ST. LOUIS, MO (KCTV) -
A Kansas City Royals fan is ruffling some Cardinals' feathers in St. Louis. His elaborate stunt to snub fans in their own city has sparked an unusual contest.
At Flying Saucer restaurants, like the one in Kansas City's Power and Light District and at the newest location in St. Louis, customers can earn a plate to join the U.F.O. Club.
The club allows loyal customers to place their name and a quote on a customized plate that will be displayed inside along the walls.
One Royals fan decided he wanted to use his plate to insult rival Cardinals fans.
If customers try 200 unique beers at Flying Saucer, they get a commemorative plate. Overland Park native Joe Hoffmann, who recently moved to St. Louis, saw an opportunity. His plate won't display his name.
"I wanted to get the first one in St. Louis with the name Don Denkinger with the quote, 'Safe.' to take a jab at Cardinals fans and just to kind of prod them a little bit," Hoffmann said.
Denkinger made the highly contested call in game six of the 1985 World Series. The Royals went on to beat the Cardinals in game seven.
"People say it was a blown call, but it is fine by me," Hoffmann said.
Flying Saucer manager Matt Gardner said there is not a time limit to receive the plate.
"The only stipulation is you can only drink three beers a day toward the 200. We obviously want people to enjoy beer but be responsible while they are doing it. The fastest you could do it would be 67 days if you came in and did three beers a day," Gardner said.
Hoffmann started a page and asked for help to reach his goal as fast as possible. The St. Louis Flying Saucer happens to sit near the Cardnials' Busch Stadium.
"Kansas City Royals fans have been pretty supportive. I originally started this as a way for my friends to support me and have fun. Cardinals fans have got a hold of it. They came up with their own contender to race or beat me in this quest," Hoffmann said.
A Cardinals fan offered to sponsor a competitor offering to buy the person three beers a day at the St. Louis Flying Saucer to beat Hoffmann to the punch.
The sponsor also offered "pride and celebrity status knowing you saved St. Louis from a despicable man."
"Once that happened, a lot more people got on board. Everybody knows it's kind of a joke and a game and no one is taking it too seriously that I encountered. I think it is all in good fun," Hoffmann said.
Hoffman is facing St. Louis fan Richard Haegele in a friendly competition that has baseball fans picking sides.
The "good fun" will spread some good will. Hoffmann plans to donate funds raised to a Royals charity.
Because both men are trying to be the first customer with a plate, they are trying to complete the task in 67 days.
On May 11, both the Royals fan and Cardinals fan will find out who gets the first plate at the new St. Louis location.
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