National Mascot Day

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National Mascot Day Facts

• The word mascot evolved from the French mascotte. The word originally meant a lucky charm and was used in gambling slang. In the 1880s, the word was adopted by the US. In 1886, the New York Times used the word to reference a team’s mascot.
• According to theculturecrush, it’s believed that the first official animal mascot was Handsome Dan, a bulldog belonging to a member of the Yale class of 1892.
• The shift from live to costumed mascots was initiated by the New York Met’s mascot Mr. Met. He debuted in 1964.
• According to a Forbes Magazine ranking, Phillie Phanatic was the number one mascot in all of baseball in 2016.

National Mascot Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Learn more about your favorite mascots. Whether it's baseball, basketball, football, whatever the sport, research the history behind your favorite mascots.
• Check out the mascot hall of fame located in Whiting, Indiana. It features exhibits and activities involving mascots from all the US sports leagues.
• Watch the Hulu documentary Behind the Mask. It explores the history of sports mascots and the challenges they have faced over the years.

National Mascot Day References and Related Sites