The Bernstein Brief: There's A Mascot Hall Of Fame?
By Dan Bernstein--
CBSChicago.com senior columnist
(CBS) As long as it's sponsored at least in part by Febreeze, I have no problem with the existence of the Mascot Hall of Fame, reportedly set to begin construction next year in Whiting, Ind.
The fun-loving, mischievous furries deserve their own pantheon, probably, after decades of merrymaking that has ranged from the acrobatic to the annoying and everything in between. It's the brainchild of Dave Raymond, who has devoted his life to the mascot industry after creating the legendary Phillie Phanatic. I have vague memories of a night out with Dave in Omaha in 1994, after the Phanatic worked the Rockford Lightning-Omaha Racers game at Ak-sar-ben Arena, and I can attest that he was pretty much the same guy whether he had the green suit on or not. His energy devoted to this project comes as no surprise.
All the big-name mascots played the minor-league circuits for extra cash, and my years in the Global Basketball Association, Continental Basketball Association and Class-A baseball's Midwest League had me crossing paths with many who will be enshrined. I've had beers with San Diego Chicken Ted Giannoulas, waited at airport gates with the San Antonio Spurs' Coyote and Phoenix Gorilla, and I've made sure the Metro Centre dressing room was properly appointed for the arrival of Boomer from Indiana.
I have some personal favorites, like our very own Raleigh Bullfrog who later became the Mariner Moose. Others who will never grace the hallowed halls of this building but have a place in my heart are Sammy the Slammin' Salmon of the GBA's Mid-Michigan Great Lakers, The Madison Muskie (a fiberglass head I have worn) and the lamentable Lucky the Lightning Bug.
Best of luck to our locals, Clark and Tommy and Southpaw and Staley, in joining likely enshrinee Benny. It's something to shoot for. There may even be a special dumpster out back where Ronnie Woo Woo can sleep.
Dan Bernstein is a co-host of 670 The Score's "Boers and Bernstein Show" in afternoon drive. You can follow him on Twitter @dan_bernstein and read more of his columns here.