The Economics of Everyday Things – Sports Mascots

Podcast: The Economics of Everyday Things
Host: Zachary Crockett (Freakonomics Network)
Episode: 5 – Sports Mascots
Date: January 15, 2026

Overview of the Episode

In this episode, Zachary Crockett investigates the fascinating world behind sports mascots, focusing on their origins, economic impact, and the colorful personalities who bring them to life. Using the Philadelphia Phillies’ legendary Phanatic as a case study, Crockett explores how mascots have become invaluable assets to sports franchises—not just as crowd-pleasers, but as major moneymakers. With interviews from the Phanatic’s original performer and designer, as well as a look at mascot economics, the episode uncovers the hidden mechanisms and surprising significance of these oversized, furry mascots.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Birth of Modern Sports Mascots

• [00:51] Zachary sets the scene at a baseball game, introducing the Philly Phanatic and highlighting the mascot’s role in livening up the ballpark.
• [01:44] Dave Raymond, the first to wear the Phanatic costume, recalls:

  “I could throw, I could catch, I could do cartwheels. Not a lot of gymnastics, but I could dance, I could move really well. I kind of fancied myself as being the secret weapon.”

• In the late 1970s, the Phillies were struggling with attendance and needed a creative draw. Inspiration came from the popularity of the San Diego Chicken, a wild and raunchy mascot who attracted crowds in California.
  • [03:16] Dave Raymond:

    “This chicken character is just out of his mind and people are actually coming to the game because they're hearing about him.”

• Earlier Phillies mascots (Philadelphia Phil & Phyllis) were stiff “walking logos” with little entertainment value.

2. Designing the Phanatic

• [04:12] Bonnie Erickson, co-creator of the Muppets (think “Miss Piggy”), was hired to design a new mascot to appeal to young fans.
  • [04:26] Bonnie Erickson:

    “The two old men, Statler and Waldorf. I also did George the Janitor. Probably the most famous is Miss Piggy.”

• The Phillies’ rationale: entice a younger fanbase and make the ballpark experience memorable.
• Erickson visits Philadelphia to research the team’s notoriously tough fans:
  • [05:03] Bonnie Erickson:

    “We heard that they'd booed Santa Claus, so that was pretty daunting.”

• Erickson’s design yielded a green, flightless bird from the Galapagos, with exaggerated features and movement for physical comedy.
  • [05:23] Dave Raymond:

    “He's a green flightless bird from the Galapagos Islands. He's 300 plus pounds depending on what day of the week you weigh him.”

  • [05:31] Mascots are nonverbal; the design focused on expressive motion.

3. The Business of Mascots: Rights, Merch, and Money

• The contract: Phillies chose to buy only the costume, not the character’s copyright, saving $1,300—but sacrificing millions long-term.
• [08:18] Dave Raymond is tapped (due to his reliable “yes man” attitude) to embody the Phanatic, leading to:

  “I walked into...what I term as Geppetto’s puppet studio...I’m getting paid to be a muppet.”

• [08:55] The Phanatic debuts in 1978 to instant acclaim, boosting sales in merchandise and event appearances.
  • First-year merchandising brought in over $2 million.
  • [09:39] Bonnie Erickson:

    “I think the first year of merchandising, we did over $2 million.”

• Phillies executive Bill Giles later called his decision to forgo the copyright “the worst decision of his career.”
• A few years later, Phillies had to buy back the rights for $215,000 (~$650,000 today).

4. The Mascot Industry Grows

• Erickson and her husband create mascots for dozens of sports franchises.
  • Successful mascots: Youppi! (Montreal Expos), Big Shot (Philadelphia 76ers), Stuff the Magic Dragon (Orlando Magic), KC Wolf (Kansas City Chiefs).
• Not every mascot fits—e.g., the Yankees’ “Dandy” was relegated to the nosebleed seats after owner George Steinbrenner hated him.
  • [11:01] Story from Wade Harrison:

    “They didn’t allow him lower than the second deck...He had a security guard with him.”

5. Mascots in Modern Sports: Gritty’s Case

• Dave Raymond’s next big success: “Gritty” for the Philadelphia Flyers.
  • Gritty was initially polarizing but quickly embraced by Philadelphia.
  • [12:12] Dave Raymond:

    “Overcome the negativity because there’ll always be negativity there...I told [the Flyers] to expect six months. It took like three days for it to change.”

  • In one month, Gritty generated $160 million in media exposure for the Flyers.
• Modern mascot creation costs: Between $80,000 and $300,000; additional costs include duplicate costumes, repairs, and cleaning (vodka + water is the secret!).

6. Becoming a Mascot: Training, Perks, and Pitfalls

• Raymond runs a mascot bootcamp for aspiring performers, teaching character backstory, movement, and physical fitness.
  • [13:37] Dave Raymond:

    “A performer needs to have a full bio to work from...and then you say, go have fun.”

• Top NBA mascots earn between $85,000–$100,000, with stars like Rocky the Mountain Lion (Denver Nuggets) making over $600,000/year.
  • Most minor league mascots make just $50–$100 per game.
  • [14:41] Dave Raymond:

    “It’s a minor fraction of 1%...there are many minor league characters toiling away for $50 to $100 a game.”

• Legal risks: The Phillies have paid nearly $3 million in settlements for mascot-related injuries (e.g., the Phanatic hugging too hard, hot dog cannon incidents).

7. Mascot Copyright and Legacy

• After 35 years, original copyright holders can renegotiate; Bonnie Erickson recently settled with the Phillies on Phanatic rights.
  • [15:58] Bonnie Erickson:

    “The Philly Fanatic is still very dear to my heart.”

• Dandy, the failed Yankees mascot, met an untimely end.
  • [16:32] Bonnie Erickson:

    “I’m afraid he had a demise.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On mascot design:

  “I wanted something that would be funny if you just watched it walk.” – Bonnie Erickson [05:31]

• On the value (and pitfalls) of copyright:

  “Bill Giles...later called it the worst decision of his career.” – Zachary Crockett [09:45]

• On mascot performer requirements:

  “You want to try to make sure that the body odor does not get, in essence, baked into the costume. You mix one part vodka with two parts water...” – Dave Raymond [13:01]

• On bootcamp philosophy:

  “What motivates this character? What is this character scared to death of?...and then you say, go have fun.” – Dave Raymond [13:37]

Timestamps of Key Segments

| Time | Segment | |-----------|--------------------------------------------| | 00:51 | Introduction to mascots & Philly Phanatic | | 01:44 | Dave Raymond’s entry as a performer | | 03:05 | Inspiration from San Diego Chicken | | 04:12 | Interview with designer Bonnie Erickson | | 08:18 | Dave Raymond’s mascot induction | | 08:55 | Phanatic’s debut and rise | | 10:09 | Expanding the mascot business | | 12:12 | Creation & acceptance of Gritty | | 13:01 | Mascot maintenance and costs | | 13:37 | Mascot bootcamps and performer insight | | 14:41 | Mascot salaries and job realities | | 15:37 | Copyright law and mascot ownership | | 16:32 | Fate of the Yankees' Dandy mascot |

Tone and Style

The episode is energetic, witty, and packed with quirky tidbits and behind-the-scenes stories. Crockett’s narration is lighthearted and blends economics with pop culture, making the business of mascots entertaining and relatable, even for non-sports fans.

Summary:
This episode reveals mascots as more than just costumed distractions—they are carefully crafted characters with major economic impact. From creative origins and legal drama to brand-building and high stakes entertainment, mascots play a surprising (and lucrative) role in the business of sports.