The mascot is an ingrained part of sports. Pretty much every professional team, minor league team, and school team has a guy who dresses up in a ridiculous costume to hype up their team’s fans. Some of these mascots are fun and generally pleasant to be around, while others are absolutely insufferable.
Check out part one looking at some of the more iconic mascots, and part two exploring the more ridiculous ones to emerge over the years.
Mascots usually become renowned for their hilarious antics, with many different situations unfolding over the years. What are some of the most memorable moments in mascot history?
Dodgers Manager gets Expos Mascot Ejected
The Montreal Expos were established in 1969, relocating to Washington and rebranding as the Nationals in 2004. The Expos had one of the more memorable mascots in sports, Youppi!, a cousin of the Philly Phanatic.
Today in 1989, after an irate Tommy Lasorda complains about his antics, the Expos’ Youppi! becomes the first mascot ejected from a major league game. pic.twitter.com/23mBnfpzzV
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) August 23, 2020
In a marathon 22 inning game against the Dodgers in 1989, Youppi! donned a pair of pajamas and laid on top of the Dodgers dugout. This infuriated manager Tommy Lasorda, who ended up stopping the game and having him thrown out. This ended up being pure comedy, and is an absolute must watch. It remains the only time in professional sports history where a mascot has been thrown out of a game.
Mascots vs Youth Football Players
What could be funnier than a bunch of mascots lining up for a game against some peewee football players? A tradition that happens every year at certain NFL half time shows, this had led to all kinds of funny moments and bloopers.
I repeat: Mascots vs. little kids is the spring football league we need. pic.twitter.com/3s32e3trgg
— College Sports Only (@CollegeSportsO) October 23, 2022
I think it’s hilarious that this is simply adults going against kids, but since they are in costumes, it’s somehow okay. Some of the huge hits and hilarious attempts at tackles make this an awesome watch for anybody. Take a look at this ten minute highlight video of all the best moments from over the years.
Jazz Bear Lays the Hammer on Opposing Fan
The Utah Jazz’s mascot has had a number of funny moments over the years, from bailing on a surfboard while riding down the lower bowl area, to landing backflips on the court. One of the more memorable moments came when he got in a fight with an opposing fan.
Jazz bear's court entrance when introduced as a starter… pic.twitter.com/3yxuWJ7Ki0
— Preston's Postgame Podium (@Utahcouchcoach) November 26, 2023
Jazz Bear reportedly called the man a loser while he was being taken off the court by security. This prompted the man to break loose and run after the mascot, who stood his ground and laid a bone-jarring hit. The man learned the hard way that it may not be the best idea to pick a fight with someone when you can’t see what they look like.