SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — The face of competitive eating for his six consecutive World Championships at the hot dog contest in Coney Island, Takeru Kobayashi will make his first visit to Schaumburg when he eats for Boomers fans as the Schaumburg Boomers take on the Florence Freedom at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 26th. 

Kobayashi’s visit to Boomers Stadium is a can’t miss event for the entire family! The eating superstar will throw out a ceremonial first pitch, and will be available for photos and autographs for fans in attendance. Kobayashi will also take part in an entertaining demonstration of what he does best, against a team of fans representing the Boomers!

In addition to Kobayashi’s appearance, the Boomers will be celebrating Opening Weekend with a one-of-a-kind Prairie Chicken Helmet Giveaway for the first 1,500 fans through the gates, presented by Wintrust Community Banks.

Kobayashi is a professional eater who memorably challenged a Kodiak bear to a televised eating contest. The 34-year-old competitor held the world record for hot dog eating for nearly six years and is currently the unofficial record holder for most hot dogs eaten in 10 minutes with 69.

Although Kobayashi specializes in hot dogs, his eating prowess extends beyond this ballpark staple. The Japanese legend holds Guinness World Records for hamburgers, pasta, meatballs, pizza and Twinkies, in addition to hot dogs. Amazingly, Kobayashi weighs only 125 pounds, due to his well-documented training methods, in which he expands his stomach by drinking large amounts of water.

Kobayashi set his first record at his rookie appearance on July 4, 2001, when the Nagano, Japan native became the unlikely champion after plowing through 50 hot dogs in 12 minutes at the World Championship hot dog contest in Coney Island. For the next six years (2001-2006), Kobayashi retained the world crown setting three world records along the way. Over that period of time, Kobayashi also competed in a wide variety of eating competitions including hamburgers, vegetarian dumplings, roasted pork buns, bratwurst sausages, lobster rolls and even cow brains.

Click here to check out Kobayashi’s attempt to defeat the Kodiak Bear on FOX

For more information about Opening Weekend Festivities or to purchase group tickets now, call the Boomers Office at 847.461.3695 or visit www.boomersbaseball.com! Single game tickets, including those for Opening Weekend, will go on sale at the Boomers Box Office on April 7th.