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Mascots have been a major part of sports for over 100 years. Teams have tried countless creations, some becoming legendary and others sinking into obscurity. Join us as we look at some memorably awful mascots over the years, and delve deep into the worst abominations teams have trotted out in sports history:
Cyril the Swan
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Depending on who you ask, Cyril the Swan is either the best or worst mascot in Europe. The official mascot of Swansea City A.F.C., Cyril has made a name for himself as the bad boy of European soccer. In one infamous incident, Cyril removed the head of a fellow mascot and drop-kicked it. Despite being a legend in the fight game, Cyril’s appearance leaves a lot to be desired.
Billiken
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According to an American art teacher named Florence Pretz, a Billiken is a mythical good-luck figure. Based on the look of this thing, Pretz may have been a little misguided. The Saint Louis University Billiken looks far more ominous and dangerous than it does wholesome or lucky. Look at it sizing up that poor Hokie bird. Just like the basketball team usually does in March, this Billiken should take a seat on the sidelines.
Lil’ Red
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In 1993, a contest ran throughout the state of Nebraska with the objective being to find a second mascot for the University of Nebraska. Somehow, for reasons that will never make any sense, the great people of Nebraska decided that Lil’ Red was the best option. The university already had one freaky-looking mascot, so I guess it shouldn’t be too surprising that this monstrosity was chosen to be No. 2. What’s worse — the overalls or the sideways hat?
Raymond
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Raymond, a ‘seadog born somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico’. What in the world does that mean? The baseball team that resides in Tampa Bay used to be known as the Devil Rays. The home stadium features a tank full of sting rays. A ray appears on the uniform sleeve. So, why exactly is Raymond a thing? Raymond is described as a species of dog known as “Canus Manta Whatthefluffalus”. Based on the looks of the surrounding spectators and the poor man who is being grabbed by the ‘seadog’, nobody is sure what to think of this mess of blues.
Bernie Brewer
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I have to admit, Bernie Brewer has the coolest gig of any mascot — as long as you’re okay with heights. Each time a Brewer hits a home run, Bernie takes a seat atop the famous slide and shoots down the tubed ride into pure pandemonium. However, with Big Bird-esque yellow hair and a mustache that would even be too much for Hulk Hogan, Bernie is an unsightly fellow. Maybe if the Brewers were able to win a World Series Bernie would have more appeal…
Rumble the Bison
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You have to give it to the Thunder, a bison is a significantly better option than a cloud or lightning bolt. Then again, if you want to have a bison as your mascot why don’t you just change your team name? The last time I checked, nobody thinks of a bison when they hear thunder. My biggest problem with Rumble the Bison, however, is his face. Rumble’s face is quite possibly the least intimidating-looking bison I have ever seen. He looks more like a water buffalo than an American bison. It is also slightly terrifying that Rumble slightly resembles James Harden.
Boltman
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For over twenty years, Boltman pranced around the stands in San Diego looking like a mix between the sun and Jim Carrey from The Mask. When the Chargers decided to take the show on the road and moved to Los Angeles, Boltman hung his lightning bolt up for good. I’ll speak for everyone when I say this — THANK YOU. Jiminy Cricket, what was this guy going for? Trying to terrify children? Check. Looking to obstruct views? Check. Ron Burgundy would despise this mascot as much as the rest of the football-watching public. Ta-ta, Boltman.
Pierre the Pelican
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When the then-Charlotte Bobcats decided they would like to reclaim the ‘Hornets’ moniker, the then-New Orleans Hornets had an opportunity to rebrand. The franchise settled on ‘Pelicans’. Not a bad choice, but not the best. Making matters worse, the team unveiled not one, but two hideous mascots. The first of which is Pierre the Pelican. Although a good team will likely help bring fans back to the arena, it is fair to question whether Pierre helped drive them out in the first place.
Moonchester & Moonbeam
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Over the past few years, Manchester City has established itself as one of the premier clubs in the world. With a genius coach, world-class players, and seemingly no end in sight, Man City supporters have a ton to cheer about. Yet, not everything is perfect for the Cityzens. Hailing from the Blue Moon, Moonchester and Moonbeam are a pair of lovebird aliens. Once you get past the thought of extraterrestrial beings representing City, I challenge you to see them as anything but the little blue demons from Galaxy Quest.
The Blue Blob
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When there is already a decent mascot in place — in Xavier’s case, a musketeer — why introduce a knockoff version of the Cookie Monster? The Blue Blob has been a menace since it debuted at Xavier. From licking fans with his gigantic tongue to swallowing people whole, the Blue Blob is simply terrifying.
Youppi!
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French for ‘Yippee’, Youppi! is an amalgamation of the Miami Heat mascot, Gritty (Philadelphia Flyers), and the Washington Wizards’ mascot. In a word, fail. Youppi! serves as the Montreal Canadiens mascot, and is the former mascot of the Montreal Expos. Seriously, this guy is so pompous that his jersey number is an exclamation point! Get this guy off the ice.
Cobi — 1992 Olympics
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There are no words for this. Cobi, the official mascot of the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, was described as a Catalan Sheepdog. Sure, it is a Cubist take on the pup, but this is the best they could have done? The Olympic Games have a history of horrible mascots, but not many come close to this abomination.
Phillie Phanatic
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The Phillie Phanatic is arguably the most recognized mascot in baseball — and perhaps across all sports. However, that doesn’t mean the Phillie Phanatic is an awe-inspiring character. A native of the Galapagos Islands, the Phanatic has become a thorn in the side of countless players and fans over the years. His persistent nagging is an eye-sore for the opposition.
Burnie
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Part Youppi!, part Phanatic, Burnie is one of the more confusing mascots around. Allegedly, Burnie is supposed to resemble the Heat’s fireball logo. Um…what kind of attempt was made for that to be the case? A green nose, a protruding stomach, and a lack of flair don’t help his cause. Not to mention, Burnie has a history of failing to land his in-game stunts.
Raider Rusher
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The Raider Rusher is a nightmare personified. That is all. Wow.
Brutus Buckeye
Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
The main man of Ohio State’s spirit squad, Brutus has been prancing around since 1965. Brutus Buckeye is, quite literally, a nut. Two misguided students thought the university needed a mascot and settled on an individual in normal clothing but with an added twist of concealing their identity via a giant nut. Try again, Ohio.
DIBS
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DePaul University is the largest Catholic university (by enrollment) in the United States. DIBS, formerly known as Billy Blue Demon, is the university’s mascot. If you’re wondering what ‘DIBS’ stands for, wonder no longer. DIBS, or the Demon in a Blue Suit, is a depressing character. The prevailing thought around Chicago is that the Blue Man Group attacked Hellboy and tried to make him one of their own. No further questions…no wonder DePaul can’t attract big-time athletes.
Stuff the Magic Dragon
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“Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honahlee
Little Jackie paper loved that rascal puff
And brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff oh Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea.”
Sorry, got lost in the moment there. Kudos to Stuff for helping Aaron Gordon in the NBA Dunk Contest a few years back, but you will never be Puff.
Demon Deacon
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
For starters, the top hat is pretty badass. The Demon Deacon also earns some points thanks to his rather impressive entrance tradition. The Deacon has made a habit of showing up to games on a motorcycle — pretty cool, but nobody is going to confuse him for The Undertaker. However, when it comes to the rest of his look the Deacon comes up short. A garish yellow bow tie doesn’t do enough to steal attention away from one of the blandest-looking mascot heads in the world. The Demon Deacon looks as if he expired in the 1930’s.
Chance
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The Golden Knights have had a dream start to their NHL existence. In the franchise’s inaugural season, Vegas reached the Stanley Cup Final. The team returned to the postseason for the next three out of four years and then finally won the Stanley Cup in 2023. There is only one problem — why, if your team name is the Golden Knights, is your mascot a Gila monster? Yes, Gila monsters are in the Vegas desert. However, not only is there zero mention of a Gila monster anywhere else in the franchise’s branding, but Chance also looks more like ‘The Thing’ from Fantastic Four than he does a lizard.
Stanford Tree
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Quite possibly the ugliest — certainly the zaniest — mascot in the land, the Stanford Tree is unmistakable. The mascot of Stanford’s Band and the university’s unofficial mascot, the Stanford Tree has been jiving on campus since the mid 1970’s. Stanford’s ‘Cardinal’ moniker is in reference to the color red, as seen on a plethora of trees in the region. The Tree’s bizarre look is only matched by its actions. Calling the Tree wild would be an understatement, just ask the NCAA. In 2006, the NCAA fined Stanford University because of the actions of an intoxicated Stanford Tree during a men’s basketball game.
King Cake Baby
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
For those of you not familiar with New Orleans, the King Cake Baby is a popular and important part of the city’s history. A tiny plastic baby is traditionally hidden in a cake, and whoever finds it is supposed to receive good luck and prosperity. For reasons unknown, the New Orleans Pelicans decided it would be a good idea to turn the King Cake Baby into a life-sized nightmare. Players across the NBA have been terrorized by this abomination, as have a huge majority of the unfortunate fans who have sadly seen this mascot roaming around New Orleans.
Sir Saint
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The city of New Orleans really should work on its mascot game. The Pelicans employ one rough-looking mascot and the terrifying King Cake Baby, and the Saints have a mascot with a, um…interesting chin. We’d rather not type out what Sir Saint’s chin looks like, but we are sure you can deduce the answer.
Gritty
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Introduced in 2018, Gritty has quickly become one of the most polarizing mascots in sports. A 7-foot behemoth, Gritty could be related to Justin Turner and the Phillie Phanatic. Whether he is swinging down from the rafters like a wrecking ball, or streaking during a Flyers game with his famed googly eyes, Gritty has announced himself as a powerhouse in the mascot game.
Wenlock — 2012 Olympics
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We warned you earlier, that the Olympic Games have a history of ridiculous-looking mascots — and the 2012 London Games were no exception. Wenlock, named after the small town of Much Wenlock, looks like a cyclops. Wenlock’s eye is a camera and the lights atop his head are meant to symbolize the famed London Taxi. The reasons behind Wenlock’s appearance may be pure, but the results are putrid.
Valencia CF Bat
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The Valencia CF Bat has its pluses and minuses. For starters, the choice to use a bat as your logo/mascot is a solid one. When the animal is largely associated with Batman and Dracula, it is hard to argue for its legitimacy. One thing the CF Bat has going for it is its wings. The wings are dynamic and have a strong look. Where the mascot fails, however, is up top. Bats should be intimidating — not welcoming. The Gritty-esque doe eyes are far too kind. The smile is more ‘Aw how cute!’ than ‘Bring it on, chumps’. The biggest flaw? Why does the bat only have one tooth? A one-toothed bat makes zero sense.
WuShock
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Are you saying to yourself, “What is a WuShock?” Us too. Allow Wichita State University to explain:
“WuShock is a big, bad, muscle-bound bundle of wheat.”
…alrighty then. WuShock looks like something out of Children of the Corn or Jeepers Creepers. There isn’t much you can do when your school is nicknamed the Shockers, but this ain’t it.
Swinging Friar
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The Swinging Friar has long been associated with the San Diego Padres. Dating back to 1958, the Friar has been the team’s official mascot. The choice makes sense — San Diego is home to Mission San Diego de Alcala — as does the Friar’s traditional garb. In fact, the club even used the Friar as its logo for many years. There isn’t anything overly egregious about the Friar unless you are unsettled by his Cheshire smile.
Sammy the Shrimp
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National League football club Southend United have taken the mascot game to another level. Currently sitting in 11th place, Southend is losing both on and off the pitch. There are countless reasons why Sammy the Shrimp is a bad idea. The pointy head has oft been compared to darker subjects. Thankfully, the club has introduced a slightly modified version of Sammy in recent years.
Chuck the Condor
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The biggest and most popular teams in Los Angeles (Lakers, Dodgers) don’t employ a mascot. Instead, they let their history of success do the talking. So, it should come as no surprise that the JV Clippers decided to create a mascot a few years back. Say hello to Chuck the Condor. Condors are cool animals — the largest land bird in North America. The only problem is, the bird has absolutely nothing to do with the Clippers. A clipper is a ship. A condor is an animal. The team has been called the Clippers for over 40 years. Ditch the mascot and move to Seattle already.
