He Believes He Can Fly, Saints 2021 Ballpig, Presented By Fleet Farm, Is...Space Ham

ST. PAUL, MN (May 5, 2021) - Fly Like An Eagle? More like Fly Like A Pig. In their first season as Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, ball pigs came from all over the world to vie for this historic moment. When the dust settled, they discovered a pig that soared above the competition. This baller could have chosen other opportunities this summer, like living on a farm or going back to the jungle, but for 2021 this sow will perform at the highest level at CHS Field. For the 29th consecutive season the St. Paul Saints will have a pig delivering baseballs to the umpire and it’s name has a remarkable tie to the organization. When the Saints take the field for their home opener on May 11, running alongside the Twins of tomorrow will be the biggest ham of them all: SPACE HAM.

Space Ham comes from a long lineage of incredible athletes. His great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather worked as a stunt double for Porky Pig in the 1996 classic Space Jam. Standing at three foot three, four feet if you count the ears and tail, Space Ham impressed Saints Team Psychologist, Bill Murray, in a recent run in with the Monstars. The two played a pick-up game on Moron Mountain where Space Ham made the game winning steal and bucket after Murray quipped, “I Don’t Play Defense.” Following the incredible finish, Murray urged the Saints to sign Space Ham to a season long agreement that will pay him in vegetables, kale, and all the hot dogs he can eat.

This season’s pig, presented by Fleet Farm, was selected from nearly 1,200 entries in the Name the Pig Contest presented by the Star Tribune at startribune.com. The submission of names were extremely creative and ran from the pandemic, to shows people binge watched during their time at home, and even a Minnesota legend. Whether it was getting the vaccswine with the Muderna shot, getting a little risqué with Piggerton or calling checkmate with the Queens Hambit, going to the moon with Squealon Musk, making sure the balls get delivered by Hamazon Swine or immersing itself into the Minnesota sports landscape with Sid Hartham.

The winning entry was submitted by Chris Lagasse from Maple Grove. Chris will receive a $50 Saints gift card, VIP Saints tickets, a photo with the pig, escort the pig at a game, and a first pitch.

During the previous 28 seasons the Saints have had a pig mascot and each has had a unique name. Many of the names play on hot topics of the year, current events or local celebrities. Last season the Saints made sure the pig went into lockdown with This Little Piggy Stayed Home. In 2019 the championship drought ender was Daenerys Hoggaryen. In 2018 the Saints struck a chord with the younger generation with Porknite. The year before that they tested the political waters with Alternative Fats. In 2016 the Saints honored one of the most iconic artists with Little Red Porkette. During the first season at CHS Field the Saints paid homage to Lowertown artists they went with Pablo Pigasso. In 2014 the Saints received the Colboar bump with Stephen Colboar. The 2012 season saw two mascots for the first time: Kim Lardashian and Kris Hamphries. Past names have included Mackleboar (2013), Brat Favre (2010), Slumhog Millionaire (2009), Boarack Ohama (2008), Notorious P.I.G. – Piggy Smalls (2003) and Kevin Bacon (2001).

When the Saints moved to town in 1992, their sister team in Fort Myers was having great success with a live Golden Retriever mascot and the Saints wanted to capitalize on that success. Libby Veeck, the wife of Saints owner and President Mike Veeck, came across an interesting tidbit in a book she was reading and discovered St. Paul was known as “Pig’s Eye” after Pierre “Pig’s Eye” Parrant. Thus, the pig mascot was born.

Since 1993 the Saints have received the pig from Dennis and Marilyn Hauth who handle, train, design costumes and house the pigs.

The Saints begin their first season as the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, May 4 at Omaha against the Omaha Storm Chasers (Kansas City Royals). The home opener is Tuesday, May 11 at 7:05 p.m. against the Iowa Cubs (Chicago Cubs).