If I’m the Mariner Moose, that’s probably my first call. I’m sure you know that I’m referring to his little “accident” involving a four-wheeler and the body of some baseball player from some team. Apparently the player is somebody, and the team he plays for is one people really follow or something. All I know is it involves chocolate cereal and some foot-warmers.
Now, I’ve seen the video and I’m sure you’re all waiting for me to weigh in on this. Of course I’m going to back my furry brethren on this one. But you also have to look at it from our perspective.
#1. It’s always our fault. No matter what happens…when players and mascots collide…it’s always the mascots’ fault. I mean, feel free to ignore the fact that usually our hearing is bad, our eyesight even worse, and the fact that these are PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES we’re talking about. If something happens, we all know where that finger ends up pointing.
#2. Did I mention they’re PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES.
#3. It really does make for good comedy. Usually this stuff is of Three Stooges caliber.
The Moose is really lucky that Cap’n Crunch was a good guy about it. I mean all it would take would be for him to limp just a little bit and the Moose would be turned loose at the base of Mt. Rainier.
In his defense, the fact of the matter remains, a grown man failed to look both ways before crossing the warning track. Not to mention it wasn’t his home field. If I’m a player at an away venue, my head’s on a swivel. So many factors you can’t control and aren’t familiar with. I mean streakers, rogue fans, MORGANA! If you’re not careful you may have to sign an autograph or two. You’ve got a big investment to protect, let’s be a little more vigilant.
Now, it may seem that I have a bone to pick with athletes, maybe I’m a little jealous…not true. I just have issue with opposing athletes, and let’s just say if I’m rolling into Invesco, I’ve got my head on a swivel!
Tags: Liability, Mariner Moose
To my fellow Broncos blogger …
Dude, I really hope you’re joking about all this … seriously.
I’m hopelessly old school, so mascots are increasingly lost on me as the years pass. However, I’ve come to understand that a lot of the sizzle of what goes on at a stadium isn’t directed at people like me, so I have no problem with y’all doing your thing — except when it interferes with the game action or the players. Remember, you’re on their turf. The home field is their house, and everyone else — mascots, cheerleaders, media, web-site folk — are just the invited guests. It’s incumbent upon all of us to do our jobs while maintaining the integrity of the contest — which means not nearly running over the players!
The game and players are the meat and potatoes of the meal, and the mascots and entertainment are dessert — often quite enjoyable, occasionally tastier than the main course, but nevertheless secondary.
And as for the eyesight in a mascot costume … well, if it’s that bad, maybe having you guys on vehicles is a bad idea, like indoor fireworks that create a smoky haze for a quarter and a half (see Rams, St. Louis).
Wow, where to begin.
I think i’ll address this “costume” business. I can only assume you’re referring to the shirt I wear with my name and number on it. In the sports world we call it a jersey, or uniform.
Now, while I agree that we are all here for the game, and that the players are obviously the focus. Everything else that goes on at a game is there to enhance the game experience, which keeps people buying tickets, which keeps the players in Bling and Bentleys. They have to accept that there will be camera people, journalists, cheerleaders and mascots at these games. Now I’m not saying that people should be allowed to run ragged, but I don’t see how this incident could be blamed solely on The Moose. If for no other reason than how hard is it to avoid a moose on a four wheeler. If you watch the video, you’ll see that Cookie Crisp actually ran into the fourwheeler, not the other way around.
That’s my $.02.
P.S.
I’m honored that you took the time to read my blog!
Miles.. you are awesome and all but i dont really agree with you on this one… i mean yeah Coco walked out onto the field while this guy was on the four wheeler but i dont think it is right for the mascot to be zooming past so close to the opposing dugout.. i think it is really entertaining when mascots and opposing team members or coaches do comedic things to entertain but that was something that could potentially injure someone.. even the mascot.
and i mean i am a little biased because i am also a Red Sox fan.. but the events that lead up to that happenening there seemed like there could have been some motive behind what happened because even the Mariners team was a little mad at Coco and they threw at him earlier in the game. But i am just thinkin about safety.. and what happened that day wasnt really safe for him or the mascot.
Hah! Andrew Mason weighed in, too! *ahem* Sorry.
It took me about 10 minutes to find that Crisp Video and reread everything now that I had everything in context. (I’ve been working 15 hour days lately) ANYways, didn’t it look like the moose was frantically trying to start that thing back up to get away from the opposing dugout?? I’ll bet he thought he was going to be a repeat of the Naked Gun or Ace Ventura…. I hope that mascot didn’t get in any trouble for that… Nice Blog Miles!
“Sorry”? What do you have against me chiming in, Decknique?
LOL!!!!!
I love you Miles!! And personally I think that mascots add a lot to the game. What else would the fans do during timeouts, halftime, etc. if there wasn’t other forms of entertainment?? However, the rest of the time it is all bout them Broncos!
Anyway, you rock!
To clarify, I don’t condone mascots injuring players. To me this was a complete accident, and if anyone had a chance in avoiding it, i think the player had the best chance. Like i said, the player actually ran into the quad, not the other way around.
Miles:
“Costume” … As I told a fellow department staffer, I forgot I was debating the character Miles, and not the guy behind the horse face who brings that suit to life. Ah, the realm where reality and fantasy blurs …
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Now I’m not saying that people should be allowed to run ragged, but I don’t see how this incident could be blamed solely on The Moose. If for no other reason than how hard is it to avoid a moose on a four wheeler. If you watch the video, you’ll see that Cookie Crisp actually ran into the fourwheeler, not the other way around.
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I guess it’s all about perspective. I see the video — particularly this clip here and see a mascot who fails to swerve or stop when the player is already exiting the dugout.
Besides, since when is it a player’s responsibility to look both ways before coming out of the dugout? Crisp didn’t step onto Safeco Field with the idea that it would be like crossing Yesler Way a few blocks to the north. Again — it’s the players’ house, their place of business. It’s up to all of us with credentials and access to such a close vantage to be good guests when on the field and let them do their thing. Besides, the perimeter of the field is neither race track nor golf-cart path. Isn’t this a case where the player has the right of way?
All I ask of mascots everywhere — Mariner Moose, T-Rac — is just be careful. The opening act isn’t supposed to trash the stage before the headliner comes on, and the fans, mascots, cheerleaders, writers and all the support staff isn’t supposed to interfere with the game or potentially injure the players. Frankly, that’s all I and the rest of the game-first crowd ask.
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I’m honored that you took the time to read my blog!
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No reason to be honored … I’m just another guy, just another opinionated blowhard, nothing more. But thanks anyway.
Well I would agree but I don’t think someone who can’t hear or see should be able to drive an ATV at all at a game, let alone that fast down a sideline
LOL miles you are so funny! haha! lol!
Group hug.
Miles..Just wanna say I love ya! and I completely agree. Mascots shouldn’t purposely injure opposing players (Unless its the Raiders..or Chiefs…THEN I give you 100% permission….LOL just kidding!!)
I think we all gotta accept accidents DO happen. Mascots AS WELL as players need to watch out for eachother. You know? so watch your bushy orange tail out there miles! Don’t want you or anyone else getting hurt!!