The 15 Best Mascots in Sports (2024)

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Published Jun 28, 2023

Have you ever seen on-field antics so wild that it left you wondering who the best mascots in sports are? Let's get in to it!

When it comes to team spirit, no one embraces the “gung ho” mentality quite like the team mascot. “Mascot” comes from the French word “mascotte” which means lucky charm – fitting, as their job is to get fans fired up and create the home field advantage that could ultimately be the difference between wins and losses!

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There are several criteria to consider when talking about the best mascots in sports. From their antics, to their creativity, and now in the age of social media, their humor on Twitter and TikTok, mascots really do it all.

Here is our ranking of the 15 best mascots in sports.

• Team: Philadelphia Phillies
• League: Major League Baseball

The Phillie Phanatic’s fuzzy green build topped off with a team jersey is one of the most recognizable mascots in the country. Phanatic was first introduced in 1978 and was portrayed by David Raymond who filled that role until 1993. He was succeeded by Tom Burgoyone, who filled the big shoes seamlessly and with the same endearing energy.

The Phanatic is always present at home Phillies games where he greets and entertains fans, sometimes cruising around the sidelines on an ATV. He’s known to provoke the opposing team by dancing in front of their dugout or by mimicking their frustrated actions after they strikeout. Perhaps the best moment comes during the seventh inning stretch when he gets up on the Phillies dugout to perform the “Phanatic Dance”.

The Phanatic ensures that every fan at the game has a good time and draws fans to keep the energy up in support of their team.

• Team: Philadelphia Flyers
• League: National Hockey League

It's clear that team spirit is in the air in Philadelphia, because the official mascot for the Philadelphia Flyers, Gritty, does not disappoint in the shadow of the Philly Phanatic. Though it may be bold to put Gritty so high up on the list, since he was only introduced in 2018, he has made a mark as a hilarious and provoking mascot.

Gritty has had several viral moments that have made him an incredibly recognizable figure for the Flyers fandom. He's active on social media where he does not shy away from picking a fight with opposing mascots, but it's all in fun and in support of his team. He's beloved by Flyers fans and even if you aren’t a fan, it’s hard not to appreciate his humor and dedication to the game.

• Team: Milwaukee Brewers
• League: Major League Baseball

The racing sausages may not be the traditional mascot, but they sure are entertaining. They started as a trio in the early 1990s with the fourth and fifth members introduced in the 2000s as the group gained popularity among Brewers fans.

The crew, made up of the originals (Bratwurst, Polish, Italian) and the newcomers (Hot Dog & Chorizo) bring to life a cartoon race that used to be played on the giant scoreboard in the early 90’s. At the bottom of the sixth inning at every Brewers home game, the sausages line up in the left field corner at Miller Park and race around home plate to right field. Fans often get just as excited to watch the race go down as they do the game.

The tradition is like no other and is part of what makes the experience at Miller Park so memorable.

• Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
• League: National Football League

Jaxson De Ville brings the energy to Jacksonville through his antics, fresh style, and overall energy. Self-dubbed “JaxHIM” comes dressed in his personalized Jaguars jersey, a pair of shades, and branded sneakers. He’s often flying around the stadium on a scooter after making his entrance in some sort of dramatic fashion.

Jax does not shy away from taunting the opposing team and opposing fans, and especially not the opposing team's mascot if they are present. For his main event, Jaxon commits to jumping into the pool at TIAA Bank Field upon winning a game at home, which ought to feel good after spending the game in the fuzzy costume under the Florida sun.

When Jaxson was introduced in 1996, he was portrayed by Curtis Dvorak who continued his reign up until 2015. Jax is active on social media and is known to tweet a zinger now and then.

• Team: New York Mets
• League: Major League Baseball

In the 1960s, Mr. Met was drawn up in a cartoon before he came to life in physical form in 2000, making him one of the first in the MLB. He's about as representative of the Mets as anything could get, constructed of a body dressed in a full Mets uniform with a ginormous baseball with a Mets hat for a head.

Mr. Met is always around during home games at Citi Field and when he's not rallying the crowd, he makes himself available for photo ops with young fans. He has had cameos in handfuls of ads and even in TV shows, proving how beloved and impactful his legacy is.

• Team: Chicago Bulls
• League: National Basketball League

Bennythe Bull made his debut as the Chicago Bulls mascot in 1969 and he has been an adored team supporter since then. He was the team mascot during the glory years of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, among others.

Benny has an extensive network of “relatives” that have made appearances throughout the years, but he is the one consistent representative of the Bulls. He’s active (and viral!) on TikTok and even has his own podcast called “Between Two Horns”.

• Team: Boston Red Sox
• League: Major League Baseball

Wally has been the face of the Boston Red Sox since 1997. He is a green monster, derived from the infamous “Green Monster” wall in the left field of Fenway Park. Wally is a jovial figure who is a man of the people, in this case Red Sox fans. He is always making his way around the stadium to make sure fans are keeping the energy up to cheer on their team.

After the ceremonial first pitch, Wally is responsible for getting the game started by announcing “Play Ball!” before starting his mascot duties. Wally is beloved by young and old fans alike.

• Team: Memphis Grizzlies
• League: National Basketball League

Grizz is a staple of the Memphis Grizzlies and has been since he was first introduced in 2004. The fluffy and lovable mascot comes to games decked out in his Grizzlies uniform ready to entertain fans and cheer on his team. Grizz is not only the face of the Memphis Grizzlies, but his popularity runs across all of the city.

In 2008, Eric McMahon, the man inside the Grizz costume, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Rather than replacing him, the team fought with McMahon as he battled the disease. He has now been in remission for over a decade and McMahon is back to donning the Grizz suit.

• Team: Phoenix Suns
• League: National Basketball League

Go the Gorilla is one of the most recognizable mascots in the NBA. He is most known for his killer dance moves and his mad hops. Fans and the people of Phoenix alike love Go and his antics. No stunt is too crazy for him, as he's constantly finding new ways to entertain the crowd at games and events throughout Phoenix.

• Team: Indianapolis Colts
• League: National Football League

Blue has been with the Indianapolis Colts since 2006, and he has been an integral part of the fanbase. When Blue is not busy entertaining fans at Colts games, he can be found traveling around Indianapolis at events at schools, charities, and all sorts of appearances. Blue was awarded Mascot of the Year in 2003.

• Team: Montreal Canadiens
• League: National Hockey League

Youppi! is one of the longest running mascots in sports. Originally a mascot for the Montreal Expos, Youppi! has been the face of the Montreal Canadians since 2005.

The beloved Youppi! wears a special jersey with a "!" as his number. He's a daredevil with an infectious personality that motivates fans in Montreal, both during his time in the MLB and now the NHL, to cheer their team on.

• Team: Kansas City Chiefs
• League: National Football League

K.C. Wolf is a fun-loving, wide-hipped wolf who has been entertaining Chiefs fans since 1989. He can break it down, being the energy, but what makes him so special is the man inside the costume.

Dan Meers portrays the lovable K.C. Wolf, but when he's not rallying the crowds at Arrowhead stadium, Meers is busy traveling the country giving inspirational speeches. Perhaps what makes K.C. Wolf so entertaining is that the soul inside the costume is just as enthusiastic and electric.

• Team: Toronto Raptors
• League: National Basketball League

The Raptor has been crushing it as the face of the Toronto Raptors since 1995. At his first ever appearance, a giant spotted egg was brought out onto the court, and when it “hatched” The Raptor was born, decked out in his Raptors uniform. The Raptor has has several viral moments due to his hilarious antics.

During a performance in 2014, he tore his achilles while landing a backflip. While sidelined for the year, The Raptor's cousin Stripes filled in until he could make his triumphant return.

• Team: Washington Capitals
• League: National Hockey League

Slapshot has been entertaining fans at Capital One Arena since 1995. The Bald Eagle, though he might look intimidating, is loved by Caps fans for his energy and commitment to the team.

Slapshot makes his way around the arena during games and also puts his skating talents on display between periods and to hype the crowd up before games.

• Team: San Diego
• League: N/A

We're giving the San Diego Chicken an honorable mention, because although he is not officially associated with a team, he's a staple of San Diego sports, making appearances at Padres and Clippers (before they moved to Los Angeles) games. The Chicken, who has rebranded at Famous Chicken, is portrayed by Ted Giannoulas.