Have you ever wondered what your favorite baseball players would rather avoid at the dinner table? Well, thanks to a viral Instagram reel by @batboybaseball, we now have a glimpse into the culinary preferences of the Baltimore Orioles. From the mundane to the downright bizarre, these athletes have revealed their most dreaded dishes. Welcome to the world of the Orioles’ food aversions, where even the most seasoned players can’t stomach certain bites.
The Asparagus and Brussels Sprouts Ban: First up, we have Colton Cowser, a rising star in the Orioles’ outfield. This young talent has a peculiar aversion to asparagus and Brussels sprouts. The mere smell of these vegetables in the kitchen is enough to send him scurrying to the nearest food delivery app. It seems that even the most nutritious options can be a turn-off for some athletes.
Sushi Shock: Next on the list is Yennier Canó, a Cuban pitcher known for his fiery fastball. Surprisingly, this power-packed athlete has a soft spot—or rather, a hard spot—for sushi. Canó’s aversion to this popular Japanese cuisine is so strong that he can’t even fathom why anyone would enjoy it. It’s a mystery that has left fans and teammates scratching their heads.
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Cuban Cuisine Conundrum: Staying in the Cuban camp, we have Cionel Pérez, another talented pitcher. Pérez has a unique aversion to a classic Cuban dish called “Chicharos.” This green bean-like yellow delicacy made with peas is apparently so unappealing to Pérez that he would rather avoid it altogether; a testament to the diversity of tastes—even within a single culture.
The Picky Eaters: Over in the American camp, we have Ryan O’Hearn, a versatile first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles. O’Hearn is a bit of a picky eater, with a particular distaste for tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and mustard. It’s a combination that would make any sandwich lover cringe—or ask for one more serving. Seranthony Domínguez, another Dominican pitcher, also joins the picky eaters’ club, revealing a surprising aversion to pizza. Apparently, this beloved Italian dish is simply not his cup of tea because of its weight-putting properties (maybe he just likes too much of it).
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The Spaghetti and Pizza Dilemma: Eloy Jiménez, a powerful DH, has a surprising double aversion: spaghetti and pizza. It seems that Jiménez’s experiences in the minor leagues have soured him on these classic Italian dishes. Perhaps he’s had one too many less-than-stellar meals on the road.
What’s your perspective on:
Can you believe some Orioles players won't touch certain foods? What's the weirdest food aversion you've heard of?
Have an interesting take?
The Mushroom Menace: Mushrooms seem to be a common villain among Orioles players. Jackson Holliday, Emmanuel Rivera, and Coby Mayo all share a dislike for these fungi. That’s a surprising aversion, given the versatility of mushrooms in various cuisines.
The Cucumber and Olive Conspiracy: Coby Mayo, in addition to his mushroom aversion, also has a strong dislike for cucumbers and olives. It’s a peculiar combination that raises the question: What exactly is Mayo’s ideal salad? Perhaps he’s a fan of the classic lettuce and tomato.
The Fermented Fear: Albert Suárez, a Venezuelan pitcher, has a unique fear of fermented foods. Natto, a Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans, is particularly off-limits for Suárez. But fear not, fermented food enthusiasts! The Orioles have plenty of other culinary delights to offer.
2nd Serve! The Restaurant Roundup—Baltimore Orioles’ culinary favorites
While the Orioles players may have their culinary aversions, they also have a deep appreciation for Baltimore’s vibrant food scene. Here’s a sneak peek at some of their favorite restaurants:
Jimmy’s Famous Seafood: This iconic Baltimore institution is a popular choice among the Orioles players. Known for its delicious seafood, crabcake egg rolls, and crabby fries, Jimmy’s has something to satisfy even the most discerning palate. Gunnar Henderson, Keegan Akin, Danny Coulombe, Cole Irvin, and Jordan Westburg are all fans of this local gem.
🦀 Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs🥚
🥓 Jumbo Lump Crab, Bacon Brittle, Tomato, Jalapeño, and @OLDBAYSeasoning! pic.twitter.com/QPCvYokcw0
— Jimmy’s Famous Seafood (@JimmysSeafood) September 7, 2024
Tagliata: For those who prefer Italian cuisine, Tagliata is a must-visit! With a menu full of a variety of delicious pasta dishes, seafood options, and meat entrees, it’s no wonder that Austin Hays and Westburg often find their way to Tagliata, with Irvin being a fan of DiPasquale’s Italian Market.
Akira Ramen & Izakaya: If you’re craving a steaming bowl of ramen, look no further than Akira Ramen & Izakaya. A favorite of Dean Kremer, he visits this popular spot at least once per homestand.
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Kiku Sushi: For a taste of Japanese cuisine, Kiku Sushi is the place to go. Don’t be surprised if you get a glimpse of Baltimore Orioles’Ramon Urias, who is a big fan of this downtown spot, particularly the Hawaiian roll.
Iron Rooster: If you’re looking for a classic American breakfast, Iron Rooster is the perfect choice. Irvin is a regular at this popular diner as well, while Craig Kimbrel and Gunnar Henderson are also fans of their delicious food and friendly atmosphere.
Miss Shirley’s Cafe: Another great option for breakfast is Miss Shirley’s Cafe, whose Southern-style diner is a favorite of Kimbrel and Henderson, who have been visiting for years.
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Well, while these restaurants are popular among the Orioles players, there are undoubtedly many other great options in Baltimore. With so many young players on the roster, there’s always a chance for new discoveries. As Westburg said, “So if there’s any recommendations, tell people to shoot them my way.” Also, Baltimore Orioles players have revealed a wide range of food aversions and inclinations. Whether it’s asparagus, sushi, your staple pizza, or fermented beans, there’s something for everyone to dislike or choose from.
While these athletes may have their culinary quirks, they still know how to appreciate a good meal. So the next time you’re at a game, remember to avoid feeding the birds—or in this case, the Orioles players—any of their dreaded dishes!
Debate
Can you believe some Orioles players won't touch certain foods? What's the weirdest food aversion you've heard of?