Hall of Flavors Contest Winner Hits a Grand Slam

Back in July, through a partnership with the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, we asked shred heads of all ages to share their love for bubble gum fun by chewing the right match in this year’s Hall of Flavors contest!

With over 40,000 entries, 14-year-old Nicholas “The Wizard” Gouveia hit a grand slam, capturing the ultimate prize – a three day/two-night trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. Accompanied by his dad, Chris Gouveia, Nicholas had the chance to win $50,000 for his hometown baseball team.

Baseball and Big League Chew have been a part of the second baseman’s life since he started playing the game at four years old, following in his older brother’s footsteps. While contestants had the opportunity to play the Hall of Flavors contest daily, Nicholas entered only once to win this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

“I didn’t think that I would win since I only entered once,” said Nicholas. “It’s a pretty rare kind of thing. I’ve visited the Hall of Fame when I was younger, but I’m hoping that I can learn something new that I couldn’t comprehend at age seven.”

In addition to visiting the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the two received a one-year Hall of Fame Benefactor Membership, VIP archive tour, guided museum tour, a $250 gift certificate to the Baseball Hall of Fame store, and a one year’s supply of Big League Chew bubble gum and merchandise.

“I’m excited to visit the Hall of Fame again,” said Chris. I always enjoy going there and seeing the baseball players that I grew up watching. Being able to share that with Nick is always something I look forward to.”

Nicholas, accompanied by his father, Chris Gouveia, visited the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Thursday, October 29 - Saturday, October 31st where they received a VIP archive experience, guided museum tour, and the opportunity to win $50,000. Selecting 1 out of 100 sealed envelopes, Nicholas left Cooperstown with $5,000 for his hometown team, Grafton Little League.

During their VIP archive experience, Nicholas and his dad had the opportunity to view items from their favorite team, the Boston Red Sox, such as Pedro Martínez’s Red Sox cap from the 2004 World Series, Brock Holt’s batting helmet used while hitting for the cycle in Game 3 of 2018 ALDS, Ted Williams’ final home run bat from 1960, and Carl Yastrzemski’s bat used for his milestone 400th home run. They were also able to view additional artifacts including Babe Ruth’s bat, Derek Jeter’s batting gloves, and Tom Seaver’s spikes from his 19-strikeout game.

“Thank you to Big League Chew and The Baseball Hall of Fame,” said Nicholas Gouveia. “The past couple of days have been amazing. I really appreciate the personal tour and being able to see baseball artifacts from so many of baseball’s greats. I can’t believe I was able to hold Babe Ruth’s bat in my own hands! And on top of all that, I get to give the Little League I grew up playing in $5,000!”