Grab Your Peanuts and “Cracker Jill” at the Ballpark
The iconic ballpark staple Cracker Jack is getting a modern update. Frito-Lay announced this week that they will introduce "Cracker Jill" to "celebrate the women who break down barriers in sports."
But unlike the standalone "Sailor Jack," who has served as Cracker Jack's mascot since 1916, Cracker Jill is not a singular character. Frito-Lay has introduced five women of different ethnic backgrounds in order to bring a more inclusive image to the brand.
With its availability in ballparks, patrons will also be able to make a donation of $5 or more to the Women's Sports Foundation. Frito-Lay has gotten the ball rolling with a $200,000 donation to the foundation, which is a non-profit that aids in helping girls and women nationwide "reach their potential in sport and life."
You can also make a donation at this link. A donation of $5 or more will get you a bag of Cracker Jill, while supplies last.
The MLB has seen some steps towards integrating women into the sport of baseball materialize. Kim Ng is the first female general manager in the MLB, overseeing operations for the Miami Marlins. Ng is also the first person of East Asian descent to serve as general manager. Rachel Balkovec is a minor league manager in the New York Yankees' minor league farm-system. In 2022, the Yankees announced Balkovec would manage the Low-A Tampa Tarpons, making her the first woman to manage in affiliated baseball.
Meanwhile, I was shocked to learn that Cracker Jack has been around since 1896. Some food historians actually consider it the first "junk food." The caramel-coated popcorn and peanut concoction has been a hallmark of baseball practically since its inception. It's obviously earned its place in the sport's anthem, "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."
If you're trekking out to Wrigley Field, Guaranteed Rate, or another stadium, keep your eyes out for Cracker Jill!