Mascots are integral to organizations and sporting events across America. From the pride taken in professional teams that can be seen across whole cities and states, such as the massive, slightly demonic-looking Bronco statue at the Denver International Airport, to the smaller mascots of public schools and local foundations that decorate tshirts and hallways.
The origin of the mascot begins a long time ago in 19th century France, at the opera of all places. The word “mascot” most likely derives from the French word “mascoto,” which means “witch, fairy, or sorcerer.”
In the 1880s, French playwright Edmond Audran wrote the opera “La Mascotte,” which translates to “the talisman,” or “the sorcerer’s charm.” As the opera became more popular, “mascotte” became commonly used slang meaning some kind of lucky charm.
It was through this slang that “mascotte” made the transition into the American world of sports. The first recorded mention of a mascotte appeared in America’s favorite pastime, baseball, in The Sporting Life magazine in 1883. The issue was about a boy named Chic, who was a type of errand boy for a team at the time. He carried bats and helped with miscellaneous tasks, eventually coming to be known as a good luck charm to the players. He become referred to as a mascotte.
The first reference to an animal mascot occurred when a goat got loose on a field one afternoon, becoming a sort of joke to audiences in attendance.
These small mentions continued through the years in The Sporting Life, and other publications such as the Cincinnati Enquirer, dropping a letter here and there, until the modern day spelling of mascot was popularized.
As the years went by into the 20th century, mascots were taken very seriously. A typical mascot was a child or living animal of some kind, and were considered official members of the team. Mascots progressed from being exclusive to baseball, and moved into football territory, as well as other sports.
The first known mascot to actually make a career out of the position was Max Patkin, the pitcher for a White Sox minor league team. During a game in Hawaii, Patkin pitched a home run to Joe DiMaggio. On a whim, Patkin rounded the bases behind DiMaggio, making faces and mocking the other player. The crowd was thrilled, and thus the “Clown Prince of Baseball” was born, and continued to thrill audiences for almost five decades.
The most influential mascot in sports history made his debut in 1974 in San Diego. The San Diego Chicken stole his way into the hearts of America, paving the way for mascots everywhere. Created by a local San Diego radio station, the Chicken first appeared at the San Diego Zoo on Easter, handing out eggs. The Chicken was met with so much enthusiasm that he was asked to begin attending Padres games in order to increase attendance.
From then on, the mascot industry only grew, until every team in every sport across the country had their own unique representative, standing for the ideals and qualities of the teams they personify.
Sports Reporting and Sports Love 