mobile app bar

MLB’s Most Iconic Mascots

Brendan Rubin
Published

Mascots are the cornerstone for fan engagement in major sports. Fuzzy, fun characters to create laughs, and big cheers for the home team.

Which MLB teams have the most iconic?

Honourable mention

Feb 3, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Montreal Canadiens’ mascot Youppi! performs during the 2022 NHL All-Star Game. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Youppi! Originally the mascot for the Montreal Expos, the fluffy orange character is now the mascot for the Canadiens. He was famously the first mascot to be ejected from a baseball game.

In 1989, the mascot took a leap of faith to the visiting team’s dugout roof. The Dodgers’ manager complained, and Youppi was promptly escorted out.

5. The San Diego Chicken – San Diego Padres

May 21, 1981: The famed San Diego Chicken is carried onto the field by a team of Soundettes May 21, 1981. Despite the Chicken help, the Sounds fall 3-2 to the Savannah Braves.
81then05 053b

Ted Giannoulas wore the mask in the 1970s, making the San Diego Chicken likely the world’s most famous mascot not officially affiliated with a team.

KGB radio originally created the act. Unfortunately, a dispute between Giannoulas and the station led to the mascot’s retirement in 1979.

Arguably, the Green Men with the Vancouver Canucks are the second most famous non-affiliated mascots.

4. Slider – Cleveland Guardians

Aug 26, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians mascot Slider interacts with fans. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Slider is one of the members in the Mascot Hall of Fame.

The purple, funky mascot gained extra fame, when he took a legendary (yet painful) tumble off the outfield wall during a 1995 ALCS game.

3. Bernie Brewer – Milwaukee Brewers

March 25, 2024; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Team mascot Bernie Brewers Stans by as the Milwaukee Brewers unveil two new scoreboards. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY NETWORK

Bernie has one of the greatest celebrations in terms of mascots. Whenever the Orioles hit a home run, Brewer takes a slide down Bernie Brewer’s slide.

2. Mr. Met – New York Mets

Oct 9, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Mets mascot Mr. Met performs on the field after. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Mr. Met is a historical part of the Queens team’s past. As the league’s first official mascot in 1964, the Mets definitely hold that near and dear to their heart.

1. Phillie Phanatic – Philadelphia Phillies

Oct 5, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies mascot the Phillie Phanatic performs before a game. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

What bad is there to say about the Phanatic? Since it’s inception in 1978, he’s been the gold standard for mascots worldwide.

With his over-the-top antics, humour, and ability to engage anyone who walks into the stadium, it’s the clear-cut #1.

The stepping stones are in place for future mascots to find the path of greatness!

About the author

Brendan Rubin

Brendan Rubin

x-iconinstagram-iconlinkedin-icon

Brendan is a 22 year old student from Montreal, Canada. He currently studies sports administration. Brendan has a strong passion for sports and writing, having started his journey with his own blog. He is now the junior baseball writer for ‘The Sports Rush’

Share this article