If you go to Orioles games, watch them on TV, or just hang out in Federal Hill, you’ve probably seen Neal Moorhouse, who is often better known as Carne Cabeza at night. Carne hosts the Guzzle and Gobble fundraiser at Nobles (11/22/14) to benefit the PTN Foundation, Inc. for Testicular Cancer, has a sandwich named after him at Fat Larry’s, was sponsored by Blue Agave, and is a magnet for television cameras when at OPACY.
Carne is in the running for ESPN’s 2014 Fan Hall of Fame, so make sure to share his page on social media and learn more about this spandex- and cape-wearing, luchador-themed, constantly-flexing Baltimore super fan in SouthBMore.com’s Q & A below.
Photo from FanHallofFame.com
So who is Carne Cabeza and how did this alter ego get started?
By day, I am an embroidery manager who commutes from Baltimore to Rockville and slaves away at his desk job. By night, I am Carne Cabeza. The similarities are only physical: Stunning 5’8″, potato shaped, GORGEOUS specimen of a man, but that’s where the likenesses stop. Neal is a soft spoken, albeit a little “crazy,” person who generally spends his nights at home, watching whatever is on TV. Carne is an outgoing and A LOT crazy guy, who spends his nights pumping up fans at Oriole Park at Camden Yards or M&T Bank Stadium. The two men have shared the same body for a very long time, and there is no real way for saying for sure, when either one was “created.” Although, Carne made his public appearance first on Cinco de Mayo 2012, a date he considers to be his birthday.
I’m sure there are many, many fun stories you’ve experienced while out and about as Carne Cabeza. What’s your favorite one?
I have had people, complete strangers in fact, walk up to me and lick my nipples. Some people are absoutely grossed out by a generous figured man without a shirt, and I don’t really blame them. But for some people, well, I have no words.
Besides SouthBMore.com of course, what are some of the large media outlets that you’ve appeared in?
I have been on ESPN several times as well as the away teams’ baseball broadcasts. I have seen people send me links to the likes of NESN and the YES network, to be more specific. I was also seen on the ALCS broadcast on TBS, which was neat. I have also appeared on the City that Breeds Podcast, so I am pretty much big-time now!
We know you are a huge Baltimore sports fan and often frequent games at OPACY. Any go-to moves when the Jumbotron finds you?
Two words: Flex-Cam. Wait is it two words if it is hyphenated or just one? Anyway, you put me on a Jumbotron, I will flash my giant (measly) guns!
What drives your passion for the Orioles and Ravens?
Baltimore City. I love it with all my heart. I want to see the city and everyone in it be the absolute best we can be. Additionally, I want the world to know that Baltimore City is the best place ANYONE can not only live, but visit too!
What are your top three moments in Baltimore sports history?
For me personally? Both ALDS games from 2014 I lump together as one giant party. The ALCS when we beat the Yankees at home in 2012 and finally Super Bowl XLVII. Being in New Orleans and being able to celebrate with other Ravens fans was the highlight of my sports history!
Baltimore has its share of superfans. Do you have any bonds or strong relationships with Baltimore’s other fan royalty?
Yeah. I get together with Romeo Santos, the Baltimore Bird Lady, the Weird O’s, Captain O, Baltimore’s Iron Man, and the Fan Birds whenever I can get a chance. Jonathan Scheffenacker (the Oriole’s Sunglasses Guy), sold me and my girlfriend the house we are moving into in December. We’re a tight-knit group that supports one another as well as communicates often via Facebook.
Talk about some of your partnerships in Federal Hill.
Blue Agave was my first partnership. They gave me free tickets for an ENTIRE season. I owe a lot of my popularity to them and still try to visit them when I get a chance. Fat Larry’s decided to name a sub after me and to this day, makes donations in my name to local charities from the sub’s sales. I don’t outwardly seek sponsorship per se, but I definitely appreciate them. I am kicking around the idea of having a Kickstarter campaign to help fund Carne’s habits.
What would it mean to you to be inducted into the ESPN Fan Hall of Fame?
It would mean the world would have another glimpse into how AWESOME Baltimore City is. I don’t care much for notoriety; I have fun simply playing dress-up. I love meeting people and making them smile. I don’t really do it for me. I do it for my city!