Clearwater Hot Sauce Maker Becomes Official Flavor for Threshers and Phillies

Carlos Sanchez transformed what began as a simple kitchen experiment into the official hot sauce for the Clearwater Threshers and Philadelphia Phillies spring training. Carlos' Consuming Fire Hot Sauce is now available at BayCare Ballpark during home games.

This week marked the Threshers' first homestand. A cart appears before each game at the stadium.

Tampa Bay 28 first interviewed Sanchez back in 2021 when he crafted his product in his Clearwater kitchen. After friends and family pushed him to sell at farmers markets, the baseball teams contacted him.

"Absolute dream come true, you know I never imagined a hobby that started in my own kitchen to become what it's become today," said Sanchez, according to Tampa Bay 28. "To be able to actually come here and not only be a fan watching the game, but to actually witness people enjoying my hot sauce, to see my banner right over the bull pen, all I can say is, 'Thank you Lord.'"

The company has expanded to five different flavors. His brand now appears at five ballparks, which includes Citizens Bank Park, where the Philadelphia Phillies play.

Sanchez lives just five minutes from BayCare Ballpark. The Carolina Reaper sauce stands out as one of the most popular choices among fans.

"When I got into the business, I never realized that hot sauce is so popular, everyone loves hot sauce now, and everyone is willing to try hot ones like this," said Sanchez, holding up his very popular Carolina Reaper sauce.

Justin Gunsauls with the Threshers explained that the team wants to support local businesses. They picked a partner from the community instead of choosing a large corporation.

"You know you can get a big corporation to come in here but to have someone that's local, that's going to put in the work and want to come in here and be in front of all of our guests at every game is definitely important to us," said Gunsaulus.

This partnership represents a shift. The Threshers want working with local Clearwater businesses to become their new approach moving forward.

Sanchez said BayCare Ballpark holds a special place in his heart. His name now lights up on the scoreboard at his hometown stadium.