Yankees Outfielder Bested Ostrich in Spaghetti-Eating Contest

Ping Bodie's 1919 victory over 'Percy' the ostrich became a legendary baseball tale.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:27pm

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A dynamic, colorful painting featuring bold, energetic brushstrokes in neon shades of red, yellow, and blue, capturing the intense action and competitive spirit of an unusual spaghetti-eating contest between a baseball player and an ostrich.A legendary baseball tale of competitive spirit and culinary prowess, as a Yankees outfielder bested an ostrich in a spaghetti-eating showdown.Today in Jacksonville

In a bizarre 1919 event, former New York Yankees outfielder Ping Bodie competed against an ostrich named 'Percy' in an 11-plate spaghetti-eating contest in Jacksonville, Florida. Bodie emerged victorious when the ostrich passed out after its 11th plate of pasta.

Why it matters

This quirky story from baseball's early days has become a legendary tale, highlighting the colorful personalities and unusual events that were once commonplace in the sport's history. It also speaks to the competitive spirit of professional athletes, who would go to great lengths to prove their dominance, even against non-human opponents.

The details

According to a newspaper clipping that recently resurfaced on social media, the spaghetti-eating contest took place on April 3, 1919 in Jacksonville, Florida. Bodie, who recorded 1,011 hits over his MLB career, faced off against an ostrich named 'Percy' in the unique competition. After 11 plates of pasta, the ostrich conceded defeat and passed out, allowing Bodie to claim victory.

  • The spaghetti-eating contest occurred on April 3, 1919 in Jacksonville, Florida.

The players

Ping Bodie

A former outfielder for the New York Yankees who recorded 1,011 hits over his MLB career.

Percy

An ostrich that competed against Ping Bodie in the 1919 spaghetti-eating contest in Jacksonville, Florida.

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The takeaway

This bizarre but true story from baseball's past has become a legendary tale, highlighting the colorful personalities and unusual events that were once commonplace in the sport's history. It speaks to the competitive spirit of professional athletes, who would go to great lengths to prove their dominance, even against non-human opponents.