Why the WEIRDEST Mascot in MLB History Deserves a Second Chance

TWITTER - @BaseballHSTRN
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Major League Baseball is in crisis. Except, this time the problem isn’t sticky stuff, or pace of play, or performance-enhancing substances. No, as we speak, MLB is facing a mascot catastrophe of epic proportions.
For decades, MLB teams have forced fans to put up with mascots that are either boring, unoriginal, or most likely some combination of both. The worst part? This problem was solved nearly forty years ago, by the San Francisco Giants.
In this video, I will explain how Major League Baseball can fix its mascot problem by looking to the past, when the Giants introduced what would soon become the most hated mascot in baseball history: the Crazy Crab.
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SOURCES
pastebin.com/nHUH4SUt
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - 2:43 The Problem With Mascots
2:44 - 8:27 Love That Crazy Crab
8:28 - 10:12 Let’s Go Bananas
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MUSIC
“A New Girlfriend (Instrumental Version)” - Blacktop Banks
“Candy Hat” - Carlton Lees
“Granny Dance” - Scoobadive

[@perceivedvelocity9914]

When I was a kid the Seattle Mariner's allowed children to vote for a new mascot. (Around 1990 I think.) The Mariner Moose was the winner. Don't blame me. I voted for the runner up. A Sea Monster.

[@BaseballHistorian]

Well at least you've got the Kraken now

[@rogregg29445]

The moose is iconic

[@VianoMusicAcademy]

@@rogregg29445 I am not amoosed

[@stevenhamann4344]

honestly i like the moose. no bias here at all

[@SlugCult78]

Interesting. I never heard about that. And yes, I agree that a sea monster is a more fitting mascot for the Mariners than a moose.

[@jamesesterline]

Imagine if they brought back Crazy Crab and they had him and Lou Seal fight from time to time

[@HufflepuffBaseball42313]

Yeah, he could be the “villain”, a stooge for Lou Seal to win a fight against

[@rogregg29445]

Hahahaha

[@RetroBaseball]

When you’re already getting nightmares from looking at the thumbnail, you know it’s going to be a good video.

[@eumoria]

Deliberately having a mascot that everyone hates is kind of hilarious, I think modern baseball fans would be less awful (throwing dangerous shit) and have more fun with it.

[@GreenFlash1790]

Likely so with cameras everywhere, you'd be ejected at the very least.

[@blackyoshi1230]

@@GreenFlash1790 - If you watch the 30-for-30 Mini Skit on it, either Duane Kuiper or someone else in the org asked this question: _"you don't think someone's going to bring a gun into the stadium?"_ Then cue to Pat Gallagher (the Marketing Director) looking like he was going to say _"... oh shit."_

[@therenewedpoet4292]

"40 years ago..." Me: 196- "...the early 1980s" Me: o yeah... When will it stop?

[@jaredsaleski7739]

My cousin used to work for the Phillies and the philly fanatic showed up at her wedding reception. And it was an open bar. Best wedding ever lol.

[@qfmarsh64]

Bet the Phanatic could hammer down drinks with that tongue. And get some bridesmaids' numbers.

[@spiv]

this is the most Philadelphia thing ive ever heard lol

[@donweatherwax9318]

This whole thread escalated quickly

[@yonathangonzalez6670]

The orioles could use the Crazy Crab right about now

[@djquinn11]

The Orioles mascot should be Mr. Hanky from South Park.

[@billslocum9819]

First Met mascot was an actual beagle named Homer. Lasted one game. Took a dump on the playing field in the middle of the game. It doesn't get any better than that.

[@mg-ew2xf]

Some say the Mets have been following his example ever since.

[@D0ugh.B0y]

Hey, the Dodgers had a mascot for a little while. His name was Yasiel Puig. Don’t you remember? He was Madison Bumgarner’s favorite opposing team’s mascot. lol

[@IvanTheNorse]

So, I have to advocate for Dinger here. He's a triceratops because a 7-foot-long, 1/2 ton triceratops skull (among other dinosaur fossils) was discovered during the construction of Coors Field. And I think that's arguably the best origin story for any mascot in all of sports.

[@BruynDecker1]

That’s pretty sick actually

[@jessewidner2156]

I disagree on one, Lou Seal is great.

[@brianc4695]

They really gave the Crazy Crab the Philadelphia Eagles treatment, batteries and all

[@johndotcue]

One of the best things about being a Met fan is Mr. Met himself. Yes, there are things Mets fans are happy about

[@EnjoySackLunch]

This vid reminded me of the time Tommy Lasorda had Youpii ejected from Stadium Olympique for sleeping on top of the dugout. What an insane game that was.

[@farpointgamingdirect]

We invited the Oriole Bird to my daughter's elementary school graduation party, and he came; what a great day that was!

[@rockaway0beach]

"A lot of people asks 'what's the Philly Phanatic?', like, what animal it's supposed to be. Well, he's an asshole"

[@theleap2946]

I was wondering who would do the Jon Bois line from “Lonnie Smith.” 🤣🤣🤣

[@rockaway0beach]

We're everywhere

[@thorinhanson1181]

Ok I appreciate you not throwing the Oriole Bird in there when you were talking about awful mascots. Also kudos for the Savannah Bananas reference!

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

Oh man!!!! Thank you BH! I lived in the Bay Area from 1982-1993 and fell in love with the Giants. The Crab was possibly the worst thing that ever happened to the Giants. Worse than Atlee Hammaker giving up a grand slam to Freddy Lynn in the all star game and worse than the 1987 NLCS. Okay I’m using some hyperbole. But the Crazy Crab did suck 🤣 And you described Candlestick perfectly with the damp sock reference. But as Steve Young once said; it’s a dump but it’s our dump.

[@JessmanChicken86]

"and a deluge of hot dogs rained down from above upon the unsuspecting arthropod." - That sounds biblical, actually. 6:05

[@garrettMk3]

Gotta say, there’s just something about watching that crazy crab dance out there. Bring back the crab

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

BH I’m a little sad you didn’t mention the greatest mascot ever; The San Diego Chicken.

[@armadillolover99]

Phillie Phanatic at a funeral would be the most chaotic thing ever, I’m all here for it

[@momsnewboyfriend6183]

Don't you dare slander Ace, he's honest

[@1neOfN0ne]

Phillie phanatic is a god damn legend. Best mascot in ALL of sports

[@scottnotpilgrim]

Guess they didn't love that crazy crab

[@theleap2946]

First of all, don’t you dare knock on Baxter. Much like his bro the Phoenix Suns gorilla, he actually has some fun and personality and no affiliation to the team name. I like that in a mascot. As for the Crazy Crab, I loved that concept. I can understand why people would be cranky at Giants games during that time, for the conditions were for awful. Either way, I agree with the independent league stuff. My home town has a Pecos League team called the Tucson Sahuaros and it is literally an old guy running around in a cheap cactus outfit. Priceless I tell you, priceless.

[@tommybreeze5476]

In today's Giants' stadium, even the most hated mascot would never be pelted with hot dogs or any other stadium-bought concessions. It would be far more cost-effective for people to throw their phones.

[@SixHoursDrugFree]

Been to many twins games and we love TC

[@fromulus]

What's funny is I have a long time friend who also like, really fucking doesn't like crabs. Wonder if it'll be a diagnosis someday. Anyway, that crab was awesome, they should bring it back.

[@michaelbeatie]

I thought the Giants missed a huge opportunity at Pac Bell park. Originally, the arcade wall had a motorized robot named rusty in it. If they had made it the Crazy Crab, the boo birds would have had a field day.

[@diggsfather]

the cubs mascot is named Clark because of Clark Street, one of the roads adjacent to Wrigley Field

[@FCM415]

Lame

[@josephfergestrom842]

I freaking loved paws(detroit tigers) growing up and even own the funko pop.

[@logalogalog]

The mentioned the crab in Bruce Nash and Allen Zullo's book: The Baseball Hall of Shame

[@logalogalog]

Tom LaSorda and the Phanatic had the best interaction ever.

[@garrettMk3]

Youppi and him were pretty funny too

[@ohhbliviousgaming]

Im from south jersey so I'm happy to say the only mascot I've experienced is the phanatic (we dont talk about gritty)

[@theleap2946]

Gritty memes are amazing though!!

[@Tlebeau421]

Don’t hate on Blooper he’s hilarious

[@LeighMet]

HI Mets fan here Oh come on it comes from Clark and Addison. Bob The Bobcat is from BankOne Ballpark Lou Seal is great so is Billy The Marlin

[@FCM415]

Hmm.. Lou Seal has credibility because he's named after SF's original baseball team, the SF Seals of the Pacific League AND watching seals at the pier are a popular SF activity. If Mr Met is not the blandest most unimaginative mascot and name, his public appearances as you describe, mirrors how Lou Seal is used and the city loves the character. No he's not obnoxious like a Philly Fanatic wannabe so there's that.

[@mcray0309]

The phillie phanatic is the only mascot that we need. And gritty

[@MrRyan-wu4jx]

Philly gets it half right on mascots. But Franklin the dog is bottom of the barrel and Swoop isn’t particularly inspired.

[@foulplayswagger]

man, as a Rockies fan Dinger is the only thing that inspires joy.

[@SadmanBaseball]

I know you've been doing this for a while, but dude, you're getting so good at this.

[@BaseballHistorian]

No joke, I don’t know if I’d still be doing this if it wasn’t for your support. Thank you 💛

[@davidbonilla7770]

Lou Seal is a great mascot 🦭

[@joshuapatrick682]

oh no it's a loose seal! Someone tell Buster to make sure his Hand doesn't get bitten off!

[@nomorefielders]

You know they say the more tragic your team is.. the better the mascot.

[@blakeoboyle3451]

Maybe that's why the my team has the best mascot in baseball.

[@ikefromsmashbros9237]

I won't take this implied Sluggerrr hate for even a minute.

[@gstater4life]

Bring back the Crab and put a Lasorda Jersey on it!!

[@Zguzman5023]

The oakland A's Harvey the Rabbit was terrifying

[@JennaLeigh]

Clark the Cub is precious! Wrigley sits at the intersection of Addison and Clark. It makes sense. He's a Cub. #IStandWithClark #NoClarkSlander #GoCubs

[@LordWafflestomp]

Please at least mention Junction Jack 🤣 a crappy mascot for a crappy time in Astros history, and was about as creepy as any big eyes anthropomorphic animal 🤣

[@KTKZon58]

Just looked him up. Looks like he's been hitting the junction crack😂

[@LordWafflestomp]

@@KTKZon58 exactly 🤣

[@dechefmane3526]

Orbit>>>>>>>>>>>>Jack

[@franzmovi]

A new Gritty revolution is needed in the MLB. A mascot so awkward it becomes iconic.

[@GetBenched2010]

Before Gritty embarrassed the entire city of Philadelphia, there was the Crazy Crab on the other coast!

[@GC-yw1mn]

1:26 Clark is named for the street that Wrigley Field is on.

[@qfmarsh64]

Still isn't wearing pants.

[@GC-yw1mn]

@@qfmarsh64 Damn, you’re right. Niether is the Philly Phanatic or Orbit though.

[@armadillolover99]

As a fan of one of the teams whose mascot you like I have to disagree that all the rest are terrible. There are a lot of “what the fuck” mascots in MLB today, but there’s some not terrible ones besides Mr. Met, Phillie Phanatic and Pirate Parrot. Like Dinger is pretty cool, Mr. Redlegs is a classic, Bernie Brewer has a great schtick, etc.

[@RealChaseman17]

Great vid. I love Crazy Crab!!!

[@zackary647]

Cmon Lou Seal is awesome. Not a bland design and he walks around and does silly antics all the time

[@dbach1025]

I get a mascot that corresponds with team name. But some of them are so random and stupid.

[@raypavey1102]

Hey no hating on Blooper he is hilarious

[@alexchristensen1629]

1 minute in and you’re messing with TC Bear?? Thin ice, pal.

[@stephaniegormley9982]

I'm fine with mascots if they're a close representation of the actual animal or whatever they're supposed to be. Either an actual animal (University of Georgia, Colorado) or my Detroit Tigers have "Paws" a guy in a Tiger suit. Fine. Cubs are fine too. But what the heck is the 'Philly Fanatic?' Or the SF Crab? Or the KC Chiefs is a giant......rat? Stupid. So many more examples.

[@FCM415]

Crab was a literal joke but at least it's because SF is a big Dungeness crabbing port as are seals are "native" to SF.

[@mrmoose6619]

Is it just me or does the Crab look like a pancake with claws?

[@Mystninja]

Trever Bauer wouldn't like getting crabs

[@charliep123]

I tend to like things that are so weird they make zero sense. This is no exception.

[@Hilariousdarius]

Fredbird is awesome

[@PrimarySweeper13]

HEY, Stomper is historical, and awesome

[@damianlillard1981]

No Stomper erasure will be tolerated

[@dwolfe401]

State of Pennsylvania with 1 and a Half mascots , I see that as a W .

[@depressedasfan9452]

Bruh Stomper is goated tho

[@1200kevin1]

I love watching Orbit

[@anthonyzheng7274]

OMG I loved that crab

[@BaseballQuotes1]

I would pay money for a video of Bevaqua and Bochy body-slamming the crab

[@whiterex06]

I really felt the new movie reference on originality. I was just talking about that.

[@nicholaso4302]

Really happy the Pirate Parrot had .5 of the 2.5

[@joshuapatrick682]

that's san francisco for you/ Having to vent thier frustrations out on a team mascot because they have no franchise....

[@cologne4965]

The cubs mascot is named clark because the street Wrigley is on is clark street

[@supitzsammm]

Good boy for hating on the Phanatic

[@americankulak2294]

It isn't that they are bland, it is that comedy by extension requires one to push the boundaries. And how can you do that in a world with miceoagressions, MeToo, the Cleveland Giardians or the Washington Football Team?

[@mg-ew2xf]

Only people who aren't funny need cry baby excuses like that

[@americankulak2294]

@@mg-ew2xf Really? Name for me please the last funny movie you saw. I'll wait.

[@dust8206]

Clark is a chad

[@NuggyRC]

As a life long Giants fan thank you for this lol

[@rufust.firefly4890]

I LOVED THE CRAZY CRAB.

[@SlugCult78]

I really don't care one way or the other, but some of them are pretty dumb. Mr. Met? I am born and raised in New York City. So that makes me a Metropolitan, along with most all of my friends and family. And not a single one of us has a giant head that looks like a baseball.

[@kobejete2796]

The best sports teams dont have mascots. Let that sink through for a moment.

[@mrnosaj71]

I love Bernie Brewer!

[@ajdittmeier2200]

philly fanatic the only valid mascot 🥱

[@chrisakane9840]

Orbit is awesome tho

[@Keith-ym3lm]

bring back the crab!!

[@FrostyBalls01]

30% that’s a little low. I would t go lower then 45%. Mascots makes everything better

[@theukekook7992]

What's your problem with Fredbird? He's the best!

[@DrAnarchy69]

I am very happy I’m a Yankees fan who AFAIK have never had a mascot. My favorite mascot is Gritty of the Philadelphia Flyers. Not because I’m a Flyers or hockey fan. No. It’s because Gritty has become an Antifascist icon and any self respecting socialist (or really just anyone who recognizes that Fascism is bad and also everywhere in the US) loves Gritty. Gritty has murdered more Fascists than all the Red Army in WW2. He’s a fucking legend.

[@AnthonySettergren]

Nothing silly about hitting 100mph fastballs.

[@gradeoff3062]

Personally I love TC bear but okay

[@RobbieLJ]

Put some respect on Blooper…..

[@BeanieLeBron]

He’s just a knockoff phanatic

[@chicagofan76]

I cannot condone any south southpaw slander

[@nickblare5467]

Buddy Wally the green monster is a legend. Gtfoh

[@mrbisco]

It's not Croy, it's Cwaw

[@jonotto1997]

Clark is called Clark because of "Clark Street" where Wrigley is. There's a connection there.

[@W.13th]

MLB is the worst @ mascots. Mr. Met is a diamond in the MLB mascot rough

[@FCM415]

Why though? Dumb name, zero imagination.

[@kireclebnul]

Sluggerrr is my friend please be nice to him

[@ernestolombardo5811]

Ah yes... cringy, cringy Kurt Bevacqua being one of those "old school" deadweights for his team. He hit exactly at the Mendoza Line that season, on his way to amassing an impressive -4.0 bWAR in 970 career games. "Impressive" because how do you perform that badly for so long and still get to play enough to end up with those career numbers?

[@qfmarsh64]

Gotta be the 'stache.

[@ernestolombardo5811]

@@qfmarsh64 The PORN 'stache! In the style of Harry Reems.

[@orbyfan]

He was the Joe Garagiola bubble gum blowing champion in 1975, and the 1976 Topps set had a card for that. Bevacqua was also the Padres' leading hitter in the 1984 World Series, batting .412 as their designated hitter.

[@rogregg29445]

How dare you slander blooper the best follow on Twitter

[@freeparking301]

If your mascot is a glorified furry then it’s a mediocre mascot.