitz, Nathan's Famous executive board member and former 26-year president. "Baseball is America's national pastime, and a game doesn't feel complete without enjoying a hot dog as you cheer on your team. Nathan's Famous is proud to be the Official Hot Dog of Major League Baseball and, just as importantly, proud to support the league's PLAY BALL initiative for our youth."
The world-famous hot dog brand celebrated the announcement with MLB by bringing its Coney Island-themed mobile unit to Midtown Manhattan. Former all-star pitcher John Franco welcomed fans and young players to enjoy interactive baseball activities, and help celebrate the new partnership.
At the Major League Club level, Nathan's will continue to be the official hot dog of the Miami Marlins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals, and the official beef frank of the Cincinnati Reds.
