Mascots & College Fanaticism

I'm a sports fanatic. Always have been, always will be.
I have my share of favorite teams that I've grown to love over the years because of either vicinity (Colts, Pacers, White Sox, Komets, Ice, and of course Purdue) or just sheer brilliance (Yankees, Avalanche, Ducks, Flames, Blues).
But there is one other reason why I love certain pro and college teams.
I'm a sucker for mascots.
I don't know how or why I fell in love with the creatures that try to 'entertain' us during sporting events, but they just give off a certain aura that makes you say "Wow". And no, it's not the stench of sweat. That's bad enough.
No, I think I enjoy mascots because they are just like cheerleaders. They urge you to cheer, be rowdy, and enjoy the game. Plus, they're just so darn lovable.
So, over time, I've found my favorites and become a fan of their respective teams. Because I feel that if you love the mascot, you have to love the team, too.

Here's my list, starting with a few pro teams:
*Ace (Toronto Blue Jays): The blue jay is one of my favorite birds, along with cardinals, falcons, hawks, penguins, roadrunners, and woodpeckers. They're just so neat to look at. And Ace is a pretty sweet blue jay.
*T.D. (Miami Dolphins): I've been a dolphin lover since 2002, so I figured I might as well cheer on the football team. But there's hasn't been much to cheer about in recent years (talking to you, Cam Cameron and the 0-12 record).
*Champ (Vermont Lake Monsters): Next year, I'll be following this team. I watched a special on the Discover Channel about the creature in Lake Champlain. Let's just say I was VERY intrigued.

Then the college list, which is a little longer:
*The Bird (Air Force): Was the one I pulled for and voted for when he was named a member of the Capital One mascot team in 2003. Ever since, Air Force has had pretty good football and basketball teams. Coincidence?
*Herky the Hawk (Iowa): I know, I know...I go to a Big Ten university and I shouldn't have any connection with a rival Big Ten university...but darn it, who can say that they were a hawk? Not many people. And besides, it's so cool, it's representing the HawkEYES. That's just too cool.
*Cardinal Bird (Louisville): It's a big cardinal in a huge football stadium. And their basketball team is rockin' too.
*Rameses (North Carolina): I saw it on College GameDay last season and it was just too cool. Tragic what happened to Jason Ray a few months after...but his organs are carrying on in others, and I know the ram will carry on as well.
*YouDee (Delaware): How can you not love one of the most well-known, respected, and just flat out awesome mascots of all? Plus, Delaware football may be on its way to another national championship...they did knock off #1 Northern Iowa after all...
*Big Jay (Kansas): It's a Jayhawk. It's a creative nickname because there is no such thing as a Jayhawk. Their football team is insane and their b-ball is always good.
*And going back to the Blue Jays above, when I found out that Johns Hopkins nickname was the Blue Jays, I rooted for them during the lacrosse championship. And they won it over that team that didn't deserve to win it. Who I don't like too much for other reasons besides that.

And I do have some other favorites, but I'm not jumping on their teams' bandwagon:
*Mr. Met (New York Mets): Can't be a fan of the Mets if I've loved the Yankees for years (since the 90's). This makes me wish the Yankees had a mascot.
*S.J. Sharkie (San Jose Sharks): I don't know. The Flames are falling on hard times. I may get off their wagon and jump ship into the Sharks' tank because let's face it, Sharkie is one of the most recognized mascots in the NHL. He even has his own website for gosh sakes!

So yes, I have my favorites. They may change over time or they may last forever. But it's just one of the many joys of being a diehard sports fan.