The St. Paul Saints, a minor league baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, started the 2024 season with controversy surrounding their living, breathing pig mascot named Ozempig after the weight loss drug Ozempic. Some critics viewed the name as fat shaming, while the Saints stated that they were just trying to come up with a humorous and topical name for their mascot. Despite the backlash, the organization stood by their decision, stating that there was no malicious intent behind the name and that they were not trying to offend anyone.
Fans of the Saints are familiar with the team’s history of wild promotions and fun antics. The organization has a reputation for hosting unique events, such as playing a game without umpires or clowning public figures like Anthony Weiner. The team’s fans came to their defense amidst the controversy surrounding Ozempig’s name, and the Saints ultimately decided to keep the name despite discussions about potentially changing it. The Saints were scheduled to begin their season on Friday night, but the game was postponed due to weather.
Sean Aronson, the Saints’ vice president and media relations director, expressed understanding for those who found the name offensive but reiterated that there was no ill intent behind it. He acknowledged that people have the right to feel however they choose about the name but emphasized that the organization did not intend to offend anyone. The Saints have a history of engaging in humorous and light-hearted promotions, and they view the naming of Ozempig as an extension of that tradition.
In 2013, the Saints played a game without umpires, instead opting for a judge to call pitches behind the plate and a jury of Little Leaguers to umpire first and third base. The organization has a track record of hosting quirky and entertaining events that set them apart from other teams in minor league baseball. Despite the backlash surrounding the name of their mascot, the Saints remain committed to providing fans with a fun and enjoyable experience at their games.
The controversy surrounding the name of the Saints’ mascot reflects a larger societal conversation about fat shaming and body positivity. Some critics argue that the name Ozempig perpetuates harmful stereotypes, while supporters of the team believe that it was meant in jest and should not be taken so seriously. The Saints have stated that they will not be changing the name of their mascot, and they remain focused on providing fans with a memorable and entertaining experience at their games. The organization’s dedication to fun and lighthearted promotions is evident in their playful approach to engaging with their audience.
As the Saints prepare to kick off the 2024 season, they are facing scrutiny over their choice of mascot name but remain steadfast in their decision to keep it. The team’s history of engaging in unique and unconventional promotions has endeared them to their fans, who have come to their defense amidst the controversy. Despite differing opinions on the appropriateness of the name Ozempig, the Saints are committed to providing fans with an enjoyable and entertaining experience at their games, staying true to their tradition of fun and light-hearted antics on and off the field.
