Johnsonville Sausage Launches 'Triple Play Challenge' Baseball Contest

SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis., March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnsonville Sausage today announced the kick-off of its "Triple Play Challenge" contest, which allows consumers to use their baseball knowledge and skills to compete for a trip to California to see the best in baseball play this summer.

"It's time to celebrate Opening Day – both for baseball and for your grill," said Colleen D'Souza, associate brand manager for Johnsonville Sausage.  "There's no better combination than friends, family, tailgating and baseball, and we're excited to help consumers kick off the season in a whole new way – with a friendly baseball competition of their own."

Triple Play Challenge Baseball Contest

Through this new contest, which runs now, through June 14, baseball fans will have the chance to select their Major League Baseball picks in three categories: homeruns, hits and runs-batted-in.  Participants select one batter per category, per week, for each of the three categories.  Weekly winners will receive autographed baseballs from current and past Major League Baseball stars.  The grand prize winner will receive a trip for two to Anaheim, California, to see baseball's best compete in July 2010.

In addition to the contest, Johnsonville and Athlon Sports will be providing consumers the latest Major League Baseball news and statistics, as well as great tailgating tips to help make this year's baseball experience the best yet.  This information is all available in one convenient location, www.TriplePlayChallenge.com.

"We know a big part of the baseball experience is the pre-game tailgate," said D'Souza.  "As grilling experts, we're proud to share some of our greatest tips with fans, to help ensure their game-day experience makes them the MVP of the parking lot, backyard or wherever else they might be getting together with fellow fans, friends and family."

Johnsonville Tailgate Tips

• Be Prepared – frequent tailgaters can keep a plastic bin ready in the garage with all the standard tailgate essentials: paper towels, matches, plastic table cloths, etc., with a checklist taped to the top.  This way you're always ready for the next game-day event!
• Keep it Simple - No one wants to work so hard they miss all the fun.  Simple food and beverages make the event less of a hassle and more enjoyable for everyone.  Party dips, veggie trays and snacks can be done a day or two ahead and stored on ice until the big day.  And … always be sure your food is full of flavor!
• Chill Out - Place five or six plastic bottles of water in the freezer the night before your tailgate.  When it's time to head to your tailgate, place your water bottles in the cooler with your cold food to help keep things fresh. Once the bottles have thawed, they're ready to enjoy at the tailgate!
• Slow and Low - For perfect Johnsonville Brats, grill them slowly over medium-low heat with the lid on your grill.  Grill the brats for about 30 minutes, turning every five minutes or so.  To turn your brats, use tongs, never a fork...EVER!  A fork can puncture a link and release that great taste and savory flavor.  Tongs keep the links intact, and make 'em easier to turn.

For more information on the "Triple Play Challenge," including instructions, rules and prizing, as well as to sign up and start playing, visit www.TriplePlayChallenge.com.  For more grilling and tailgating tips, visit www.Johnsonville.com.  

About Johnsonville Sausage, LLC

Wisconsin-based Johnsonville Sausage is the No. 1 national brand of brats, Italian sausage, smoked-cooked links and fresh breakfast sausage links.  Johnsonville products are also available in about 30 countries outside the United States.  Johnsonville employs approximately 1,300 members, and each member takes ownership of product quality to ensure the excellence and "Big Flavor" of Johnsonville Sausage.  Founded in 1945 by Ralph F. and Alice Stayer, the company remains privately owned today.

SOURCE Johnsonville Sausage