He's feisty and fiery but equally loyal and lovable. He's Spike, the Toledo Walleye mascot.
The colorful yellow character with the mischievous gap-toothed grin will mingle with the crowd when the Walleye opens its inaugural season at the Lucas County Arena on Oct. 16. Spike sports an oversized version of the team's jersey and dons a hockey helmet.
“He is the No. 1 fan of the Toledo Walleye. He's their No. 1 supporter,” said Scott Jeffer, assistant general manager and director of marketing for the Walleye.
The “walking logo” was designed by the Raymond Entertainment Group of Delaware. The organization was founded by David Raymond, who created the world-famous Phillie Phanatic. The group also designed Toledo's two other famous mascots, Muddy and Muddonna.
Spike joins the team's “live” mascot Wally the Walleye. The freshwater fish is housed at the Toledo Zoo's Aquarium.
Both nicknames were selected from a pool of more than 4,000 suggestions submitted through a “Name the Mascot” contest.
“A spike walleye is one that fishermen can't keep,” Mr. Jeffer said. “He's feisty and you can't keep him. He's a [yearling] that you have to throw back.”
Spike not only will be the team's head cheerleader at games, he'll also make appearances at schools, hospitals, and parades.
Spike eventually will be joined by other kid-friendly characters, including a mascot for the organization's new football team, the Bullfrogs. The arenafootball2 team begins play in March.
“We will have other ones down the road,” said Jason Griffin, director of public and media relations for the Walleye.
“Spike will have friends.”
— Mark Monroe
First Published September 27, 2009, 1:01 a.m.