Baseball is a sport full of quirky superstitions and strange traditions, but even diehard fans might be surprised to learn that Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer has never eaten a chicken wing. That’s right—one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history, and a longtime Orioles broadcaster, has managed to go his entire life without sampling the finger-licking game day staple.
But that may change soon.
During a recent MASN broadcast, Palmer casually dropped a bombshell that caught fans off guard. “I’ve never had a chicken wing,” he said. “But if the Orioles hit a grand slam this season, I’ll eat one—live on the air.” His co-hosts burst out laughing, but Palmer doubled down on the promise, saying he’s ready to take the plunge if the Birds deliver.
It’s a deliciously fun twist to what’s already shaping up to be an exciting season in Baltimore. With a stacked young core including Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Jackson Holliday, the Orioles are no strangers to offensive fireworks. A grand slam feels more like a when, not if, situation—which means fans may soon witness one of the most unlikely firsts in MLB history: Jim Palmer biting into his very first wing.
Orioles faithful are already buzzing on social media, tracking every bases-loaded at-bat like it’s the ninth inning of Game 7. Chicken wing restaurants in Baltimore are even chiming in, offering to sponsor the historic bite.
Whether it’s mild, hot, or blazing inferno, one thing is certain—if the O’s go deep with the bases loaded, Jim Palmer’s palate is about to enter uncharted territory.