The whole story and History behind Ketchup, the Superstition and Bills Tradition.

[BoccesOnTransit]

Had my first Hammers Lot experience Sunday (drove up from NC) along with first bowling ball shot. Honestly, one of the best experiences I've ever had and will remember for the rest of my life. Hearing Ken's wife's speech before the ketchup was quite emotional.

 

Video: 

 

[Mark Vader]

On 1/1/2025 at 4:10 PM, JP51 said:

So he actually brings a jug of water and a change of clothes then he would wash off and change behind the pinto 

I had the honor of cleaning him off with a couple jugs of water in Arizona at the tailgate at the ranch for the "Hail Murray" game.

 

I believe that is the first ever Ketchup ceremony held at a Bills road game. Would that be correct?

 

Kenny once told me how the Ketchup ceremony started, but thanks for telling all of us here on the board, @JP51.

 

I couldn't make it to Buffalo for a game this year, but I've enjoyed the Pinto Tailgate and Kenny's one of the best people you could meet. Same goes for his family.

Edited January 3 by Mark Vader

[JP51]

1 hour ago, Mark Vader said:

I had the honor of cleaning him off with a couple jugs of water in Arizona at the tailgate at the ranch for the "Hail Murray" game.

 

I believe that is the first ever Ketchup ceremony held at a Bills road game. Would that be correct?

 

Kenny once told me how the Ketchup ceremony started, but thanks for telling all of us her on the board, @JP51.

 

I couldn't make it to Buffalo for a game this year, but I've enjoyed the Pinto Tailgate and Kenny's one of the best people you could meet. Same goes for his family.

So the only away game i was ever at with Kenny was Super Bowl in Minny no tailgating there... so i am not sure if that was the first away game but I totally could be!

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

On 12/30/2024 at 3:54 PM, Simon said:

 

Agreed.

Mustard and mayo are the only acceptable condiments on a burger.

 

freak of the week here

 

[JP51]

3 hours ago, BoccesOnTransit said:

Had my first Hammers Lot experience Sunday (drove up from NC) along with first bowling ball shot. Honestly, one of the best experiences I've ever had and will remember for the rest of my life. Hearing Ken's wife's speech before the ketchup was quite emotional.

 

Video: 

 

Did you get the thumb hole on the bowling ball straight up and down on the drop?

[Xwnyer]

On 12/30/2024 at 1:50 PM, JP51 said:

I am not sure if anyone cares or is interested in knowing... but I will write it and if no one cares we can delete it... but it is such a fun niche in Bills tradition...

 

It was 2 days before Christmas in 1990, the Bills were playing a huge home game against the hated Dolphins... So, all traditions and superstitions were on full display... no one willing to break any one of them. Kenny J (Pinto Ron) had a tradition of eating a Hamburger cooked on a shovel with ketchup before every game... only... this game... Kenny forgot his ketchup... he came to me in a panic... "JP51!! you have to find me some ketchup!!! " so I went to the tailgate next to us and told them and they went into the Mobile home and produced a 12 oz bottle of Heinz ketchup...  I came back to Ken with the ketchup and said... how about I get on the hood of the Pinto and squirt the ketchup on your burger that way... Kenny said Brilliant... so, to no fan fare or anything I got on the hood of the Pinto and squirted ketchup towards the burger... well. 20mph winds had different ideas as none of the ketchup was going on the burger... but all over Kenny .... and the cheering started...  I literally had to get down off of the Pinto and shake the last vestiges of Ketchup on the burger to keep with tradition...  We won...

 

Next week Kenny comes with a 36 oz bottle of ketchup and says we have to do this again... so up I went... and used the "Blind and Blast" technique... nail his glasses so he couldnt see... then blast him with Ketchup.... and a tradition was born... as time went on we moved to a 64oz bottle, and crowds of people chanting Ketchup Ketchup Ketchup... news crews coming to film etc... then one day (me being about 235lbs at the time the roof of the 80 Pinto dented.... worried about the sustainability of the roof and wanting to continue the tradition... in the offseason Kenny tore the underside of the Top out and reenforced it with steal... (true Story lol) 

 

as time went on, Mustard and relish and other condiments were brought in and you have the ceremony in its present form... 

 

And that my friends is the rest of the story....  

I wondered wtf started this. Thanx for sharing

[stevewin]

I'll throw this in here - my kids with Kenny in 2020

[BillsPride12]

Surprised this hasn't come up in the memories yet....but didn't Kenny host a wedding ceremony at one his tailgates in the early 2000s?

Pretty sure I have an old Buffalo News article about it laying around somewhere lol

[JP51]

13 hours ago, BillsPride12 said:

Surprised this hasn't come up in the memories yet....but didn't Kenny host a wedding ceremony at one his tailgates in the early 2000s?

Pretty sure I have an old Buffalo News article about it laying around somewhere lol

So I was not there for it I know that... but somehow I remember something like that... 

[hondo in seattle]

On 12/30/2024 at 10:50 AM, JP51 said:

I am not sure if anyone cares or is interested in knowing... but I will write it and if no one cares we can delete it... but it is such a fun niche in Bills tradition...

 

It was 2 days before Christmas in 1990, the Bills were playing a huge home game against the hated Dolphins... So, all traditions and superstitions were on full display... no one willing to break any one of them. Kenny J (Pinto Ron) had a tradition of eating a Hamburger cooked on a shovel with ketchup before every game... only... this game... Kenny forgot his ketchup... he came to me in a panic... "JP51!! you have to find me some ketchup!!! " so I went to the tailgate next to us and told them and they went into the Mobile home and produced a 12 oz bottle of Heinz ketchup...  I came back to Ken with the ketchup and said... how about I get on the hood of the Pinto and squirt the ketchup on your burger that way... Kenny said Brilliant... so, to no fan fare or anything I got on the hood of the Pinto and squirted ketchup towards the burger... well. 20mph winds had different ideas as none of the ketchup was going on the burger... but all over Kenny .... and the cheering started...  I literally had to get down off of the Pinto and shake the last vestiges of Ketchup on the burger to keep with tradition...  We won...

 

Next week Kenny comes with a 36 oz bottle of ketchup and says we have to do this again... so up I went... and used the "Blind and Blast" technique... nail his glasses so he couldnt see... then blast him with Ketchup.... and a tradition was born... as time went on we moved to a 64oz bottle, and crowds of people chanting Ketchup Ketchup Ketchup... news crews coming to film etc... then one day (me being about 235lbs at the time the roof of the 80 Pinto dented.... worried about the sustainability of the roof and wanting to continue the tradition... in the offseason Kenny tore the underside of the Top out and reenforced it with steal... (true Story lol) 

 

as time went on, Mustard and relish and other condiments were brought in and you have the ceremony in its present form... 

 

And that my friends is the rest of the story....  

 

The new stadium ought to have a museum dedicated to the Bills mafia. 

 

And this story - along with any old photos available - ought to be included.  Legendary!

[Fleezoid]

I remember, a couple of decades ago, Peter King, a Sports Illustrated columnist back then (now retired) wrote a piece in his Monday Morning Quarterback column about being at the Bills game watching hundreds of fans walking around with cardboard cowboy hats. He had some odd and 'only in Buffalo' types of comments. it was kinda funny. I had moved away from Buffalo by then, but apparently Labatt Blue was selling 12 or 18 packs that you could break the case apart a make into a cowboy hat. Anyone remember, or know of that? Like I said, I wasn't there but could picture it. Made me chuckle. 

[JÂy RÛßeÒ]

A LONG story from the Rochester D&C in 2015 about all this:

https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/columnist/roth/2015/12/31/nobody-tailgates-like-rochesters-pinto-ron/78023712/

[JÂy RÛßeÒ]

Wait, what?!?

 

A ketchup and mustard scented candle called Pinto Ron?!?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1540792009/pinto-ron-candle-buffalo-bills-fun?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pinto+ron&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&content_source=f704d818b18f96869971448092f8d5d77c5d4e67%3A1540792009&organic_search_click=1

 

Quote

Ladies and gents, gather 'round! We're introducing the "Pinto Ron" candle – a heartfelt tribute to the iconic Bills superfan known far and wide for his spirited antics. This candle captures the essence of those unforgettable tailgate gatherings, the camaraderie that's uniquely Bills Mafia, and the wild energy that makes Buffalo's fandom truly legendary.

Picture this: you're in your Buffalo haven, draped in your beloved blue and red attire, and there it is – the unmistakable aroma of the "Pinto Ron" candle. It's like a touchdown celebration wrapped in the nostalgia of tailgate traditions, evoking smiles reminiscent of Pinto Ron himself, ketchup and all.

This candle is more than wax and wick – it's a nod to the devotion of Bills supporters and the larger-than-life presence of Pinto Ron, whose antics have become woven into the fabric of Buffalo's football culture. With every breath, it's as if you're transported to the heart of the action, surrounded by the unbreakable bonds formed under the Bills banner.

So, give it a thought – the "Pinto Ron" candle is here to capture the true spirit of Buffalo, the pride of Bills Nation, and the vibrant camaraderie that defines every tailgate. Whether you're sharing tales of wild fanfare with your buddies or reflecting on the colorful history of Buffalo's passionate fandom, this candle promises to warm your senses and remind you of the spirited community that makes being a Bills fan truly special.

No need to rush – consider the "Pinto Ron" candle a homage to the heart and soul of Bills supporters, a chance to bring a touch of Buffalo's legendary fandom right into your space. Reflect on the dedication, the unity, and the endless stories that make the Bills Mafia one of a kind. It's a reminder of the moments that shape our love for the game, our team, and the bonds that tie us all together.

 

[Fleezoid]

12 minutes ago, JÂy RÛßeÒ said:

Wait, what?!?

 

A ketchup and mustard scented candle called Pinto Ron?!?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1540792009/pinto-ron-candle-buffalo-bills-fun?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pinto+ron&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&content_source=f704d818b18f96869971448092f8d5d77c5d4e67%3A1540792009&organic_search_click=1

 

 

 

[JÂy RÛßeÒ]

4 minutes ago, Fleezoid said:

 

Confirmed that Ken was, until about 5 minutes ago, unaware of this but wants to buy one for the tailgate

 

[JP51]

1 hour ago, hondo in seattle said:

 

The new stadium ought to have a museum dedicated to the Bills mafia. 

 

And this story - along with any old photos available - ought to be included.  Legendary!

This is actually Brilliant in my opinion... I mean why not... like a Bills Mafia HOF...  

39 minutes ago, Fleezoid said:

I remember, a couple of decades ago, Peter King, a Sports Illustrated columnist back then (now retired) wrote a piece in his Monday Morning Quarterback column about being at the Bills game watching hundreds of fans walking around with cardboard cowboy hats. He had some odd and 'only in Buffalo' types of comments. it was kinda funny. I had moved away from Buffalo by then, but apparently Labatt Blue was selling 12 or 18 packs that you could break the case apart a make into a cowboy hat. Anyone remember, or know of that? Like I said, I wasn't there but could picture it. Made me chuckle. 

I do remember that... I also remember freaking out a reporter that came because I had taken an old Windshield Wiper bottle, washed it out and filled it with Lemonaide, Vodka and Blue Curuaco and of course we all know what that looks like... I think they may have mentioned that too ! LOL 

[Mark80]

On 1/2/2025 at 10:34 AM, BADOLBILZ said:

Side bar story for the ketchup spray:

 

We tailgated at Pole 6 which was a line directly across from the Pinto tailgate and one of our group at the time.......the infamous Crazy Kim......got involved in standing on the Pinto and when she did we would pepper her with donuts.   One time I drilled her with a boston creme and it blew up all over her.   A subsequent week I was not involved in the donut toss but she got tagged by someone else and when she came down she sought me out.   I was in conversation with TSW's "Cigar Mark".......who I believe is @Mark80 now?   Anyway,  I am talking to Mark and I hear a "tink" sound and Mark says "did something just hit my glasses?".   Indeed.   Kim had picked up a small rock and thrown it at me and missed and Red-Rydered Mark.  

Nope, that is not me.

[RkFast]

Im old enough to remember the "old" Pinto tailgate...Lot 1, Pole 6 I believe. Tom Rockpile and the crew with Kenny (Ron). A great longstanding tradition!

Edited January 3 by RkFast

[JP51]

1 hour ago, RkFast said:

Im old enough to remember the "old" Pinto tailgate...Lot 1, Pole 6 I believe. Tom Rockpile and the crew with Kenny (Ron). A great longstanding tradition!

Back when the practice field was the Bubble I remember it well. That is when ketchup started.

[JP51]

20 hours ago, JÂy RÛßeÒ said:

Wait, what?!?

 

A ketchup and mustard scented candle called Pinto Ron?!?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1540792009/pinto-ron-candle-buffalo-bills-fun?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pinto+ron&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&content_source=f704d818b18f96869971448092f8d5d77c5d4e67%3A1540792009&organic_search_click=1

 

 

I have got to get me one a these lol