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.
Today, we’re focusing on Brooklyn’s favorite animal! No, I’m not talking about Kris Humphries of the (new) Brooklyn Nets. I’m talking about Sandy the Seagull of the NYPL Brooklyn Cyclones. Sandy the Seagull, the Cyclones’ mascot-in-chief, has been with the team since the inaugural Cyclones season in 2001. Mr. The Seagull is named for the famed Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax. Pee Wee came along in 2003. He is Sandy’s adopted son.
Finally! I don’t know about you, but I have seen far too many illegitimate mascots in my lifetime.
Pee Wee is named after Brooklyn Dodgers shortstop and Jackie Robinson’s good friend, Pee Wee Reese. Both Sandy and his son, Pee Wee, have been bringing fun to the ballpark for just about ten years. Not bad for a bunch of expressionless birds whose daily duties include getting hit by kids below the belt.
(Seriously! Check out the job description. http://www.brooklyncyclones.com/news/index.html?article_id=632)
In 2006, the team introduced a new unnamed mascot: a blow-up “ZOOperstars” type pelican. Despite a contest to name the character, it was never given an official name. The Pelican never caught on and has not made an appearance since the 2006 season.
Do you blame them? ZOOperstars are never ok in my book.
In 2008, Maverick the Wonder Dog was introduced. He was a real Chocolate Labrador Retriever who was owned by one of the Cyclones staff members. The goal was to have Maverick learn tricks like picking up baseballs and bats. Like the Pelican, Maverick lasted only one season. Not every dog can be the duly named Chase “That Golden Thunder” of the Trenton Thunder.
That’s not harsh. I’m a female comedian who wears glasses. That doesn’t make me Tina Fey.
A Hot Dog race is held at every game at MCU Park (home of the Cyclones), which is sponsored by Nathan’s Famous. For those of you who don’t know, the first Nathan’s store is located two blocks away from the ballpark. The three hot dogs currently racing are Ketchup, Mustard, and Relish. For many years Relish has become the loveable loser because he either wins very few races or none at all during the season.
Finally Teddy Roosevelt has an heir apparent in Washington.
