The etymology of the term “bullpen” in baseball has been widely disputed. It’s been difficult to tie down an original first usage of the word, but it’s likely it was first published in the Cincinnati Enquirer in 1877. In the early 1900s, many baseball fields had ads for Bull Durham Tobacco on their fences. These pitching grounds just past those fences would come to be dubbed the bullpen.
Although, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, has objected to the name of the bullpen.
“Words matter, and baseball ‘bullpens’ devalue talented players and mock the misery of sensitive animals,” Executive VP Tracy Reiman said.
I somewhat understand the sentiment behind this and I know full well the meat industry has committed atrocities. However, I don’t understand why PETA is more concerned about what Major League Baseball nicknames their place for pitchers to throw, rather than actively combating the industry itself. It’s also ironic, considering baseball gloves are made of cowhide. The bullpen name does nothing to harm any animal, while mitts are a direct benefactor of the slaughtering of cattle. PETA is missing the point entirely and is instead focused on a trivial issue.
That being said, their name change suggestion is amazing and I’m 100% on board with it. They suggested calling it, “the Arm Barn”.
This is hilarious, catchy and creative. Somehow PETA got the correct answer from using the wrong formula. It keeps the same farm-style theme and it holds truth: it is in fact a place for pitchers to warm their arms up. I can definitely see this catching on quickly, and some players have acknowledged it already, both positive and negative.
New York Yankees outfielder Clint Frazier tweeted his approval of the idea.
CBS Sports also got in on the action, posting “Astros going deep into the arm barn this game,” during Game 3 of the World Series. Broadcasters on CBS and ESPN have used the term during game commentary, and regardless of whether they’re joking, it’s still a fun idea. Another suggestion that has been thrown around is the gas station, playing on the lingo of “throwing gas”.
PETA hasn’t presented a good reason for why the bullpen should be renamed at all, and this is likely a publicity stunt to get more attention towards the organization. It doesn’t seem like a coincidence that this dropped at the exact same time the World Series is going on. However, the arm barn is a great idea and should be adopted colloquially by fans and players — just not because PETA said so.
Christo Siegel is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. Do you agree? Tell Christo by tweeting him at @imchristosiegel.
