One Group Is Forcing A Baseball Team To Change Its “Disgusting” Name
A summer league baseball team in Georgia has been urged to reconsider its official name, Macon Bacon, in response to concerns from individuals who refrain from eating meat and those who adhere to plant-based diets. Despite this request, local fans who regularly attend Macon Bacon games are deeply attached to the team’s connection to pork products, particularly the widely beloved breakfast staple—bacon.
In an effort to persuade the team to adopt a less controversial name, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine sent an official letter advocating for a change. According to a report by WMAZ-TV, the medical organization has not only reached out directly to the team but has also launched a more visible campaign, purchasing billboard space to encourage supporters of Macon Bacon to “keep bacon off your plate.” Their message highlights that consuming processed meats has been linked to an elevated likelihood of developing certain types of cancer.
Anna Herby, who leads the group’s nutrition education initiatives, addressed the letter to the team’s president, emphasizing the importance of selecting a name that does not endorse the consumption of meat products that could contribute to severe health risks.
“Macon Bacon’s celebration of bacon, a processed food known to increase the chances of colorectal cancer and other serious conditions, promotes an unhealthy message to fans,” Herby stated in the letter.
The Macon Bacon team is relatively new to Georgia’s sports scene, having made its debut in the Coastal Plains League in 2018. The name “Bacon” was chosen after supporters participated in a public vote. Additionally, the team features a mascot named Kevin, who gained even more recognition when Hollywood actor Kevin Bacon found it amusing and even posed for an Instagram photo wearing a Macon Bacon cap.
The Washington-based Physicians Committee has proposed an alternative name, suggesting that the team transition to “Macon Facon Bacon”—a reference to plant-based substitutes available in various supermarkets.
However, Team President Brandon Raphael responded by reaffirming the team’s dedication to its playful and humorous identity. He noted that Macon Bacon fans embrace the name’s lighthearted nature and confirmed that the stadium’s food options do include a plant-based alternative for those who prefer not to consume processed meats.
“We do not perceive Macon Bacon as a promotion of unhealthy eating habits,” Raphael’s statement clarified. “Rather, our organization takes pride in being a fun, community-driven team that brings families together across Middle Georgia and beyond.”
Pork-based foods remain among the most sought-after snacks for baseball spectators across the United States. According to data from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC), Major League Baseball fans collectively consume approximately 19.1 million hot dogs and nearly five million sausages over the course of a single season.
Nevertheless, the health concerns surrounding processed meats continue to be a topic of debate. Scientific research has indicated that foods like bacon and hot dogs may contribute to an increased likelihood of developing colorectal cancer and other medical conditions.
With the ongoing conversation about diet, health, and the role of team branding, the question remains: Should Macon Bacon consider rebranding to accommodate these concerns, or should they stay true to their original identity?
