The “Politically Correct” police strike again.

The Lehigh Valley has a new Triple A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies named “The Iron Pigs.”  After all, Bethlehem was home to The Steel thus it seemed the fun thing to name the team such as it is. 

Then came the contest to name the team’s mascot, a big gray furry pig.  A five year old won the contest with the suggested name “Pork Chop.”  To most people, this makes sense.  What person doesn’t love a juicy pork chop cooked on the grill or served with mashed potatoes and gravy?  How many people have had a pet named Pork Chop.  In my mind, the nickname of Pork Chop for a 7 foot furry pig makes a great deal of sense – and is fun at that.

Imagine my surprise to awaken to the radio news saying, “Pork Chop is no more.  Now his name is Ferrous.  Why you ask, dear reader?  Because, “A handful of complaints from Lopez and others, as well as a steamed online community, prompted team officials to change the name of the mascot for the Triple A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies to Ferrous. Team officials announced the switch midday Monday,” says the Tuesday issue of the Morning Call.  Read it here.

During our growing up years, what one of us hasn’t been called some derogatory name related to our family’s heritage?  I sure was and no doubt I gave as good as I got. 

But in order to “keep the peace” and of course make sure that tickets sales don’t plummet, the team managers changed Porkie’s name to Ferrous. 

Whatever happened to the days of fun and laughing and good-natured teasing?  Geesh.