How do I know? Is it the news that Hispanics will soon become the largest minority? Is it the recent controversy over illegal immigration which drew attention to the large and growing Hispanic populations all over the country?
No and no.
Hispanics arrived on Saturday July 29, 2006, when "El Picante," an eight foot tall chorizo sausage, debuted at Miller Park to take part in the storied Sausage Race. Dressed in a guayabera with a red hankerchief tied around his neck and a sombrero, "El Picante" became an instant legend. This was his only appearance for 2006 as due to MLB's rules on new mascots (!), he cannot become a full-time sausage racer until 2007.
Here's the official press release for the event.
Wow.
I am speechless.