Ranking the Best MLB Mascots of All Time

They Always Steal the Show

Mascots are an amusing (and ubiquitous) part of the in-game experience at pretty much all the venues, and MLB mascots are no exception. To amuse and excite the crowds, mascots roam the crowd, the field (when it permits) and hold court atop the dugout to add an extreme element to what’s taking place on the field (or the court or the ice).

Historically, the New York Mets’ Mr. Met was recognized as the first MLB mascot, first as a cartoon in 1963 when the team played in the Polo Grounds, then “in person” as a humongous head when the team moved to Shea Stadium in 1964.

Mascots then grew to the iconic Phillie Phanatic, the big-nosed, big-bellied crowd-pleaser who came on the scene in 1978.  

Currently, MLB games feature 27 mascots, as only the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Yankees are without them.

Among the mascots enhancing the game experience are Milwaukee’s Bernie Brewer, Fredbird of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Baltimore Oriole Bird, and the San Diego Padres’ Swinging Friar.  

Here’s a bit of a primer on the “beasts and brutes” who roam the MLB stadiums…

How Many MLB Mascots Are There?

As was mentioned, currently, 27 of the 30 teams have official MLB mascots on the prowl, with some teams having more than one in case “load management” comes into play. Only the Los Angeles Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Yankees are without them.

What Is the MLB Favorite Mascot?

Whether losing or winning, depending on MLB scores, mascots don’t leave until the final out. It’s the Phillie Phanatic, debuting at Veterans Stadium in 1978 and universally regarded as the favorite MLB mascot. There’s no one safe when it comes to his antics, as the fans and players and umpires, and grounds crew have all “felt his wrath”.

What Mascot Was Thrown Out of the MLB Game?

They were the Montreal Expos before they were the Washington Nationals, and Les Expos had a funky mascot who went by the name of “Youppi!” In a 1989, 22-inning game between the Expos and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Olympic Stadium, apparently Youppi! (complete with exclamation point) managed to get under the girthy skin of Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda.

Lasorda wasn’t amused, then complained to plate umpire Bob Davidson. Davidson ejected Youppi!, and a YouTube moment was born. It didn’t help that LA was suffering through a sub. 500 season in the MLB standings a year after winning the title.

What Is the Green Mascot for the MLB?

Among the teams with green mascots are the Philadelphia Phillie Phanatic, Wally the Green Monster (Boston Red Sox), and Orbit of the Houston Astros, none of whom are the subject of MLB trade rumors. This isn’t to suggest that others (or their associates) can’t “chameleon” into going green at some point.

H3: Any Final Thoughts?

MLB odds BetUS are in play through the season, with plenty of chances to find both short-term (individual game) and long-term (future wagers, including MLB playoffs) winners along the way. As with betting on any sport, we can’t overemphasize the value of doing homework before making a wager.