The Lehigh Valley, in Pennsylvania, has a minor league baseball team called the "Iron Pigs". I know that this is an odd name for a baseball team. The word "Iron" is supposed to reflect the fact that Bethlehem (part of the Lehigh Valley) had Bethlehem Steel Co. Years ago, Bethlehem Steel had made the steel that supplied many bridges, buildings, etc. throughout the country. Bethlehem Steel no longer exists in Bethlehem. It is now known as the Beth Steel site. It will now consist of casinos, hotels, shops and residences on that property. Parts of Beth Steel will be preserved as a museum.
Anyway, the "Iron Pigs" Stadium is to be completed this spring.
Now the "Iron Pigs" of course has a mascot. I bet you can't guess what it is. What was that you said? You're right! The mascot is a pig.
A while back, a contest was run to name the mascot. Many participated and came up with many different names. The winning name originally was "Pork Chop". A little boy came up with the name and many, including myself, thought it was cute.
Not long after publicizing the name, a select few were totally against naming the mascot "Pork Chop" because it was offensive. Many of us did not see that. The story behind it is the fact that during the days when Bethlehem Steel was still in business, some of the steel workers were called "pork chop". These are the people that took offense to the name. Because of a handful of people, the name of the mascot was changed to "Ferrous". Personally, I preferred the name "Pork Chop" to "Ferrous" (which, by the way, was the second place winner).
So, here you have it. The Lehigh Valley "Iron Pigs" is a minor league baseball team that has a mascot by the name of "Ferrous".
Pete:
Sometimes I think they get a little rediculous with the "offensive" thing. Haven't they heard the saying "Sticks and stones may hurt my bones, but words will never hurt me"?
Its's amazing when you talk to people all over the country that have no idea what a 'pork chop' would imply! Yet here in the greater Lehigh Valley, it's an ethic slur...... Plllleeeeaaaasssseeeeeeee!!!!!
I prefer the original nick name!
Scott:
I'm with you on that!
Linda:
I agree! It is getting way out of hand. And to think, this was a little boy that came up with the name. He must have been sooooo happy when he was told the name he came up with was chosen. How do you think he felt when a few days later he's told the name is not good. For crying out loud, this came from an innocent little boy. Have some consideration for the little ones.
Danny:
Glad I was able to bring back some fond memories for you.
I can assure you... I will be loudly referring to the mascot as "Pork Chop" and I would ask all of you to join me in this practice. To me he rightful name is Pork Chop and I will not allow the vocal minority to bully me around. So this season, join me in section 109 and give a big Lehigh Valley shout out to "PORK CHOP"!
Kenny:
I think "Pork Chop" is a cute name.
they play real good