Baseball Season Brings Renewal Of Important Debate

As the weather warms and the boys of summer come out of hibernation and flock to their fields of play, a long-time debate rages on.

For years the argument has gone back and forth, sometimes harmlessly and sometimes heated and passionate. This question is what drives us to the parks all across this great land.

That question; what do I put on my hot dog?

It seems mundane, I know, but some of my colleagues got me to thinking about this on a much grander scale.

Factions are building and lines are being drawn across my work place. This isn't a black and white issue. It is a yellow and red one.

Ketchup or mustard? The debate isn't about other side condiments that go on the dog, it is much more fundamental than that, but no less important.

It concerns whether or not you bend yourself to the will of the masses who settle for the sugar coated society that has been laid before them

My contention here is that ketchup on a hot-dog is an abomination and thus should cease and desist immediately. Unfortunately, the masses conspire against this notion.

Most in fact had ketchup on their first hog dogs. I was no different. Kids love ketchup, this is how we get them to eat their hot dogs at parties and cookouts.

That simple decision by my parents cost me years of hot dog enjoyment as I was repulsed by the taste of hot dog merged with ketchup.

Only in my late years in high school was I shown the light, trying a hot dog with mustard. An epiphany, one that has brought me back to the side of this partner of the game I love.

So, as we fight to keep our game pure and free of harmful substances, we owe it to our game's most consistent companion to do the same.

Sure ketchup is sweet and tastes good on fries and burgers, but it is destructive to the taste of a hot dog.

As you sit down at the park or at home to watch your favorite team on opening day, and you order or cook that perfect dog, think twice before you top if off. It just might make all the difference.