Want to own a unique piece – well, three pieces to be exact – of Milwaukee Brewers history from the team’s final few years at County Stadium? You can own the original Famous Racing Sausages costumes for a cool $25,000. Mears Auctions is attempting to sell the items through a listing on eBay.
Here’s the description that accompanies the listing:
“On June 27, 1993, as the Sausages approached Milwaukee County Stadium on the scoreboard video, the left field doors swung open and – much to the surprise of players and fans – out came the larger-than-life mascots. Polish, Brat, and Hotdog were the new mascots the Milwaukee Brewers cooked up for a new marketing gimic (sic). Nearly 30 years later, the racing sausages are still a hit. Offered for this lot is the original set of 3, first debuted on June 27th, 1993. This original set is made form (sic) foam and plastic. After hundreds of races, they are beginning to show signs of wear and tear. This set was long ago retired, with updated fabric versions now being used. This set was rescued during the demolition of Milwaukee County Stadium. LOA MEARS.”
Nominations are open for the 2024 Unity Awards!
Know an individual or group committed to bridging divides in our community? Nominate them for a Unity Award by Oct. 31.
The listing contains an inaccuracy in that Polish, Bratwurst and Italian were the three original mascots. Hot Dog joined the crew a few years later, followed by Chorizo in 2007.
The listing urges potential purchases to view all pictures of the costumes to get an idea of their condition, which is far from mint. It’s clear from the photos that Polish is missing the left side of its sunglasses, Italian’s chef’s hat is an absolute mess and Bratwurst’s outfit is stained.
In their early years, the Famous Racing Sausages competed in a virtual race during every home game on the massive center-field scoreboard at County Stadium, the Brewers home from 1970 through 2000 before the team moved into its new ballpark, first known as Miller Park before becoming American Family Field in a naming rights swap that occurred before the start of the 2021 season.
In 1993, the real-life costumed Polish, Bratwurst and Italian made their debut out of the left-field corner at County Stadium. The races continued on select Sundays throughout the regular season as a promotion for Milwaukee-based Klement Sausage Co.
Today, the Famous Racing Sausages take the field before the bottom of the sixth inning at every Brewers’ home game. On Sunday home games, the Famous Racing Sausages tag off to youngsters in miniature sausage costumes, dubbed the Little Weenies, who finish off the race.
