Orioles unveil new hot dog race with human-sized Ketchup, Mustard and Relish mascots

They’re normally digital condiments. On the Jumbotron in center field, three animated hot dogs representing three individual condiments — ketchup, mustard and relish — race around the bases.

Not on Monday.

Between the fourth and fifth innings of the Orioles’ Memorial Day game against the visiting Boston Red Sox, the trio appeared out of the fence near the out-of-town scoreboard in right field, punched the air, danced a bit, then lined up for a race as The Oriole Bird waved them on.

Ketchup, donning red headphones, got the best break and held an early lead. Mustard, donning a squiggly yellow mustache, gained an advantage at the turn into the first base path. But Relish, who has green hair and once endured 34 straight winless home games in 2021, legged out a late push for the win.

“I actually missed it,” manager Brandon Hyde said, “but I’m gonna make sure I get a video of it. I’m really into it. It changes for me daily. I’m kind of a mustard [and] relish guy on hot dogs. So I was pulling for those. I saw the shirts so I figured we had something going on. That’s always a big part. We always hear a big roar from the crowd whether we’re winning or losing when that race is going on the Jumbotron.”

The surprise race — like in Toy Story when the toys come to life — was part of a fan giveaway at the ballpark that offered fans condiment-themed T-shirts. Additionally, this real-world race will become a regular occurrence at Camden Yards this season. The next one will be on Sunday during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays with three more June races to follow.

Baltimore isn’t the only ball club to have such lifelike races between innings.

The Milwaukee Brewers have been sending a group of sausages racing around the ballpark since the 1990s. The Washington Nationals have the racing presidents and, like Relish, Teddy Roosevelt had a cold streak to open the season in 2006. Tampa Bay has a soda-branded race. The most terrifying of them all is likely Atlanta’s Home Depot hammer, saw, paint brush and power drill race.

The Orioles are going a step further adding a “Meat” & Greet with the Camden Franks & The Oriole Bird from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Weis Market in Pasadena.

When the Detroit Tigers visit in late September, fans will be treated to three straight days of the mascot race.