Executive Committee

The "original" John Routh (pronounced Ruth but no relation to Babe) got his mascot start as the "original" Cocky at the University of South Carolina in 1980. Invited to perform at the College World Series (CWS) in 1981 & 1982, he met Coach Ron Fraser, the "Wizard of College Baseball" who brought him South to the University of Miami to perform as the only professional mascot in college athletics as the "original" Miami Maniac for Canes Baseball (1983-1993) and, to go along with his split personality, he would add the dual role of the football mascot Sebastian the Ibis (1984-1992).  In 1993, he became the "original" Billy the Marlin for the Florida Marlins for ten years through the 2002 season.  Along the way, John also appeared as characters Pat C. Gull for the New England Patriots (1991), Striker for USA Soccer (1994), and Hosty the Super Bear for the 1995 Miami Super Bowl.

During his career, Routh would perform as the "official" mascot of the CWS 11 times, in 17 countries worldwide, including 7 trips to Japan and numerous times in Europe, and 49 of the 50 United States.  John has served as the "original" Executive Director of the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame since 2009.