The Score
An in-depth video look at an invention that's revolutionizing baseball spectation
By Brett Zarda Posted 11.28.2008 at 11:28 am 4 Comments

With all due respect to the "Best of What's New Awards," it appears my esteemed editors at Popular Science missed at least one invention in their yearly lineup. The Hatfield Hot Dog Launcher has changed the way fans eat and scream at Citizens Bank Park, home of the World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies.

"What does the wheel mean to mankind? What does landing on the moon mean to mankind? I think that's what the launcher means to mankind," notes an engineer who worked on the launcher.

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Entertainment & Gaming, The Score, food, Hatfield Hot Dog Launcher, hot dogs, sports science, Video

"I'd rather have a hot dog hit me than the ball," adds a fan.

The humble beginnings and lasting impact of the Launcher are documented in this emotional six-minute video, below. From failed spring-loaded attempts to their latest eight-foot-long vehicle-mounted launcher, the video shows the triumphs (200-foot launches) and the failures (relish and mustard flying in opposite directions) of the product development cycle. We're not quite sure where this film came from, but as a scientific community, we're all the better for it.

4 Comments

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EyeWierd
11/28/08 at 2:29 pm

That's priceless AND awesome! I would love to get a free hot dog launched straight at me from the field!

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Chipper Smoltz
11/30/08 at 6:55 am

What's better? To be hit by a 90+ mph fastball in the face or to be hit by that hotdog that was launched from that thing? Hahaha.

Nice stadium gimmick / idea though, free hotdogs (or is it only when the team wins?) to be given to anyone within the stadium, but do we use a baseball mitt for catching it or a hotdog bun... and what about the ketchup, mustard and relish? hahaha

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seastones
11/30/08 at 2:43 pm

As the zen master said to the Phillie Phanatic, "Make me one with everything..."

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sc123456
11/30/08 at 6:32 pm

I have been hit in the face by a ball before at a Red Sox game and it was unpleasant but a hot dog would have been a lot softer on my nose.



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