Every Cleveland baseball fan knows the moment. The crowd rises to its feet. Cheers fill the stadium as baseball pauses for one of the game’s most anticipated traditions, the Hot Dog Derby! You may also hear it called the Hot Dog Races. Either way, the fans absolutely love it as they root for their favorite racer (Go Ketchup!). While most fans enjoy this entertaining moment, many don’t know the story behind how this family-friendly tradition began.
The team wanted to make the game more engaging and entertaining for the whole family. A mascot race seemed the perfect idea to involve the whole crowd. That is when the team introduced Ketchup, Mustard, and Onion. They were funny and unpredictable. As the enormous hot dogs took the field, they quickly became very popular. Originally introduced as a short entertainment break, the Hot Dog Derby has since become one of Cleveland baseball’s most cherished traditions.
The Hot Dog Derby began in 2005. The Cleveland Indians, now called Guardians, created this crowd-pleasing experience to be played out during the 5th inning. Initially, the hot dogs didn’t have a face or much character, but as popularity grew, the team gave each one a unique look and a lot of charm.
The Hot Dog Derby is about more than who will cross the finish line first. It’s the personalities of the racers that have made it a beloved Cleveland tradition. Each mascot brings a unique style and sense of humor, giving fans someone to cheer for game after game.
So, who are these famous racers?
Ketchup will do almost anything to win. He thinks the rules are more like suggestions. He’ll show off, pull silly tricks, and even “accidentally” bump into the other racers. If you hear the crowd laughing, there’s a good chance Ketchup is up to no good!
Mustard is full of confidence and has plenty of attitude! He loves to tease the other racers and make the crowd laugh. In 2022, Mustard went through a long losing streak, making him the underdog. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn’t “ketchup” to the others.
Don’t let Onion’s sweet smile fool you! She isn’t afraid to swing her purse if it helps her get ahead. She’s playful, full of surprises, and always keeps the other racers on their toes.
More recently, Spicy joined the race in 2025, bringing a fiery new personality to the lineup. Known for her bold attitude and determination to win, she quickly became a fierce competitor. Her name is a tribute to Cleveland’s famous spicy brown mustard, a ballpark favorite that has been part of the city’s baseball tradition for generations. Spicy has certainly given the other racers a run for their money while adding even more excitement to the race.
The Hot Dog mascots put on funny skits during the race to show off their different personalities. The team’s mascot, Slider, joins in the fun. He might tackle Ketchup, help Onion get ahead, or slow down Mustard. These silly surprises make the race even more exciting to watch.
What started as a simple break in the game has become one of Cleveland baseball’s most beloved traditions. The Hot Dog Derby reminds us that sometimes the best memories at the ballpark happen between the innings.
The race wouldn’t be the same without these unforgettable mascots. Now the question remains: Who is your favorite mascot?
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