After winning the Bens Deli Matzoh Ball Contest, I decided to branch out to other food groups ”’ The Nathans Hot dog Contest”
At that moment the sport of competitive Eating was born, until that time the Hot dog eater stood in their arena and didn’t venture out to other foods , and the Matzah Ball crowd did the same concerning the Matzoh balls. I changed all that as a champion in one field I took a giant step into the Nathans arena , yes there was always contests but not a sport.
I went down to my local Nathans and said That I want to be a part of the 4th of July Hot Dog contest , the Manager said this is the number that you should call , A ”Shea Communications” I called and Rich Shea answered the phone, I told him who I was ”The Matzoh Ball Champ” and I want in on the Hot dog contest .his reply is just wait till I tell my brother George he wont believe it. I asked what locals can I go to he told me that the contest will start in 2 weeks at the Ducks and Belmont. I said OK!’ this was around mid May . The next day Rich called me back and asked if I can do him a favor and go to the Coney island promo. I had yet to qualify, so I went there I looked around and saw the biggest Heaviest eater and went up to him and asked for some scoop on the contest,,I later found out it was Charles Hardy I also met Leon Fiengold that day , during the promo 5 hot dog contest , everyone seemed to have water an was dunking , I didn’t But I was determined to keep up if not beat Hardy ..We tied. As I left my Nephew says to Hardy see you on the fourth and I departed , I later found out had I not gone to this promo as I was not yet qualified That I could have gone to the Carnegie Deli Pickle contest had I known about it . In any event I;m glad that my then future friend Kevin Lipsitz won that day .Hotdogs (News 12) click to view
This is Don Lerman speaking: I remember this snap shot with me in my Yellowcomplete with hot dod hat with the Mayor well , there was a spot on good morning America ABC 7 New York I went down to the studio with Ed Jarvis as we had the City Hall weigh in after wards which was taking place this year at Coney Island.
There was some foreign eaters from Australia a
or New zealand ( correct me if I’m incorrect)and along with Ed Jarvis .and I believe Eric Booker were to be part of the segment on GMA
I was not asked to participate . I was being ignored .
I came dressed in my Nathans hot dog outfit all the onlookers in the studio and among the street crowd liked it except George Shea , He chose not to put me on , when the show ended , they did a repeat show , live for the West coast , again I was over looked and ignored . when we finished we headed off to Coney for the weigh in . Each & Every contestant in the contest was brought upon stage for he weigh in except me . ( and by the way , I was never in all my years given the honor to be brought up on stage with the Mayor) all the eaters went on the stage except me . what a spit in the face after all that I done for the sport. I turned to Ed Jarvis and he mentioned something and then Then i got on stage . the last time I got a photo op with Mayo Bloomberg wasIbelieve in 2002 or 2003 I was swearing . wearing my red custom Nathan a sport coat , I askedd the mayors people can I take a picture with his Honor , they said yes as i was standing next to the mayor , George Shea physically pushed me out of the way so some Japanese business man can have a photo op, I don’t believe anyone ever encored such disrespect …. enough said
Hi . I wanted to konw how to add your website to the desktop so I be able to just click it to visit your website . I just know how to add it to favorites. Thank you!!
This is Don Lerman speaking: I remember this snap shot with me in my Yellowcomplete with hot dod hat with the Mayor well , there was a spot on good morning America ABC 7 New York I went down to the studio with Ed Jarvis as we had the City Hall weigh in after wards which was taking place this year at Coney Island.
There was some foreign eaters from Australia a
or New zealand ( correct me if I’m incorrect)and along with Ed Jarvis .and I believe Eric Booker were to be part of the segment on GMA
I was not asked to participate . I was being ignored .
I came dressed in my Nathans hot dog outfit all the onlookers in the studio and among the street crowd liked it except George Shea , He chose not to put me on , when the show ended , they did a repeat show , live for the West coast , again I was over looked and ignored . when we finished we headed off to Coney for the weigh in . Each & Every contestant in the contest was brought upon stage for he weigh in except me . ( and by the way , I was never in all my years given the honor to be brought up on stage with the Mayor) all the eaters went on the stage except me . what a spit in the face after all that I done for the sport. I turned to Ed Jarvis and he mentioned something and then Then i got on stage . the last time I got a photo op with Mayo Bloomberg wasIbelieve in 2002 or 2003 I was swearing . wearing my red custom Nathan a sport coat , I askedd the mayors people can I take a picture with his Honor , they said yes as i was standing next to the mayor , George Shea physically pushed me out of the way so some Japanese business man can have a photo op, I don’t believe anyone ever encored such disrespect …. enough said
Hi . I wanted to konw how to add your website to the desktop so I be able to just click it to visit your website . I just know how to add it to favorites. Thank you!!
-Sarah
Beneficial.