Stephen Colbert attends Cubs game as hot dog vendor for The Late Show (Video)
By Hector Cruz
Stephen Colbert disguises himself as Donny Franks during a Chicago Cubs game in a Late Show clip.
Last Saturday, Chicago Cubs superfan Stephen Colbert threw out the first pitch at a game against the Milwaukee Brewers, which he documented in a segment for The Late Show that was shown on Thursday night’s episode. But to get the full Wrigley Field experience, the comedian decided to dress up as a hot dog vendor named Donny Franks so he could interact with as many Cubs fans as possible.
“We’re coming up on the start of the 2016 MLB playoffs, the World Series of not quite being the World Series,” Colbert said in introducing the clip. “And since I’m from South Carolina, I’m rooting for my home team: the Chicago Cubs.”
He then noted that despite the team struggling to make it to the postseason for the past 108 years, the Cubs currently have the best record in baseball. He continued, “And it’s not just the talent on the field that’s responsible for their success. It’s also the men and women in the stands: the ticket takers, the ushers, and the vendors.”
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Colbert was first trained by long-time “brave weiner slinger” Rocco, who showed the host the ropes so he could take the day off. Colbert struggled to pick up the heavy container, which was placed around his shoulders and contained 15 hot dogs.
“This box is warm and it is resting rise up against, shall we say, my vienna beef,” he complained.
Colbert then transformed into his new alter ego, Donny Franks, sporting large sunglasses, a goatee and long hair under a Cubs cap. He got the chance to spend some time not only with fans, but also with some of the players, including injured outfielder Kyle Schwarber, who helped Colbert work on his “high-speed hot dog delivery” on the field. He also got the chance to run the bases after teeing himself up.
He used his newly acquired skills when throwing the $6.50 hot dogs to several Cubs fans from a long distance. His interactions with the crowd also included propositioning a “cute” couple to “make a Donny sandwich” after the game, drinking one man’s beer before topping it with whip cream, and inviting two female fans to a party later. “I’ll bring the beef, you bring the buns,” he said.
He then interacted with first baseman Anthony Rizzo, instructing him on how to use a small portion of a hot dog as dipping tobacco. Unfortunately, Colbert’s time as Donny Franks came to an early end after Cubs manager Joe Maddon told him he was done for the day, much to his chagrin.
Colbert concluded: “I want to send a big thank you to Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs — check them out in the playoffs! Fingers crossed — it could be their first World Series in over 100 years, or roughly the shelf life of one hot dog.”
Watch the entire segment below:
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During the break, the show aired a clip of Colbert throwing a surprisingly strong first pitch before the game. The Late Show host previously revealed his Cubs fandom when rubbing down Rizzo, Kris Bryant and a visibly uncomfortable Jake Arrieta for good luck as a pre-game ritual during a cold open in July.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. on CBS.