Fluffy, emphatic, distracting, comical, memorable and authentic — these are just some of the traits that outline an important mascot, and so they’ve change into synonymous with sports activities at each degree.
Since its inaugural 12 months in 2005 (excluding 2008–18 and 2021), the Mascot Corridor of Fame has inducted not less than two of the most effective mascots in MiLB, MLB, the NBA, the NFL, the NHL and NCAA.
This 12 months’s candidates, introduced Monday, embrace 4 from the Minor Leagues: the Triple-A Charlotte Knights’ Homer the Dragon (White Sox), the Double-A Tulsa Drillers’ Hornsby (Dodgers), the Double-A Altoona Curve’s LOCO (Pirates) and the the Triple-A Durham Bulls’ Wool E. Bull (Rays).
Here is a better take a look at every of the nominees:
Homer the Dragon
Homer has been bringing the fireplace since 1989, serving because the face of the Knights in three totally different ballpark eras. Along with his mild inexperienced fur and orange horns, Homer hasn’t missed a single house sport in over three a long time and continues to guide cheers and antics at Truist Stadium.
Hornsby
A blue-and-yellow buck, Hornsby has roamed round Tulsa since 1996. Greater than only a T-shirt launcher, Hornsby has change into a neighborhood icon — each on the grounds of ONEOK Area and off them, as a well-recognized presence at faculties and neighborhood occasions throughout Oklahoma.
LOCO
A self-described “Golden Locotami,” LOCO has been a part of the Curve household since 2015, although legend says his species has been maneuvering via the Horseshoe Curve mountains for greater than 150 years. One among three Altoona mascots, he sports activities a tough hat and high-vis vest at Peoples Pure Fuel Area.
Wool E. Bull
Wool E. Bull made his debut in 1992, shortly after the success of the movie Bull Durham, and was named through a fan contest that 12 months. Recognized for dance strikes at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Wool E. Bull was named MiLB Mascot of the Yr by Baseball America in 2016 and is likely one of the most recognizable faces in Minor League Baseball.
5 Main League mascots are additionally on the poll: Bernie Brewer (Brewers), Fredbird (Cardinals), Mrs. Met (Mets), The Pirate Parrot (Pirates), and Wally the Inexperienced Monster (Purple Sox).
Voting begins Might 11 and runs via Might 24 at mascothalloffame.com. The Class of 2025 might be revealed in June.
Mascot Corridor of Fame founder Dave Raymond, greatest identified for bringing the Phillie Phanatic to life, has lengthy mentioned that the award is about “greater than costumes — it’s in regards to the coronary heart inside them.”
