O's get creative with food for Players' Weekend

August 22nd, 2019

BALTIMORE -- With Players' Weekend upon us, players across Major League Baseball get another chance to showcase their individuality through self-selected nicknames and colorful cleats and equipment. In Baltimore, the occasion also provides the opportunity to display their culinary creativity.

Consider , John Means, and other Orioles the masterminds behind several unique concession items that will be available to fans throughout the weekend at Oriole Park. Players were encouraged to create their own dishes, then they consulted with Oriole Park executive chef Johnny Blackerby to iron out the details and bring them to life.

So what's on the Player's Choice Menu? Here is a look at the specialty concessions that make up this weekend's spread at Camden Yards.

Player: LHP Paul "PAPA FRITA" Fry
Menu item: Curly fries with chili cheese
Date available: Friday night vs. Rays
Where can I get them? Available at all Baseline Burger stands

This Orioles lefty goes by the nickname "PAPA FRITA" this weekend, which simply translates to french fry. His own spin on the ballpark staple is available with chili cheese or without.

Player: 1B/OF Trey "BOOMER" Mancini
Menu item: Roma Italian sausage topped with Mancini Peppers
Date available: Friday night vs. Rays
Where can I get them? Available at all Roma Sausage locations

Since 1922, Mancini's family has owned and operated Mancini Foods, which offers an array of dishes built around their original red pepper recipe. This Friday, those peppers will be available at Oriole Park as a complementary item or as a meal with waffle fries.

Player: LHP John "MEANS" Means
Menu item: Burnt Ends BBQ with a side of mac and cheese
Date available: Saturday and Sunday
Where can I get them? Available at all Baseline Burger stands.

This is a nod to Means' Midwest roots, inspired by his hometown of Kansas City. Means is scheduled to start Saturday.

Player: RHP Miguel "VILLA HERMOSA" Castro
Menu item: Dominican-style chicken and rice, with red beans and side salad
Date available: Saturday night vs. Rays
Where can I get them? Available at all chicken shack locations

A native of Villa Hermosa, on the Dominican Republic's southeast shore, Castro chose his nickname in honor of his hometown. His specialty dish is a tribute to his home country, where four other active Orioles also hail from.

Player: OF Anthony "AGUA BLANCA" Santander
Menu item: Venezuelan arepas
Date available: Sunday afternoon vs. Rays
Where can I get them? Available at Corona Street Tacos & Ole Mole stands

A staple in Santander's home country, his arepas will be offered as beef or pork options, with queso fresco and fried cheese. Santader's moniker is another reference to his hometown, where he returns each offseason.