2024 Mascot Hall of Fame Nominees

Big Joe - Ottawa REDBLACKS (CFL)

Big Joe is the National Capital Region’s favorite Lumberjack and loves Canadian football! Big Joe signed a lifelong contract as the Ottawa REDBLACKS head cheerleader in 2014. He is a graduate with honors from Algonquin College’s Forestry Technician program at Algonquin’s Waterfront Campus in Pembroke, Ontario, and spends his days at The Stadium at TD Place along with the local Ottawa Gatineau community cheering on the Ottawa REDBLACKS.

Big Joe, the lovable mascot for the Ottawa REDBLACKS, has become a beloved figure in the city since his debut. His infectious energy and playful antics have endeared him to fans of all ages. In 2016, Big Joe had the privilege of celebrating a momentous occasion with the team as they won the Grey Cup, the first major championship for Ottawa in 40 years. His presence on the sidelines, rallying the crowd and cheering on the team, undoubtedly played a role in the REDBLACKS' success that season. But Big Joe's impact goes beyond the football field.

He is also heavily involved in the community, particularly with the Big Joe & Friends Kids Club. This club provides young fans with opportunities to interact with Big Joe, attend special events, and even participate in exclusive experiences. Through his work with the kid’s club, Big Joe has become a positive role model for children, teaching them the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and community involvement. Big Joe in 2023 participated in over 70 community events and spent 210 hours with youth and community groups throughout the Ottawa/Gatineau Region.

Big Lug - Lansing Lugnuts (MiLB)

Seven feet of baseball love, hailing from parts unknown, the 8th wonder of the world and the Lugnut's biggest fan. Big Lug is responsible for entertaining fans young and old, out at Jackson Field.

Big Lug has repelled down Boji Tower in Lansing in support of Women's Center of Greater Lansing

Big Lug met and aided Joey Chestnut in setting a record.

Big Lug has welcomed over 300,000 fans to Jackson Field.

Biscuit the Bulldog - Allen Americans (East Coast Hockey League)

Blitz - Seattle Seahawks (NFL)

BLITZ has been a staple in the Seattle Seahawks organization for 25 years. He is imbedded in the community every year averaging more than 400 events per year. BLITZ is a vital part of Gameday when it comes to entertaining the fans as he is incorporated into skits, on-field presentations and general mascot shenanigans throughout the games. We take an immense amount of proud in creating memorable moments for many of our fans that may be having a difficult time in life and more often than not that is through interactions with BLITZ. BLITZ spends his time away from games visiting schools in community, hospital visits through out the area and 100’s of other community events.

In 2020 BLITZ was made a Seahawks Team Captain by Coach Carroll and is now going into his 4th season as a captain of the Seahawks. Two years ago BLITZ launched his Kicks4kids campaign and through that campaign BLITZ has donated more than 5,000 pairs of shoes to kids in need throughout the Seahawks community. In 2022 BLITZ was awarded the NFL Mascot of the Year and the NFL Mascot Anchor in the Community Awards as voted on by the NFL mascots.

Burnie -Miami Heat (NBA)

THE HARDEST CHEERING, BEST DANCING, MOST FIRED-UP, FUN-LOVING, FASHIONABLE, FLAMBOYANT, FRIENDLIEST MASCOT AND ONLY FLAME IN THE NBA!  Has been the spirit leader of the Miami Heat Franchise for 32 years! Firing up fans with his fun and loving personality, Burnie on and off court is loved all over South Florida. His fiery-orange fur and green basketball nose always allows him to be unique and standout from other mascots. He enjoys anything heat related, Summer beach days, Hot Dogs, Hot Chips, Heat Fans etc. His favorite Songs are Fire Ball (Pit Bull) Fire Man (lil' Wayne) and We Didn't Start the Fire ( Billy Joel). Burnie has taken big leaps throughout his career, from jumping out of planes, record breaking front flips over mascots, winning over seas dance battles etc. Burnie is the flame that starts the fire of the Miami Heat! 

• 3x NBA Champion
• 2023 NBA Community Impact Award
• 2023 NBA Viral Moment of the year Award
• over 10 All Stars Appearances
• Twitter award for viral flip stunt
• Certificate of appreciation for his support with special needs children from Special Olympics

DIBS - DePaul University (NCAA)

DIBS is the iconic spirit of DePaul University and its intercollegiate athletics program. As DePaul Athletics' biggest fan, DIBS can get a little too excited at games, but he's never too busy to mingle with fans and he's certainly not camera shy. He can be seen with a constant smile on his face because he gets joy from spreading joy. He does many things to get people to smile – from getting fans on their feet to shaking hands at career fairs, from causing a ruckus around campus to playing basketball and dancing. After all, he does have a degree in basketball with a minor in dance from his beloved DePaul University!

DIBS always smiles when people realize that a catholic school has a demon as their mascot – DIBS is an acronym for Demon In a Blue Suit! Although he is a demon, that doesn’t stop him from carrying out his Vincentian values, inspired his school’s namesake, St. Vincent de Paul. His mission is to spread love, happiness and compassion, all while trying to better the community.

DIBS is a proud member of the DePaul Spirit Team, helping to engage Blue Demon fans and raise school spirit wherever he goes

DIBS attends more than 150 events annually, mostly in the Chicagoland area. He is a staple at DePaul home athletic events on campus and at Wintrust Arena, while also making time to visit his friends at Chicago professional teams and at community events like the Lincoln Park Spooky Zoo and the Danny Did Foundation Gala. He’s even been known to cut a rug at weddings for DePaul alumni and greet crowds at the Magnificent Mile holiday parade.

DIBS also travels outside Chicago to support the Blue Demons, enjoying the bright lights of Madison Square Garden and Mohegan Sun Arena for the BIG EAST tournament.

DIBS also helps raise funds for DePaul University through the annual Blue Demon Challenge – the school’s largest single day fundraiser. He also helps develop the newest generation of Blue Demon fans through his fan group, the DIBS Kids Club.

During the 2023-24 school year, DIBS has made 178 appearances.

Jaxson de Ville - Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)

For 29 Jaxson has held the title of “Self-Proclaimed Greatest Mascot to ever breathe air”. This fact is impenetrable science and cannot be argued with. First discovered in 1993, Jaxson was a stray cat living at the stadium and watched the Jaguars inaugural season from the south scoreboard before officially joining the team in 1996. Since then, fans all over the world have fallen in love with his unpredictable behavior and willingness to perform stunts for their entertainment.

Jaxson de Ville is responsible for several rule changes in the NFL based on his on-field antics. Team owners and Presidents gathered at annual league meetings to put a stop to Jaxson’s interactions with opposing team players and is disruptiveness to the game. Today, mascots must stand behind the yellow line surrounding the field and that is credited to Jaxson. Jaxson also paved the way for mascots stunts across several leagues. Copycats have popped up across the NFL, NBA and NHL yet Jaxson continues to push the envelope in the US and overseas in London, being the only mascot to perform stunts at Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 

Lou Seal - San Francisco Giants (MLB)

Lou Seal is the beloved mascot of the San Francisco Giants. Lou has been entertaining Giants fans since 1997 and at every home game since 1999. Lou currently owns the record for most consecutive home games worked at 2082 and counting. Lou has had the privilege of working four World series with three championships and over 25 all-Star game appearances around MLB. Lou seal was also the first baseball mascot to be featured on HULU's Behind the Mask reality series.

In addition to the championships and Hulu show, Lou has also guest starred on the Netflix show, Fuller House, made guest appearances on the tv shows Shipping wars, Yard crashers, and was featured in the documentary film, Batkid Begins.

Lou Seal is the first MLB mascot to work 2,000 consecutive home games without missing a single game and was given love on ESPN Sunday Night game of the week for doing this.

Louie - St. Louis Blues (NHL)

This blue polar bear, originally from the North Pole, left home in 2007 to be a part of the St. Louis Blues organization. Now in St. Louis, he attends every home game and regularly over 500 appearances in the community each year.

Louie was first introduced to Blues fans by being lowered from the scoreboard while playing his beloved saxophone before a game. He has been a part of the community since day 1 in St. Louis so it only made sense to let the fans name him. A vote was held and one month later, Louie was official.

High fives, hugs, and laughter follow this cute, cuddly, and musical bear, everywhere he goes. When you get the chance to meet him be ready to smile, because that’s his goal!

Monte - University of Montana (NCAA)

A staple in the Treasure State, Monte (short for Montana) has delighted fans and friends across Montana for more than 30 years. Born in the mountains of Missoula in 1993, the mischievous bear can be found at University of Montana Grizzlies sporting events, local schools, community service opportunities, and other events in Missoula and around the state. 

 Always portrayed by current University of Montana students, Monte has a rich tradition of success including winning Capital One Mascot of the Year in 2002 and 2004, as well as earning a runner-up finish in 2024 at The College Classic National Championship. Griz fans always look forward to the motorcycle riding, break dancing, back flipping, slam dunking, movie making, crowd surfing, goal post smashing, prank pulling Montana superstar’s unique entrances at each home football game before the team takes the field.

 For over three decades, Monte has been the Montana Grizzlies' number one fan, making his way into the hearts of Griz nation like no other mascot in the country. Former Monte performers have even found success at the professional level portraying Mascot Hall of Famers Benny the Bull and Clutch.

 Monte loves nothing more than meeting Griz fans wherever he goes. He makes hundreds of appearances each year at schools, non-profits, community events, birthday parties, races, TV stations, and more!

Over the last three decades Monte has earned both local and national recognition. Monte is the two-time Capital One Mascot of the Year (2002, 2004), the 2024 College Classic National Championship runner-up, and the 2023 Big Sky Conference Mascot of the year among many other accolades. Monte has appeared on various local and national television broadcasts and his social media presence continues to climb with hundreds of thousands of video views and nearly 50,000 followers across all platforms. Monte makes hundreds of appearances each year on and off campus and around the state of Montana.

• Nearly 200 members (ages 12 and under) of Monte’s Kids Club
• Read With the Griz Summer Reading Plan
• Dozens of visits around UM campus per year (classrooms, recruiting events, preschools, local school field trips, etc.)
• 4 local school fun runs this spring alone
• Montana Special Olympics Area Games
• Missoula Riverbank Run 5k and 1-mile fun run (participant)
• Currently in development: Monte’s Classroom of the Month
• Appearances at community events such as Buddy Walk, Heroes at Home Veterans BBQ, Jaden Fred Foundation Walk, Ravalli County DUI Taskforce, local school family literacy nights, Bike for Shelter at local Children’s Shelter and more!

Mrs. Met - New York Mets (MLB)

In the 1960s, Lady Met joined her partner, Mr. Met, as mascots for the National League’s New York Mets. Her image graced souvenirs like pennants, cups, and programs and even her own stuffed doll, while she and Mr. Met joined fans in person to cheer for the team at Shea Stadium as the first two live-action mascots in Major League Baseball history.

Lady Met married Mr. Met in the mid-1970s and became Mrs. Met. After spending a few years of newlywed bliss together at Shea Stadium, Mr. and Mrs. Met took a break from Shea Stadium to focus on their growing family.

In 2003, Mrs. Met made a rare appearance as she joined Mr. Met and their three kids in an ESPN Sportscenter commercial that shows them getting stuck in a traffic jam trying to leave the ESPN studios while “Meet the Mets” plays on the radio.

Mrs. Met rejoined Mr. Met as a full-time mascot in 2013, when the Mets hosted the 2013 MLB All-Star Game at Citi Field. Upon her return, she caught fans up on what she’d been doing, sharing that she’d “been busy taking care of her family in Flushing and working part-time as an event planner” during her time away from the team. Mrs. Met has been cheering for the team with Mr. Met ever since and is looking forward to her first trip abroad for the 2024 London Series.

• First and believed to be the only female mascot in sports. Was originally referred to as Lady Met, and evolved into Mrs. Met when she we Mr. Met
• Among the oldest mascots in all of MLB
• She appeared in print advertisements and pennants in cartoon form, and she also took the form of various toys and trinkets, including small figurines, pins, and cloth dolls
• Makes routine appearances at countless community, charity and private events every year

N.J. Devil - New Jersey Devils (NHL)

In 1993, officials at the former Brendan Byrne Arena received numerous reports of a large “RED” figure perched high in the catwalk.

This “RED” figure was said to be wearing a hockey jersey and leading cheers with people sitting in the stands. Upon further investigation, the reports were confirmed and this “RED” figure was approached by Security for a ticket stub.

To everyone’s surprise, the figure revealed himself as the legendary “NEW JERSEY DEVIL”.

He confessed that he was a huge hockey fan who would like to sit in a real seat rather than on the cold, catwalk steel.

Since that night, NJ Devil, a once-featured legend of New Jersey history, has been dancing in the stands, skating on the ice and cheering for the team as the New Jersey Devils number one fan!

Major Accomplishments . . .

• This is Sportscenter Commercial “Going Up?”
• Pied Jimmy Fallon in the face
• Glass windows can’t stop him
• 2016 GMA Finalist “best mascot video”
• 2022 GMA Award “Best Production Video”

Orbit - Houston Astros (MLB)

Since rejoining the team in 2012, Orbit has quickly become one of the most popular mascots in baseball and all of sports! Whether it’s on the dugout, in the stands or on the field, Orbit’s hilarious hijinks have garnered attention from some of the world’s top media outlets, including ESPN, MLB Network, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, SB Nation, Yahoo! Sports, The Huffington Post, USA Today, E! Online, MTV, and GQ Magazine to name a few! Many of these performances can be found online, where their respective videos have collectively garnered literally billions views.

Orbit’s contributions don’t stop on the field. In the community, Orbit makes nearly 300 appearances a year! These include everything from public appearances such as community festivals and parades, to private events such as corporate events and birthday parties. Orbit also has been known to participate in a number of promotional stunts throughout the year, including taking on the BP MS 150 bike ride from Houston to Austin, rappelling down the side of the Four Seasons hotel, and tag-teaming events such as the Houston Marathon and the Cypress Triathlon with other Houston-area mascots. Additionally, Orbit offers a series of educational assembly shows geared toward elementary schools that cover topics such as literacy, anti-bullying, having character, making smart choices during Red Ribbon Week, STEM and preparing for the STAAR test.

In 2017, Orbit released his very first children’s book, “Orbit’s First Day of School”, which covers topics such as making new friends, how to handle bullies, embracing differences, celebrating strengths and practicing respect.

In 2024, Orbit joined the team on their trip to Mexico City, Mexico, as they played the Colorado Rockies as part of MLB’s World Tour. This was Orbit’s fifth international trip, including a trip to Japan (2014), two other trips to Mexico (2016 and 2019) and Taiwan (2018).

Orbit is two-time recipient of the GameOps.com “Mascot of the Year”, the first MLB mascot to win such an honor. He has also been nominated for two GIBBY (“Greatness in Baseball”) awards by MLB.com. On the world’s stage, Orbit has led his team to four World Series – winning two. Locally, he has been awarded “Best Mascot” by the Houston Press in 2016, 2017, and 2019. Orbit is currently the reigning “MLB Mascot of the Year” after taking home the inaugural honor in 2023.

Purdue Pete - Purdue University (NCAA)

Pete’s story began in 1940 when University Book Store hired California artist Art Evans to draw a logo. The grinning, muscular icon reflected a boilermaker tradesman with a mallet for molding steel and hat to keep grease out of his hair.

In 1944, the logo jumped from retail to academe, starring in Purdue’s Debris yearbook. “Introducing Boilermaker Pete,” a headline read, with Pete drawings appearing throughout in various outfits: with signs for the Marines, Army, and Navy; carrying a rifle; toting a hoe; and wearing a home economics apron among them.

Pete moved from page to personhood on Sept. 28, 1956, at a pep rally before Purdue played Missouri, when student Larry Brumbaugh (ME’57) donned foam rubber padding, football shoulder pads, long black pants, sweater with a P, and a papier-mâché head.

Mrs. John Keltner from Brumbaugh’s hometown, Union City, Indiana, made the head. Anne Ream (CFS’57) and graduate student Ona Russell sewed the costume.

Rosie Red - Cincinnati Reds (MLB)

Rosie Red, the namesake of the non-profit organization, The Rosie Reds, debuted in 2008 as the Reds third mascot and, at the time, the only full-time female character in MLB. Rosie’s sassy, sporty, nurturing characteristics soon earned her a spot in the hearts of Reds fans and baseball enthusiasts alike.

• Representing the Reds at the All-Star Game since 2014
• Appeared in the Mexico Series in Monterrey
• Appeared in Iowa at the Field of Dreams Game
• Appeared on Good Morning America
• Many invitations from fellow mascots to appear at Birthday Celebrations
• Rappelling down a 22-story building for a fund-raiser

Sebastian the Ibis - University of Miami (NCAA)

Sebastian the Ibis represents the University of Miami as a strong, resilient, and exciting character. In 1926, a year after the University of Miami was founded, the unofficial mascot proclaimed by students was an ibis, a native bird of South Florida. The ibis is the last animal to leave before a hurricane hits and the first to return after the storm. This representation of the ibis shows strength, resiliency, and loyalty. Derived from a student who lived in San Sebastian Hall, Sebastian the Ibis debuted as “Icky” at the homecoming pep rally on Nov. 20, 1958, the day before Miami’s homecoming game at the Orange Bowl.

Today, Sebastian is a very slick, cool, swaggy, and charismatic individual who always gives his best performance and unparalleled energy at any appearance he makes. Sebastian greets and acknowledges all people of every generation, from showing kindness and respect to seniors, celebrating, and taking pictures with Miami fans, to playing and interacting with many kids of all ages to make their day.

One of the most unique and special characteristics that Sebastian has is his famous C-A-N-E-S spell-out. This powerful hype up moment is critical for momentum as Sebastian is the only individual who can motivate 65,000 fans at Hard Rock Stadium to commence a huge drumroll and chant that occurs just before kickoff and every time the Hurricanes score.

Sebastian is never afraid of making a surprise entrance for parties and weddings, seeing and entertaining students around campus, attending every home Miami Hurricanes game, and creating everlasting memories with fans of all sorts. Most importantly, Sebastian is more than just an ibis, he represents the U and the entire city of Miami.

Sebastian has a vast collection of accomplishments. He has witnessed all 5 national championships in football, being present on the football field for the trophy unveiling after the BCS National Championship game. He even appeared in the 1983 National Championship parade riding next to our former head coach, Howard Schellenberger. Sebastian also had the opportunity to witness our Miami Hurricane’s men’s and women’s historic 2023 March Madness, where the women’s team made it to the Elite Eight, and the men’s made it to the Final Four for the first time in program history.

Sebastian has appeared in various ESPN commercials throughout the years, taking place in multiple cities spanning across the United States. Most recently, Sebastian was part of a 4-series commercial with ESPN and Dish from this past 2023 college football season, featuring Aubie the Tiger as well. Recently, from an Instagram poll the @thecwsports conducted of a Mascot March Madness of the ACC, Sebastian was voted as the winner conducted by people all over the country who participated in the voting.

• Sebastian the Ibis takes 425+ events throughout the entire academic school year
• Sebastian will have over 200+ on-campus events
• Sebastian visits 15 to 20 schools throughout the school year
• Visiting the hospitals on and off campus- 5 public hospitals but consistently visits our UM Miller School of Medicine 2-4x a month.
• Appear in weddings/festivities/parties/bar/bat mitsvah: 50+ combined per school year.
• Show up to 20+ community events all around Miami and Ft. Lauderdale throughout the year.
• Some events include: AIDS 5k Walk, Dolphins Cancer Challenge, Walk 4 Friendship, Blood Cancer Awareness March 

Talon - DC United (MLS)

Talon has served as the mascot of D.C. United since the team's establishment in 1994, symbolizing the essence of the Major League Soccer club from RFK Stadium to its current location at Audi Field. Talon is a staple of D.C. United on game days, engaging with fans on the sidelines and in the stands while motivating and supporting the team known as the Black-and-Red.

Beyond D.C. United's home matches, Talon represents the club at various community events, watch parties, youth soccer clinics, and other engagements, spreading his enthusiastic energy to all. Due to his significant impact on D.C. United and the Washington, D.C. community over the past two decades, Talon is a deserving candidate for induction into the Mascot Hall of Fame.

The Leprechaun - University of Notre Dame (NCAA)

The Leprechaun is one of the oldest and most well-known figures in the history of college sports and remains one of the few human mascots in the current athletics landscape. Since the character’s introduction in 1960, the Leprechaun has led the Fighting Irish from the sidelines as the official mascot of the University of Notre Dame.

Portrayed by four students each season, the Leprechaun is unique in that it celebrates the differences of the students who portray it rather than trying to, quite literally, mask them. These students are not only called to be representatives of the University at all times, but put in a great deal of work to represent Notre Dame in athletic competitions, media appearances, service events, campus initiatives and more.

A character for its people, the Leprechaun is living, walking proof that being Irish at Notre Dame is more than a heritage - it's a bond that brings its students, athletes, fans and friends together in the face of whatever opponent we might encounter.

• Introduction of the Leprechaun, 1960

• Leprechaun Named Official University Mascot, 1965

• First Black Leprechaun, 1999

• First Female Leprechaun, 2019

• Best Live Human Mascot, Mascot Hall of Fame 2023