Sports

Columbus Clingstones announce new alternate identity, paying homage to local delicacy

The Columbus Clingstones, the Class AA minor league baseball affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, announced a new alternate identity Thursday named after a Columbus food tradition.

Clingstones general manager Pete Laven stood in Dinglewood Pharmacy, 1939 Wynnton Road, as he announced the Clingstones will also be known as the Columbus Scrambled Dogs, in honor of the dish that originated at the pharmacy.

The dish typically includes a hot dog bun, a chopped hot dog, chili, pickles, onions and oyster crackers.

The Columbus Clingstones hosted a news conference April 9, 2026, at Dinglewood Pharmacy in Columbus, where Clingstones general manager Pete Laven, right, announced “Scrambled Dogs” will be one of the team’s alternate identities this season. The artwork for the jerseys and associated merchandise was done by Columbus artist and graphic designer Mike Jones, far left.
The Columbus Clingstones hosted a news conference April 9, 2026, at Dinglewood Pharmacy in Columbus, where Clingstones general manager Pete Laven, right, announced “Scrambled Dogs” will be one of the team’s alternate identities this season. The artwork for the jerseys and associated merchandise was done by Columbus artist and graphic designer Mike Jones, far left. Mike Haskey mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com

The scrambled dog’s history in Columbus stretches back to 1908 to Firm Roberts, who opened a “cigar-news stand” on Broadway, the Ledger-Enquirer reported. The dish later made its way to Dinglewood Pharmacy’s menu in the 1930s, when Henry “Sport” Brown took a job at Dinglewood.

Lieutenant Charles Stevens started working at Dinglewood at age 13 and helped carry on the legacy of the scrambled dog, bringing it to prominence.

Laven announced the Clingstones will play three games as the “Scrambled Dogs” on May 30, July 31 and Sept. 5.

The Columbus Clingstones hosted a news conference April 9, 2026, at Dinglewood Pharmacy in Columbus, announcing "Scrambled Dogs" will be one of the team's alternate identities. Columbus artist Mike Jones, left, designed the jerseys and associated merchandise for the “Scrambled Dogs” alternate identity.
The Columbus Clingstones hosted a news conference April 9, 2026, at Dinglewood Pharmacy in Columbus, announcing "Scrambled Dogs" will be one of the team's alternate identities. Columbus artist Mike Jones, left, designed the jerseys and associated merchandise for the “Scrambled Dogs” alternate identity. Mike Haskey mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com

The May game will feature a replica hat giveaway of the team’s scrambled dog hat. The July game will have a postgame fireworks show, and the September game will feature a replica jersey giveaway of the team’s scrambled dog jerseys.

The design for the team’s uniforms to accompany their new name came from born-and-raised Columbus artist Mike Jones.

The Columbus Clingstones hosted a news conference April 9, 2026, at Dinglewood Pharmacy in Columbus, announcing “Scrambled Dogs” will be one of the team’s alternate identities. Columbus artist Mike Jones, left, designed the jerseys and associated merchandise for the “Scrambled Dogs” alternate identity.
The Columbus Clingstones hosted a news conference April 9, 2026, at Dinglewood Pharmacy in Columbus, announcing “Scrambled Dogs” will be one of the team’s alternate identities. Columbus artist Mike Jones, left, designed the jerseys and associated merchandise for the “Scrambled Dogs” alternate identity. Mike Haskey mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com

Jones told reporters it’s a “dream come true” to be able to design the uniforms featuring the Columbus dish.

“I’ve eaten here my whole life,” Jones said. “I love this place, and when I heard the name, I was like, ‘I know exactly how we have to honor this place.’”

Other alternate identities for Clingstones

The Clingstones previously announced another alternate identity of the Columbus “Refrescos de Fuente,” which translates to “Fountain Drinks” in English. The “Refrescos” alternate identity is part of Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión initiative in 2026.

The Copa de la Diversión is “designed to connect teams with their local Hispanic communities through culturally relevant identities, enhanced ballpark experiences and community engagement,” the news release said at the time.

The Columbus Clingstones hosted a news conference April 9, 2026, at Dinglewood Pharmacy in Columbus, announcing “Scrambled Dogs” will be one of the team’s alternate identities..
The Columbus Clingstones hosted a news conference April 9, 2026, at Dinglewood Pharmacy in Columbus, announcing “Scrambled Dogs” will be one of the team’s alternate identities.. Mike Haskey mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com

The release said the name is inspired by the city’s nickname as “The Fountain City,” due to the city’s numerous public fountains, and the creation of popular sodas in the area.

The city was home to Coca-Cola originator Dr. John Pemberton and various sodas made by Nehi and Royal Crown Cola.

The Columbus Clingstones hosted a news conference April 9, 2026, at Dinglewood Pharmacy in Columbus, announcing “Scrambled Dogs” will be one of the team’s alternate identities.
The Columbus Clingstones hosted a news conference April 9, 2026, at Dinglewood Pharmacy in Columbus, announcing “Scrambled Dogs” will be one of the team’s alternate identities. Mike Haskey mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com
The Columbus Clingstones hosted a news conference April 9, 2026, at Dinglewood Pharmacy in Columbus, announcing “Scrambled Dogs” will be one of the team’s alternate identities.
The Columbus Clingstones hosted a news conference April 9, 2026, at Dinglewood Pharmacy in Columbus, announcing “Scrambled Dogs” will be one of the team’s alternate identities. Mike Haskey mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com
The Columbus Clingstones hosted a news conference April 9, 2026, at Dinglewood Pharmacy in Columbus, announcing “Scrambled Dogs” will be one of the team’s alternate identities.
The Columbus Clingstones hosted a news conference April 9, 2026, at Dinglewood Pharmacy in Columbus, announcing “Scrambled Dogs” will be one of the team’s alternate identities. Mike Haskey mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com
The Columbus Clingstones hosted a news conference April 9, 2026 at Dinglewood Pharmacy in Columbus, where Clingstones general ganager Pete Laven announced “Scrambled Dogs” will be one of the team’s alternate identities this season.
The Columbus Clingstones hosted a news conference April 9, 2026 at Dinglewood Pharmacy in Columbus, where Clingstones general ganager Pete Laven announced “Scrambled Dogs” will be one of the team’s alternate identities this season. Mike Haskey mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com

This story was originally published April 9, 2026 at 4:35 PM.

Kelby Hutchison
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Kelby Hutchison is the breaking news reporter for the Ledger-Enquirer. Originally from Dothan, Alabama, Kelby grew up frequently visiting Columbus to eat at Country’s BBQ in the old Greyhound bus station and at Clearview BBQ on River Road. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in criminal justice and a M.A. in journalism. During his studies, Kelby specialized in community journalism.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER