The Mascot Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the world's most beloved mascots. Since its inception, the Hall of Fame has inducted over 20 mascots, recognizing their contributions to sports and entertainment. The Mascot Hall of Fame Executive Committee has announced the official ballot for its highly anticipated annual event, The VOTE! - a competition that will determine which mascots will be inducted into the prestigious Mascot Hall of Fame. This year's ballot features 18 nominees from a wide range of professional sports teams, collegiate programs, and independent organizations.
The 2023 nominees include 10 major league mascots, 1 minor league mascot, 6 NCAA mascots, and 1 independent. Each nominee is recognized for their outstanding performance and dedication to their respective teams and communities.
In order to qualify for consideration, a mascot must have been active as a performing character in one of the groups described below:
The major and minor league sports of baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and soccer as recognized in the United States and Canada.
College Divisions of NCAA Divisions I, II, III, NAIA
Independently performing character
A mascot must have been active as a performing character for their team, school, or organization for the previous 10 years prior to the year being elected and be prepared to show documented proof.
This year’s ballot for consideration:
Bailey – Los Angeles Kings (NHL) Punter – Edmonton Elks (CFL)
Blitz – Seattle Seahawks (NHL) Rameses – University of North Carolina (NCAA)
Buzz – Georgia Tech (NCAA) Slugger – Portland Sea Dogs (MiLB)
Cozmo – LA Galaxy (MLS) Staley Da Bear – Chicago Bears (NFL)
Freddie Falcon – Atlanta Falcons (NFL) The Bearcat – University of Cincinnati (NCAA)
Goldy Gopher – University of Minnesota (NCAA) The Blue Devil – Duke University (NCAA)
Jaxon de Ville – Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) TORO – Houston Texans (NFL)
Miles – Denver Broncos (NFL) Wally the Green Monster – Boston Red Sox (MLB)
Otto the Orange – Syracuse University (NCAA) YoJo (Independent)
Voting for The VOTE! begins on May 14th, and fans can cast their ballots by visiting the Mascot Hall of Fame's official website at https://mascothalloffame.com/2023-mascot-hall-of-fame-nominees/ . Voting will remain open until May 27th, and the winners will be announced at the Cue the Confetti Fundraiser at the Mascot Hall of Fame on June 23rd, 2023.
"Our annual The VOTE! competition is one of the most exciting events in the world of mascots," said Karen Anaszewicz, Executive Director of the Mascot Hall of Fame. "It's an opportunity for fans to show their support for their favorite mascots, while also recognizing the incredible impact that these characters have on their respective communities."
For more information about The VOTE! and the Mascot Hall of Fame, visit https://mascothalloffame.com/.