Brooklyn Cyclones to commemorate centennial of Nathan’s Famous

The Brooklyn Cyclones will mark the 100^th anniversary of Nathan’s Famous on Sunday, July 3, with a temporary name-change to the Coney Island Franks.

For one night only, the team will don special uniforms that pay tribute to Coney Island and its famous frankfurters. In addition, the first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a special Franks snap-back to commemorate the name change, as well as the centennial of Nathan’s Famous at Coney Island, founded by Nathan Handwerker, a Polish immigrant who — armed with a $300 loan from friends — parlayed his wife’s recipe for flavoring the hot dogs into a worldwide phenomenon.

“Hot dogs are as much a part of Coney Island as the beach, roller coasters and Boardwalk,” said Cyclones Vice President Steve Cohen.  “When we were coming up with an identity for our team back in 2001, one of the names that we strongly considered was the Hot Dogs.  With Nathan’s celebrating their 100th Anniversary this year, we thought it was the perfect chance to see what could have been.  But instead of Hot Dogs, we wanted to keep with the Nathan’s tradition and go with the Franks.”

To purchase tickets for the event — to be held just one day before Nathan’s world famous hot dog eating contest — call 718-507-TIXX, log onto BrooklynCyclones.com or stop by the MCU Park Box Office.