Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Here’s the History Behind Football’s ‘Gatorade Shower’ Tradition

gatorade shower

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, we don’t mean the holidays! We mean the period of time where two of our favorite sports, football and baseball, overlap. Whether you’ve been cracking open a cold one while watching the road to the World Series, or designate every Sunday to cheering for your favorite NFL team at your local watering hole, you’ve surely noticed that sports and drinks go hand in hand. And one specific tradition is a hallmark of many wins: the “Gatorade shower,” when a tub of the liquid is dumped on a player, coach, or unsuspecting reporter in celebration after a win.

But where exactly did this tradition come from? Sports lore says the custom started with Jim Burt of the New York Giants in 1984, when he doused coach Bill Parcells following a much-needed win for the team (and as a prank on the coach, after he had been tough on Burt in practice that week). Parcells was also the recipient of the first Gatorade shower at a Super Bowl, when the Giants won in 1987. Even former President Ronald Reagan got a modified version of the bath, when Giants player Harry Carson dumped a tub of popcorn on the politician during a White House visit celebrating the team’s Super Bowl victory.

But that doesn’t mean the tradition is limited to just one outdoor sport; baseball players love the Gatorade shower, too.

In the past few years, one of the most well-known MLB players to get in on the fun is Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, who started his “Salvy Splash” in 2014, and now does it every time his team wins.

“I like to celebrate the player of the game by pouring the cooler on him during his live post-game interview,” Perez says. “It’s fun for my teammate and funnier when I can also get the broadcaster.” He says some of his favorite “Splash” memories include dousing coach Ned Yost after winning the World Series in 2015 and splashing Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show.”

So why has this one-time prank become such a part of sports? Perez puts it this way: “It’s just fun! Especially after a win, it’s nice to laugh and have a good time.”

Need some ideas of what to eat while you’re watching your favorite sport? Read ahead for some tried-and-true recipes.

Cheeseburger Tots

cheeseburger tots

Homemade Interest

Tatertots are not just for school lunches! This recipe combines the concept of a classic mini cheeseburger with golden, crispy tots for an easy to grab bite. Get the recipe.

Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

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Chowhound

You’ll want to keep making this simple pulled pork, which can serve as a base for a number of dishes, time and time again. Use it in sliders, top nachos with it, or add it to tacos and watch them fly off the platter. Get our Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe.

Loaded Nachos Potato Skins

loaded nachos potato skins

Chowhound

How can you watch a football game and not eat potato skins? It’s a question for the ages. This loaded version is spicy and filling, and will have you reaching for more. Get our Loaded Nachos Potato Skins recipe.

Game Day Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball

chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake ball

Belle Of The Kitchen

You’ll need something sweet to go with all the savory foods you’re serving. This cheesecake ball is not only delicious, but since it’s in the shape of a football, it’s Instagram worthy, too. Get the recipe.

Quinoa Chili

vegetarian quinoa chili

Cooking Classy

Try this vegetarian twist on the tailgate staple, which counts quinoa as a base. You won’t even miss the meat, promise. Get the recipe.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

buffalo chicken dip

Chowhound

No one will believe that this homemade buffalo chicken dip is actually as easy to make as it is. So, we say, keep the details to yourself and just let everyone believe you’re a genius in the kitchen. We won’t tell. Get our Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.

Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites

homemade soft pretzel bites

Two Peas And Their Pod

These mini bites are perfect for popping into your mouth during half time. Craving something sweet? Top them with cinnamon and sugar instead to satisfy your sweet tooth. Get the recipe.

Related Video: How to Make Blue Gatorade Pickles



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