Baseball Widow

Little League Mom Tips: Snack Shack Shift

May 9, 2008 8:24 PM | 0 Comments

I'm pleased to say that I survived another shift at the Little League Baseball Snack Shack. I think it's the advanced preparation that really made the difference this time, and my friend Rhonda's instructions/warnings. Going in ahead of time really helped ease my fears about how the whole operation worked, especially the dreaded hotdog rotisserie.
Last year, I had a devil of a time trying to harpoon those weenies as they rotated around a weak flame. I felt like I was at the duck-shooting station at the county fair and had no chance of winning that ridiculously large and poorly executed stuffed animal, usually a bunny with a goofy smile. This time, I found out where the shut-off button is on the hotdog machine, which makes the whole proposition so much more reasonable. You should know if you don't already that I have a fear of machines and technology of all sorts.

Here are some of the skills that are required for womaning the snack shack:

First, the good news: You don't have to wear a hairnet. Phew! But you do have to wear latex gloves to maintain a hygenic environment.
Quick computational skills: How many Skittles was that? Did you want whipped cream on the hot chocolate (that costs extra)?
Manual dexterity: The hotdog/condiment area is really cramped, so you have to be able to manipulate the containers, buns, etc. handily.
Customer service: Even though you're a volunteer, some people seem to be under the impression that the Snack Shack is Nordstrom's and that we're their serfs for the evening. You hear finnicky comments like: "My hotdog is a bit lukewarm -- could you warm it up?" which makes me sneer and puts me in a foul mood.
Hazards: The molten cheese in the crockpot for nachos is HOT, HOT, HOT. Beware when transferring it to the tiny paper cup you nestle in a larger paper cradle with the chips.
The perks:You can eat some of the inventory, within reason. And, you get to give the volunteer coaches inventory, too, which can make you feel extraordinarily magnanimous.

OK, time to fly. I have to change the washload so that Austin's uniform is ready for the next game. BTW, the Boa Constrictors are undefeated, but that's just incidental, isn't it?

Tell me about your Snack Shack tips and adventures.

The Sports Widow
(aka Nan Hall)