New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

A mural of a woman’s face holding up a chain with the word “LOISAIDA” and a gold cityscape. The words “el bohio murals” and “#BRINGARTBACK” are next to the woman alongside the words “CURATED BY … THRIVECOLLECTIVE.ORG.”
Activists’ 25-year fight to revive an East Village community center
Dharma Niles, Deputy News Editor • Mar 12, 2024
A front entrance with the text “Electric Lady Studios” written in a retro white font on two reflective walls.
‘An exploitative environment’: The interns behind Electric Lady Studios
Julia Diorio, Music Editor • Feb 20, 2024

The Best Sports Mascots, Ranked

Hi @Gritty
Sports+Editor+Bela+Kirpalani+was+blessed+by+the+Bobcat+in+the+spring.+%28via+%40belakirps12+on+Instagram%29
Sports Editor Bela Kirpalani was blessed by the Bobcat in the spring. (via @belakirps12 on Instagram)

To some, mascots may seem utterly useless or distracting from the actual game. To others like me, however, that is exactly what makes them so important to the American sporting experience. Whatever your stance on mascots may be, I think we can all agree on one thing — sports mascots are absolutely wild. Without further ado, here are the best of the best.

1. Gritty
I couldn’t let Gritty’s birthday pass without paying homage to the icon himself. Gritty exploded onto the mascot scene in 2018 and hasn’t looked back. No one knows exactly what he is, but everyone knows his name. From regularly going viral on the internet for his creative content to becoming a staple of socialist meme accounts, Gritty has a cultural impact unrivaled by any other sports mascot in modern times. If you haven’t realized it yet, I stan.

Gritty cheers on the Philadelphia Flyers at a game in January. Since his birth in 2018, Gritty has become an internet sensation. (via @GrittyNHL on Twitter)

2. Mr. Met
Perhaps I’m a biased Mets fan, but Mr. Met is the epitome of a class act mascot. While the Mets have struggled a bit in recent years, Major League Baseball’s oldest mascot has been holding it down since 1964.

They just don’t make ‘em like Mr. Met anymore. *sigh*

The Philly Phanatic at a Phillies game. (via Wikimedia)


3. Phillie Phanatic
What even is this thing? A dinosaur? A muppet? Who knows! The Phillie Phanatic is certainly up there as one of the strangest mascots and has long been a fan favorite in the City of Brotherly Love. Unfortunately, the Phanatic might no longer have a home in Philly after a lawsuit was filed over who owns the rights to the mascot. If this doesn’t epitomize the U.S.’s weird mascot culture, I don’t know what does.

4. Benny the Bull
Benny the Bull is insane. Only an insane creature would have the courage — if you can even call it that — to bully Robin Lopez, given the NBA player’s notorious anti-mascot track record. I wish I had half the guts Benny has. Bottom line, Benny knows exactly what I want and what I want is to see Robin Lopez lose his sh-t. For a historic franchise that has struggled to capture anyone’s attention in recent seasons, Benny sure knows how to keep Chicago in the headlines.

5. SuperMascot Rocky
I honestly have no idea why Rocky is a “SuperMascot,” but the Denver Nuggets’ lion is one of the best in the biz. While Benny the Bull may have hand-picked Lopez as his nemesis, Rocky will literally fight anyone and everyonechildren included. I’m not saying I endorse mascots being outrageously violent but I swear, nothing cracks me up more than mascots shoving kids over. ¯\_()_/¯

Honorable Mention: The NYU Bobcat
If you’ve made it this far in this column, I thank you and provide you a little treat in the form of an NYU legend. Our adorable Bobcat can be seen dabbing on people at NYU sporting events, Strawberry Fest and even the New York City Halloween Parade. I also hear that if you get a cool photo with the Bobcat, you will be blessed with good luck for eternity.

The Sports Girl is a weekly sports column that will feature a girl’s take on sports. Yes, a girl. Yes, sports.

A version of this article appears in the Monday, Sept. 30, 2019, print edition. Email Bela Kirpalani at [email protected].

About the Contributor
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor
Bela is a senior in CAS studying history. Born and raised on Long Island, her love for bagels knows no bounds (the same goes for blueberries, but that really doesn't have anything to with Long Island). She also loves all things sports — how fitting — and finds way too many unfunny things funny. When not in the newsroom, she is probably off playing FIFA or wishing she were playing FIFA.
Leave a comment
More to Discover

Comments (0)

Comments that are deemed spam or hate speech by the moderators will be deleted.
All Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *