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Clownin' Around Is No Joke
 If you can't stand the heat, get out of the mascot business. That's the advice of Pierre Deschenes, whose company, ProMascot, runs mascot training programs. Deschenes suggests students stand in their costumes for awhile to see how hot it can get before they attempt any of the gymnastic tricks, prat falls or dance moves mascots perform. The potential for injury or dehydration from such stunts is part of the job – to say nothing of the fan or player who might come after you. (Remember the Milwaukee-sausage beater?) But it's gratifying to keep a stadium of people entertained, or at least happily distracted. "Sometimes if the team lost, fans would say, 'The best thing tonight was the mascot,'" said Deschenes, who once worked as Youppi for the Montreal Expos. Most teams have mascots, but only about half employ them full-time, said Dave Raymond, who for 16 years was the Philly Phanatic, one of the best-known and best-paid mascots. He now runs Raymond Entertainment, which trains mascots and helps sports teams develop characters. Most baseball mascots don't make much. Starting salaries might be $25,000 plus benefits, and often entail a day job in the marketing office. Only the most exceptional entertainers, working for far-sighted teams, earn six figures. The few teams that do pay well recognize the value of a mascot as a personality who can generate revenue by attracting sponsors and helping build the team brand. Outside appearances -- at community events and even sales calls with sponsors -- can be an important part of the job, said Raymond. Still, mascots in the mood for money might have to abandon those sandlot dreams. According to Raymond, team mascots are paid much more in the NBA. -Money Magazine |
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