The Mascot: A Better Choice

"We need a mascot to bring us luck!"

Nine year old Trevor, who was normally very shy, had finally mustered enough courage to speak to his tall, dark haired, baseball coach, on behalf of his team. "Are there different kinds of mascots?" he asked the coach.

"Well, yes. Which would you prefer? A person, an animal or something else, as the mascot for our baseball team?"

None of the boys said anything.

"You can all think about it tonight. Come with some ideas tomorrow and then we can vote on it."

"If we choose a person, he or she has to be someone really special," Trevor thought to himself, as he rode the bus home. "But who?"

Trevor asked his mother's advice about choosing a mascot for their team, that evening.

"If you have an animal as a mascot, it would have to have a good home and be cared for properly," said his mother. "Does anyone have a pet already?"

Just then, the telephone rang. It was raining very heavily and the local zoo was flooded. They needed help immediately, so Trevor's parents went to move some of the wild animals to higher ground.

The next morning, Trevor was still uncertain as to who, what or what kind of a thing, would be the best mascot for their team.

The boys had agreed to meet early. Much to his surprise, none of them had any pets and there were no suggestions forthcoming, either.

"I have an idea," Trevor thought to himself, as he pondered the mascot question further. He waited until his coach showed up, not wanting to be ridiculed for his suggestion.

"Well, boys," said the coach. "Have you made a decision?"

Trevor waited a moment, before he spoke.

"Coach, there was a flood at the zoo last night. My dad and mom went to help. Do you think our baseball team could adopt a wild animal?"

"You mean as a team mascot?" He was amazed and so were Trevor's teammates.

"That is a better choice!" commented one team member. "All in favor?"

"Yes!" said one of the older boys excitedly. Several of the others nodded in agreement. No one was opposed to the idea.

"Trevor, you and I will have a chat with the zoo keeper on the weekend."

"May we come too?" asked one of the other boys.