Safe at home: Pierogies will once again race inside PNC Park

Joanne Klimovich Harrop | Wednesday, May 5, 2021 9:01 a.m.

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review

The Pierogies pose for a photo before their race along the Clemente Bridge on the North Shore on April 15.

The racing pierogies are back where many fans believe they belong.

Cheese Chester, Sauerkraut Saul, Jalapeno Hannah, Bacon Burt and Oliver Onion will once again be participating in the “The Great Pittsburgh Pierogy Race” inside PNC Park starting Monday. Brian Warecki, Pirates senior vice president for communications, confirmed the races will move from the Roberto Clemente Bridge to the ballpark.

The news came hours after Gov. Tom Wolf on Tuesday announced the lifting of many covid-19 mitigation orders. While Wolf’s orders don’t go into effect until Memorial Day, Major League Baseball eased some on-field entertainment restrictions, clearing the way for the mascots to race in the outfield.

Cheese Chester also sent out a statement on social media, saying “We’re Back.”

https://t.co/GPYdrBwazJ pic.twitter.com/t68LpfyJ1J

— Pirates (@Pirates) May 4, 2021

In previous years, pierogi-costumed people race around the warning track in the outfield at the end of the fifth inning. It’s a fan favorite tradition. To start this year, the Pirates and their pierogies didn’t have a choice.

The club, following Major League Baseball restrictions regarding field usage and the general proximity of players and staff, moved the race to the Clemente Bridge.

[gps-image name=”3814971_web1_PTR-PierogiesRace.jpg”]

Some fans booed the change as it was shown on the Jumbotron, a large video display screen above the outfield.

Expect some happy fans when the Pirates host the Cincinnati Reds on Monday, May 10, at 6:35 p.m.

The Pirates website has more information about the race.

When the race was on the bridge, Pirates staff members had to ask a few pedestrians to cross to the other side of the bridge so they would not interfere with the competition. The Pirate Parrot stood on the bridge and cheered the characters as they raced.

[gps-image name=”3814971_web1_PTR-PierogiesRace-4.jpg”]

As reported in a previous Tribune-Review story, the mascots are required to work 70% of the 81 home games (that’s 57) and attend at least 70% of the special event appearances.

Pierogies must be 18 or older, able to lift 40 pounds and run 215 yards in 60 seconds or less while wearing a mascot suit.

“Our fans have been clamoring for it, so we are excited to be able to bring Mrs. T’s Great Pittsburgh Pierogy Race back where it belongs, inside PNC Park,” Warecki said.