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From the Orioles' Smokey Slugger to the American Palate: A Culinary Odyssey of a Beloved Baseball Legend

Corbin Powell

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Published in Baltimore Baseball Barbecue With Boog Powell: Stories From The Orioles Smokey Slugger (American Palate)

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Boog Powell: The Man, the Myth, the Culinary Master

Boog Powell, born John Wesley Powell III in 1941, was a towering figure both on and off the baseball field. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing over 250 pounds, Boog was an imposing presence on the mound, where he pitched for the Orioles from 1961 to 1964. However, it was as a first baseman that Boog truly made his mark, becoming one of the most feared hitters in the American League.

Baltimore Baseball & Barbecue with Boog Powell: Stories from the Orioles' Smokey Slugger (American Palate)

by Paul Begg

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3341 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	161 pages

With his powerful swing and keen eye at the plate, Boog was a force to be reckoned with. He was a six-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glove winner, and helped lead the Orioles to the World Series in 1966 and 1970. But beyond his accomplishments on the field, Boog was also a passionate foodie who loved to cook and share his love of food with others.

Boog's Barbecue: A Baltimore Institution

Boog Powell's culinary legacy began with his famous barbecue. In 1977, he opened Boog's Barbecue in Baltimore, a restaurant that quickly became a beloved institution in the city. Boog's barbecue was known for its smoky flavor and tender meat, which was cooked slowly over a hickory wood fire.

Boog's barbecue was so popular that it soon became a staple of Baltimore's food scene. People from all over the city would flock to Boog's to enjoy his mouthwatering ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. Even today, Boog's Barbecue remains one of the most popular barbecue joints in Baltimore, and it continues to attract visitors from all over the country.

A Culinary Ambassador for Baltimore

Beyond his own restaurant, Boog Powell was also a proud ambassador for Baltimore's food scene. He frequently appeared on television and radio shows to talk about his love of food and to promote Baltimore's culinary offerings. Boog was also a regular judge at food competitions and festivals, where he would share his expertise and enthusiasm for all things food.

Through his work as a culinary ambassador, Boog helped to put Baltimore on the map as a food destination. He introduced people from all over the country to Baltimore's unique cuisine, which is a blend of Southern, Mid-Atlantic, and international flavors. Boog's passion for food helped to make Baltimore a more vibrant and exciting city, and it continues to inspire local chefs and restaurateurs to this day.

A Legacy of Flavor

Boog Powell passed away in 2019, but his legacy continues to live on through his food and his passion for sharing it with others. Boog's Barbecue remains a Baltimore institution, and his recipes are still used by chefs and home cooks alike. Boog's love of food and his contributions to the Baltimore food scene have left a lasting mark on the city and its people.

Boog Powell was more than just a baseball player; he was a culinary legend who helped to shape the American palate. His barbecue was a beloved Baltimore tradition, and his passion for food inspired people from all over the country. Boog Powell's legacy will continue to inspire and delight baseball fans and food lovers alike for generations to come.

Baltimore Baseball & Barbecue with Boog Powell: Stories from the Orioles' Smokey Slugger (American Palate)

by Paul Begg

4.6 out of 5