The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs are rebranding the team as the Lehigh Valley Tomato Pie for a “Salute to Philly” promotion for its game against the Buffalo Bisons on May 23rd. Norristown-based Morabito Baking Co. is sponsoring the promotion. The game will be played at Coca-Cola Park and starts at 7:05 p.m.
“Tomato Pie is quintessential Philadelphia,” said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “Philadelphia-style tomato pie with a dusting of parmesan cheese is the best and only true tomato pie. I challenge anyone who feels differently.”
The Tomato Pie on-field uniform will include a “delectable jersey and hat.” The jersey is a piece of Tomato Pie brought to life with a tomato-red base. Flecks of parmesan cheese dot the jersey, and the Tomato Pie word mark consists of the correct order of cheese, sauce, and crust. The hat features a red bill and back with a white front panel, with a perfect piece of Tomato Pie as the logo.
Fans will be able to purchase a ticket package that comes with a delicious slice of Morabito Tomato Pie and a ticket to ‘Salute to Philly’ Night for just $16. The ticket package is available for purchase HERE.
The Tomato Pie on-field look is complimented by a full suite of off-the-field apparel featuring t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts and more! Tomato Pie merchandise is available online at shopironpigs.com or at the Clubhouse Store at Coca-Cola Park.
Tomato Pie has been a staple of Philadelphia cuisine for over a century. The classic recipe calls for a focaccia-like dough, baked square, covered with tomato sauce and dusted with parmesan cheese after the dough is baked. Tomato Pie is not served directly after baking but allowed to cool and served at room temperature.
Philadelphia’s love affair with Tomato Pie dates back to 1910, with Ianelli’s Bakery being one of the first known purveyors. Tomato Pie was historically found at bakeries as opposed to pizzerias. Today, Morabito Baking Co. helps the tradition live on, bringing fresh, delicious, and authentic Tomato Pie to a city that just can’t get enough of it. Morabito Baking Co. is a fourth-generation business based in Norristown, PA, that has been in continuous operation since 1932.
Photo: Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs