Rockies affiliate bans peanuts at ballpark

HARTFORD, Conn. — Kerry Adamowicz hoped that a meeting with Hartford Yard Goats officials might lead to a few peanut-free days or maybe a peanutfree section at the team’s DoubleA baseball stadium, so her son and other children with food allergies could enjoy a game.

The team decided to go a bit further. The Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies announced it is going peanut free — no more peanuts, Cracker Jack or any other food that could put kids with the potentially deadly peanut allergy in anaphylactic shock.

“Everyone wants their kids to be kids and be part of the group,” said Adamowiz, whose 2-yearold, Sam, has a severe peanut allergy. “Our biggest worry is would he even be able to go to a game? Now we know, stress free, he can go to the games with his siblings and we don’t need to worry about it.”

The organization Food Allergy Research & Education says 1 in 10 children has a food allergy, and up to 2 percent have an allergy to peanuts.

Lisa Gable, executive officer of FARE, says many teams and colleges have made some areas peanut free, or they have set up special games for fans with allergies. The group is partnering with the NBA for a series of games next month, which will feature, nut-free concession stands, or sections. But, the Yard Goats, she said, are the first team affiliated with a major league to simply ban the nuts.

Hartford’s decision takes on added significance, Gable said, because it’s a baseball team, a sport linked by song and tradition to peanuts and Cracker Jack, making it all the more significant, she said.

“But we appreciate every team that partners with us in some way and whatever accommodation that a venue deems appropriate,” she said. “It’s just important that people know there is a safe space, and where that safe space is going to be.”

Yard Goats President Tim Restall says he has two nephews with food allergies, and the decision was not made to get publicity or drive up business.