The New Pittsburgh Steelers Mascot
August 3, 2007 - 10:33am — Corys_Stories
I took my buddy Charlton Jordan, aka Diesel Dawg for some of you Altoona Curve fans, to Heinz Field yesterday for mascot auditions with the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s a big year for the Steelers. This season will be the 75th Anniversary, introducing a new coach and a mascot. There was a ‘name the mascot’ contest during the spring and summer, and the Steelers received over 70,000 names and after a very long time, have narrowed it down to 10. I sure hope they release it soon, since the first pre-season game is this Sunday.
Charlton did very well in the costume. He is a natural acrobat, so slap stick comes easy to him. He’s tried out for many different Major League and National mascots this year, including the Pittsburgh Parrot. He stands a very good chance getting this gig because he was the most experienced performer trying out for the part. He's got a great name too; Charlton Jordan. Which is perfect for him because he is a cross between Charlton Heston's Moses and Michael Jordan. A lot of times these professional sports teams do not want to hire a mascot full time, but I think they should.
Since I’ve been a mascot for nearly 10 years, I can honestly say that if the mascot is catchy looking and cool, and the actor inside is awesome, then the team’s merchandise sales should increase significantly. The mascot’s merchandise, of course targets namely the little fans and the die-hards. Mascots work both on and off season making numerous appearances all over the surrounding areas of the hometown ballpark, stadium, court or rink. Going into schools, day cares, businesses, parks, summer camps, church functions are just to name a few. These hard working stuntmen need to be physically fit. ( In my case it's physically PFFT! ) A lot of mascots are in better shape than some of the athletes.
The mascot needs to promote the team all year long at all different locations. I actually love going into personal care homes, visiting businesses and pretend like I can do that particular job. Visiting the children’s wing at the hospitals is a favorite of mine too. I usually take in sketch paper and draw and color with them for fun. Also, a good mascot needs a good assistant who always has a camera in hand ready to take that perfect shot that may pop up.
So, if Charlton gets that job, I do believe I am best qualified to be his assistant. No pay required. That’s what friends are for, right? Okay, I’m in it for the Steelers’ tickets who am I trying to kid? Good luck buddy.
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Comments
Steeley MCBeam
My Steelers buddy just informed me today that the mascot's name is STEELIE MCBEAM
"I hope I'm in the FUNNIES before I'm in the Obits."
Good luck!
Good luck, D Dawg! Hope you get the gig.
And thanks, Cory, for the sneak preview of the mascot, whatever he's called!
Personally, I think the Steelers need a cheerleading squad. Not the typical halter-topped, short-skirted cheerleaders, but a Steel Squad of brawny guys. The marketers seem to forget that women are the fastest growing demographic of NFL fans -- I think it's time we got some cheerleaders of our own!
Mascots..huh
Wow.. that is pretty Good.. Making a living as a mascot would probably be really cool. That Guy is pretty handsome too.
Great story.. I love the pics..
He's my hero
Here we go Steelers, here we go!
"I hope I'm in the FUNNIES before I'm in the Obits."