The Curious Case of Colonel Sanders at the World Series
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During the 2023 World Series, fans noticed a striking resemblance to Colonel Sanders, the iconic face of KFC, seated behind home plate at several games. This sparked widespread speculation, jokes about a potential curse, and questions about the identity of the Sanders lookalike. this article details the story, it’s origins, and the marketing campaign behind it.
What Happened?
During the 2023 World Series,featuring the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks,a man bearing a strong resemblance to Colonel Sanders was prominently visible in the stands behind home plate.Images and videos of the individual quickly circulated on social media, especially during Games 1 and 2, leading to a flurry of questions and humorous commentary as reported by the Toronto Star. Many viewers initially assumed it was the actual Colonel Sanders, despite his passing in 1980, or a particularly dedicated fan.
The appearance fueled speculation about a possible “curse,” referencing the Chicago Cubs’ long-standing association with a goat and other sports superstitions. Some fans jokingly suggested the colonel’s presence might negatively impact the teams involved.
Who Was the Colonel Sanders Lookalike?
The man was identified as Dave Hagewood,a long-time KFC employee and lookalike. Hagewood has been portraying Colonel Sanders in various marketing campaigns for KFC as 2018 according to USA Today. He works as a regional marketing manager for KFC.
Hagewood’s resemblance to the Colonel is so striking that he’s become a key figure in KFC’s recent marketing efforts, appearing in commercials and at promotional events. He’s often referred to as the “real-life Colonel Sanders.”
Why Was He at the World Series?
KFC orchestrated Hagewood’s appearance at the World Series as part of a marketing campaign tied to the company’s offer of free chicken tenders if the World Series went to a Game 7. the campaign, launched on October 27, 2023, promised fans free 12-piece chicken tenders if a game went into extra innings as detailed by USA Today. Hagewood’s presence was intended to generate buzz and promote the offer.
The campaign proved successful, as the offer was triggered during Game 1 of the World Series when it went into extra innings. KFC reported a significant surge in app downloads and social media engagement as a result.
The History of Colonel Sanders and KFC
Harland Sanders, better known as Colonel Sanders, was born in 1890 and rose to prominence by franchising his Kentucky Fried Chicken concept in the 1950s. He developed his