After following Mascot Mania on MiLB (congratulations Orbit!), it was time to give attention to some great mascots that did not make the Sweet 16…or 64…or were ever even considered.
They’re like the Michael Bay movies of mascots. We might love them, but they’re never going to win an Oscar.
Today, we’re taking a trip to the New York-Penn League. The New York–Penn League is a minor league baseball league, operating in the northeastern United States. It is classified as a “Short-Season A” league; its season starts in June (which is probably why none of its mascots made “Mascot Mania”).
The New York–Penn League (NYPL) goes into action after major-league teams have signed their amateur draft picks to professional contracts. The season concludes in early September.
The league is divided into the McNamara Division, the Pinckney Division and the Stedler Division. Currently, the league includes teams in seven different states. In addition to New York and Pennsylvania, from which the league draws its name, the NYPL also has clubs in Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Vermont and Connecticut.
Wow. Just when I thought Bubba Grape, the Baseball Ape, had it hard, I met C.T. Tiger.
In theory, C.T. exists. You can find a picture of him on the team’s website. No, you won’t find that picture under the “Mascot Appearances” tab. That would make too much sense. A small picture of him (or her?) can found in the headline of the team’s site.  That’s it. It looks very much out of place.
C.T has no origin story. I have to assume he’s been with the team since they have been a part of the Tigers organization. However, in their early day at Oneonta, I really cant remember him…her….him/her.
The only info I can find on C.T. at all was under the “Mascot Appearances” tab, sans picture. It says that C.T. the Tiger is the official mascot of the Connecticut Tigers. It continues about how he (I have to assume C.T. is a “he” being that he has no origin story) can be found at all home Tigers games. He is located at Dodd Stadium entertaining fans of all ages.
Federal Tax laws are more entertaining than this.
The site goes on to mention that C.T. makes public appearances during both the Tigers season and offseason. (Woo.) He is also available for corporate events, charity functions, birthdays or other private parties. Talk about causing a commotion.
I don’t want to pick on the Connecticut Tigers even though it could be argued that the team left Oneonta under less than admirable conditions. Sure, I could pick on them because there are reports that “Connecticut Tigers” was a placeholder name they never bothered to get rid of. I won’t though. I do though think it’s fair game to satirize a team that ignores its mascot and the aforementioned mascot’s marketing capabilities.
Stop taking yourself so seriously, Connecticut. You’re not the Yankees. Even the Yankees have mascots in the NYPL. Come on! Your big club takes care of their mascot better. At least Paws has pupils.
