There’s been no shortage of legendary mascots in sports over the years. Chicago’s Benny the Bull, the Montreal Canadiens’ Youppi! and the Phillie Fanatic are all beloved characters in sports lore that fans adore. These mascots often stand the test of time and remain the team’s figure for decades, even amongst change in culture and atmosphere.
However, there have been many occasions where the exact opposite has happened. Maybe an expansion team missed the ball with their new mascot in trying to be different, or the marketing team just didn’t know what they were doing. Whatever the case may be, let’s look at some of the worst mascots in the history of sports and see what went wrong.
King Cake Baby – New Orleans Pelicans
Starting this list with a bang are the New Orleans Pelicans, who debuted one of the most terrifying mascots to date in 2014. The King Cake Baby is something out of nightmares. With its oversized head, lifeless eyes, creepy smile and human-scale body, it’s no surprise most fans were thrown off by its introduction.
Even if this baby wasn’t on an NBA court and was in a commercial for some sort of fast-food restaurant, for example, it still wouldn’t fit in. Its only saving grace is that it made some type of sense to include the identity of New Orleans. In traditional Mardi Gras cakes, you may find a baby inside your slice, representing good luck and fortune. However, using the baby as a mascot may not have been the right way to pay homage to this tradition.
It’s difficult to say whether visual changes might help the mascot, but its introduction into the history of sports mascots was simply put, not warranted. For any child who was already fearful of mascots, loads of trauma almost certainly spawned from witnessing the King Cake Baby.
Boltman – Los Angeles Chargers
First things first, Boltman is not the official mascot of the Los Angeles Chargers, but he may as well be. The Chargers are one of the only NFL teams without an official mascot, and their substitute for one, while beloved, is one of the most off-putting. Portrayed by superfan Dan Jauregui, Boltman made his debut in 1995, and you can really tell. His over-the-top design, mixed with a chiseled lightning bolt face and sunglasses, makes him look more like something out of a fever dream.
To give credit where credit is due, Jauregui played the role until 2018 when he retired, something that sure takes a lot of determination. However, to say the appearance of Boltman is unsettling may be an understatement. For the time being, at least the Chargers had a mascot. Unfortunately for them, he makes the list for creepiest mascots of all time.
Gritty – Philadelphia Flyers
Believe it or not, the now-iconic Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty was introduced in 2018, not during the conception of Sesame Street.
Becoming a meme overnight, Gritty surprised fans around the NHL for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost is his ridiculous appearance. Seriously, he looks like he fits right in beside the Muppets, except much creepier. With bulging white and orange eyes and wide black grin, Gritty is clearly the perfect candidate for an animatronic at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza.
While there are some instances when Gritty can look charming and playful when he’s doing something funny on the ice or in the stands with fans,the staggering number of disturbing pictures of him on the internet is shocking. One simple Google search and your screen is immediately populated with photos of Gritty that look like they’re from a horror video game.
In the defence of the Flyers, Gritty is definitely original and you certainly don’t see sports organizations making mascots like this anymore.
Maybe it’s for good reason.
The Coyote – San Antonio Spurs
Making his first appearance in 1993, the Coyote is one of the NBA’s most recognizable mascots for two reasons. First, the undeniable enthusiasm he brings to every home game for the Spurs. Second, his face, which probably rubbed some fans the wrong way upon meeting him.
In terms of overall appearance, the Coyote is the first mascot on this list whose main problem is his head. Just look at those eyes. It’s hard to see the vision that the team was going for, but the Coyote looks like he’s always starting directly into your soul.
Although he’s got some cute brown ears, a relatively normal frame and a nice smile, when the eyes of your mascot get you on a list like this, it’s a bit jarring.
Alongside Gritty, these two could be playing the drums and guitar on stage at a kids’ entertainment restaurant. Thankfully, the Coyote will be staying on the court and not in your local Chuck E. Cheese.