Buzz
Mascots have a long history, with one of the earliest being a taxidermy mount used by the Chicago Cubs in 1908. However, it wasn’t until 1964 that live costumed mascots started to emerge. Soon after, they became a staple for sports teams, universities, businesses, organizations, and schools.
While most mascots logically align with their associated names, some are downright eccentric. Some of these quirky mascots are endearing despite their odd designs, while others leave you baffled about the creators’ intentions. Here are ten unusual mascots you’re unlikely to know about.
10. Stanford Tree
The Stanford Tree, technically the mascot of the band, represents the city of Palo Alto, which features a Redwood tree in its logo. Interestingly, Stanford University’s official seal also includes a tree, highlighting the deep connection between the university and Palo Alto.
The school lacked an official mascot because no consensus could be reached on a single candidate. In 1975, the band performed several halftime shows subtly introducing potential mascots. The Stanford Tree garnered such enthusiastic feedback that the band decided to adopt it permanently.
Today, the Stanford Tree is woven into numerous university traditions. One such tradition, Full Moon on the Quad, dates back to the 19th century. Originally, senior men would kiss freshman women, often exchanging roses. Now, the event involves kissing as many people as possible. On this night, the Stanford Tree might receive over 1,000 kisses.
9. Blue Blob
In 1985, Xavier University already had a mascot, D’Artagnan the musketeer. However, Sally Watson, the spirit squad coordinator, felt the sword-wielding character frightened children. To address this, she designed a gentler, more approachable mascot.
Since its debut, the Blue Blob has become a fixture at sporting events and even starred in two SportsCenter commercials. However, the lack of a clear origin story has led students to create their own interpretations.
To this day, the question persists: What exactly is the Blue Blob? The answer is simple—it’s just a blob. A blue, furry, and lively character adored by both kids and adults. The mascot even sports a two-foot-long tongue, which it uses to playfully lick fans. Additionally, the Blue Blob has its own line of merchandise.
Anyone can don the Blue Blob costume, but there’s one rule: the wearer must not be taller than D’Artagnan. Beyond that, there are no restrictions.
8. WuShock
In 1904, football manager R.J. Kirk needed a name for the Wichita State University team (then Fairmount College). He chose the Wheatshockers, inspired by players who worked harvesting wheat—a process called “shocking”—to pay for tuition and board.
Over time, the name was shortened to Shockers. Until 1948, the university used a simple wheat shock as its symbol. That year, junior Wilbur Elsea won a Kappa Pi honorary society contest to design a mascot embodying the school’s spirit.
In October 1948, the school newspaper invited students to propose names for the new mascot. Freshman Jack Kersting suggested the name WuShock.
However, it wasn’t until 1954 that the mascot gained a three-dimensional form, with a costume designed by a WU cheerleader and members of the art department.
7. Mysterious Fish
One of Japan’s most unusual mascots is the Mysterious Fish, introduced in May 2017 by the Chiba Lotte Marines baseball team. The mascot starts as an anglerfish with legs but transforms into various forms during games, including a skeletal fish.
Since 2018, Mysterious Fish has collaborated with Hawaiian Airlines. However, in 2021, the individual portraying the character announced their retirement, leading to the Fish’s retirement as well, rather than finding a replacement.
6. Fighting Okra
Delta State University has long had two mascots. The official one, the Statesman, honors State Rep. Walter Sillers, Jr., who influenced the school’s location. However, in the 1980s, a series of events led students to adopt an unofficial mascot.
Students didn’t find the Statesman intimidating. One day, basketball and baseball players were chatting in the “Court of Governors” dormitory. Basketball player Houston Williamson pointed out that the Fighting Statesmen didn’t scare opponents. This was compounded by the mascot being temporarily banned from athletic events after a fight with another mascot.
The group agreed with Williamson, stating a mascot should be mean and green. A spirited discussion followed, with many suggestions. Baseball pitcher Bob Black proposed okra, as it’s green, fuzzy, and tough. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1990s that the Fighting Okra became the unofficial mascot.
5. Y’all Star the Water Tower
Y’all Star the Water Tower, the mascot for the Florence Y’alls, made its debut on May 13, 2016. The mascot was inspired by the iconic water tower in Florence, Kentucky.
The water tower, constructed in 1974, originally displayed the words Florence Mall. However, due to the actual Florence Mall’s location and legal issues, changes were necessary. The city altered the M to a Y, resulting in Florence Y’all. This modification turned the water tower into a beloved local landmark.
Originally named the Florence Freedom, the baseball team rebranded to Florence Y’alls in 2020 as a tribute to the water tower.
4. Crusty the Pie
In 2019, Wigan Athletic, a professional soccer club, organized a Primary Schools competition to create a mascot. The team, lacking a mascot, felt it was the perfect time to introduce one.
Wigan Athletic launched the competition to create a mascot for the team and inspire creativity among local children. Additionally, the contest aimed to encourage kids to take initiative. Most submissions featured pie-themed designs, reflecting Wigan’s well-known love for pies.
The winners, local children Cayden and Neve, introduced Crusty the Pie. They had the privilege of unveiling the mascot alongside former England international Peter Reid.
3. Phillie Phanatic
The Phillie Phanatic didn’t have a typical grand introduction. Instead, the quirky creature from the Galapagos Islands simply appeared on the field. Spectators were amused by the large, green, furry character and its playful antics.
Despite the low-key debut, the Phanatic was a hit. The idea for the mascot came from former Phillies owner and Vice President Bill Giles, who wanted a mascot like the San Diego Chicken to attract more families to games.
Bill Giles initially approached Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets, to design the new mascot. However, Henson declined and recommended Bonnie Erickson, the mind behind Miss Piggy, Waldorf, and Statler.
David Raymond was the first to wear the Phanatic costume. His debut didn’t go smoothly, as he accidentally fell over a railing, prompting laughter from the crowd. Raymond embraced the mishap, incorporating falls and slapstick humor into his performances.
In 1994, Tom Burgoyne took over as the Phanatic. He effortlessly embodied the character’s personality and expanded its antics, including riding an ATV, teasing opponents, and launching hot dogs from a cannon.
2. Youppi
Youppi, meaning “Yippee” in French, is the mascot for the Montreal Canadiens (previously the Montreal Expos). This furry, orange character, with an exclamation mark as his jersey number, debuted in 1979 and remained with the team until 2004.
Youppi holds the distinction of being the first mascot ejected from a Major League Baseball game. On August 23, 1989, during the 11th inning, the mascot leaped onto the visitor’s dugout, making a loud landing. After sneaking into a front-row seat, Youppi was allowed back into the game but restricted to the team’s dugout roof.
In 2005, Youppi transitioned from baseball to hockey. By December 2019, the beloved orange character was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame, becoming the first Canadian mascot to achieve this honor.
1. Kingsley
Kingsley, the monobrowed mascot created by David Shrigley for the Scottish football team Patrick Thistle, has faced widespread disapproval. Many fans are unsure what the character represents, earning it the title of the mascot nobody loves.
Resembling a sun with a single eyebrow and buck teeth, Kingsley has become an integral part of the team despite his odd appearance. Fans and visitors are drawn to him, and Jay McGhee, the person inside the costume, finds the head useful for storing his water bottle, phone, and keys.
