Smokey Nominated for 2008 Mascot Hall of Fame

The first time I saw the San Diego Chicken I thought it was a great idea to have a mascot at the baseball games.

The furry mascots have come a long way since the Chicken got started as a promotion for a radio station in San Diego.

I think the reason I like the mascots so much is that it makes the kid come out in me. The mascots to me are the Hanna Barbara cartoon characters like Quick Draw McGraw, Yogi Bear and Huckleberry Hound Dog coming to life.

Now, the mascots have been around so long that there’s an actual Hall of Fame for the costume creatures. The categories for admission are divided into professional and collegiate.

And for you Tennessee football fans, Smokey has been nominated for the Mascot Hall of Fame. Smokey is one of the 11 nominated who have entertained and inspired millions of their fans through the years and have a chance to be inducted in the 2008 class.

You Vols fans are encouraged to go online and cast your votes for Smokey at www.mascothalloffame.com through Sept. 12.

Professional Candidates:
Billy the Marlin (Florida Marlins)
Globie (Harlem Globetrotters)
Hugo the Hornet (New Orleans Hornets)
Rocky (Denver Nuggets)
Slider (Cleveland Indians)

Collegiate Candidates:
Cocky (University of South Carolina)
Otto (Syracuse University)
Sebastian the Ibis (University of Miami)
Smokey (University of Tennessee)
The Hawk (St. Joseph's University)
Stanford Tree (Stanford University)
Online voting is open from August 11th through September 12th 2008 at www.mascothalloffame.com

Started in 2005, the Mascot Hall of Fame was created to recognize the art and skill of great characters. Their performances have entertained kids and adults alike for generations and have inspired their teams and communities.

Past Inductees: The Famous Chicken, Phillie Phanatic, Suns Gorilla, Bucky Badger, Aubie the Tiger, Lil Red, and others.

Important Campaign Dates:
August 11th - Online Voting Begins at www.mascothalloffame.com
August 25th through 28th - Media Tour
August 27th - Reggy's Mascot Mixer at Six Flags Great Adventure
September 12th - Online Voting Ends
To See Video of the Announcement go to ReggyTV

"The Mascot Hall of Fame has been a wonderful opportunity for fans to inspire and support their favorite mascot characters," said David Raymond, president of the Mascot Hall of Fame executive committee and the original Phillie Phanatic.