Fluffy, emphatic, distracting, comical, memorable and original -- those are just a few of the traits that define a great mascot, and they’ve become synonymous with sports at every level.
Since its inaugural year in 2005 (excluding 2008–18 and 2021), the Mascot Hall of Fame has inducted at least two of the best mascots in MiLB, MLB, the NBA, the NFL, the NHL and NCAA.
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This year's candidates, announced Monday, include four from the Minor Leagues: the Triple-A Charlotte Knights’ Homer the Dragon (White Sox), the Double-A Tulsa Drillers’ Hornsby (Dodgers), the Double-A Altoona Curve’s LOCO (Pirates) and the the Triple-A Durham Bulls’ Wool E. Bull (Rays).
Here's a closer look at each of the nominees:
Homer the Dragon
Homer has been bringing the fire since 1989, serving as the face of the Knights in three different ballpark eras. With his light green fur and orange horns, Homer hasn’t missed a single home game in over three decades and continues to lead cheers and antics at Truist Stadium.
Hornsby
A blue-and-yellow buck, Hornsby has roamed around Tulsa since 1996. More than just a T-shirt launcher, Hornsby has become a local icon -- both on the grounds of ONEOK Field and off them, as a familiar presence at schools and community events across Oklahoma.
LOCO
A self-described “Golden Locotami,” LOCO has been part of the Curve family since 2015, though legend says his species has been maneuvering through the Horseshoe Curve mountains for more than 150 years. One of three Altoona mascots, he sports a hard hat and high-vis vest at Peoples Natural Gas Field.
Wool E. Bull
Wool E. Bull made his debut in 1992, shortly after the success of the film Bull Durham, and was named via a fan contest that year. Known for dance moves at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Wool E. Bull was named MiLB Mascot of the Year by Baseball America in 2016 and is one of the most recognizable faces in Minor League Baseball.
Five Major League mascots are also on the ballot: Bernie Brewer (Brewers), Fredbird (Cardinals), Mrs. Met (Mets), The Pirate Parrot (Pirates), and Wally the Green Monster (Red Sox).
Voting begins May 11 and runs through May 24 at mascothalloffame.com. The Class of 2025 will be revealed in June.
Mascot Hall of Fame founder Dave Raymond, best known for bringing the Phillie Phanatic to life, has long said that the award is about “more than costumes — it’s about the heart inside them.”