Column: Chicago's iconic sports mascots

You could give our fine city a “best of ” award for many things.

We have the best pizza, best shopping, best lakefront, tallest skyscrapers, best downtown and best cultural activities—and maybe throw in the best Italian beef sandwiches while we are at it.

But can we now add one more to the list of Chicago “best ofs?” How about the best sports team mascots? Yes, those beloved, funny uniformed folks who rev up the crowd, entertain the kids and add to the fun of going to the games.

As a longtime keen observer of mascots, I would argue our Chicago collective mascot contingent is as strong as any, with each member possessing a talent and spirit totally unique to the team they represent.

None of them are probably as famous nationwide as Benny The Bull, who did his thing all the way through the Michael Jordan championship years. Benny is athletic, a true showman, and the absolute best for firing up the crowd. On occasion though, Benjamin can get a little carried away—for instance, when he got thrown out of the game for arguing a referee’s call: A truly classic Chicago moment.

Tommy Hawk represents the Blackhawks, and his skating prowess is second to none, while Staley has been the long time Chicago Bear Mascot named after the team’s previous ownership, the Decatur Staleys.

Let us not forget our baseball teams with the White Sox mascot Southpaw, who replaced previous mascots Ribbie and Rhubarb, and the Cubs’ mascot Clark, who made his debut in 2014. Clark is a little shy but a loveable guy who survived early controversy regarding his outfit not having any pants, which some thought not really appropriate.

Underrated mascots? Oh yeah, we have a bunch in that category: Sparky, the avidly protective fire dog, who serves as the Chicago Fire soccer team mascot and Skates, the longtime entertaining mascot for the Chicago Wolves. Both entertain proudly the teams they represent.

For my money, the most underrated mascot? Look no further than the Chicago Sky women’s basketball team and their long-time mascot Sky Guy. Sky Guy can get the crowd going like no other, with his humorous antics and death defying slam dunks during time outs.

Whatever the case, and whomever you like the most, you have to appreciate the wealth of great sports team mascots that surround our local sporting scene.

It’s just one more great thing about our city of Chicago.

Jon Cohn is a New Eastside resident. Email ideas for Jon to info@chicagostarmedia.com