When it comes to local sports rivalries, current traditions such as the Crosstown Shootout and the battle for the Victory Bell are the most notable. And sure, some of them have gone by the wayside – goodbye Bridge Bowl.
But we are giving you a fresh and unique opportunity to help give your favorite team some bragging rights over the competition.
It doesn’t matter the size (or the sport, actually), because we are here to find Greater Cincinnati’s top mascot. Pro or college doesn’t matter. We are giving you the power to vote on who is your favorite.
Will the Reds’ four different official mascots split the vote? And who’ll come out on top of the catfight with the Bengals, FC Cincinnati, UC and Mount St. Joseph’s mascots? Can the Cyclones’ Twister
knock down Florence’s Y’all Star water tower?
Outside of the occasional broomball game these questions have gone unanswered for years. But now, the power is in your hands.
Vote below for your favorite local mascot in town, and keep scrolling to learn a little more about each one.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds have four different official mascots: Mr. Red, Mr. Redlegs, Rosie Red and Gapper.
- Mr. Red: First introduced as a live mascot in 1973.
- Mr. Redlegs: Similar name, but sports a retro mustache and uniform. Returned to team in 2007.
- Rosie Red: Female mascot introduced in 2008.
- Gapper: This furry mascot was introduced when Great American Ball Park opened in 2003.
Cincinnati Bengals
- Who Dey: The Bengal tiger, always decked out in his No. 1 jersey.
University of Cincinnati
- The Bearcat: A student began dressing as the mascot in the 1950s. Now recognizable in his No. 00 jersey.
Xavier University
The Musketeers have a pair of mascots.
- D’Artagnan the Musketeer: First appeared in costume in the 1960s and bears a resemblance to its “Three Musketeers” namesake.
- The Blue Blob: Larger, furrier alternative introduced in the 1980s.
Miami University
- Swoop the RedHawk: Made its debut after the school changed nicknames in 1997. (Once had a memorable “run in” with Kentucky’s Jamaal Magloire during an NCAA Tournament game.)
Northern Kentucky University
- Victor E. Viking: Was once named one of college basketball’s 10 scariest mascots by ESPN.
Thomas More University
- Tommy Mo: Always there to fire up crowds whenever the Saints play.
Mount St. Joseph University
- Joe Lion: Pumps up the fans at MSJ events.
Not eligible, however, is the cicada Mount St. Joseph brough out for April Fools’ Day in 2021.
FC Cincinnati
- Gary the Lion: Was introduced in 2019 before the club’s first MLS season. (He got his name when the club released it’s first logo and fans saw the name “G-A-R-Y” spelled out.)
Florence Y’alls
- Y'all Star: After rebranding from the Freedom to the Y’alls, the mascot made it’s debut paying homage to the city’s iconic water tower.
Cincinnati Cyclones
The Cyclones also have a pair of mascots.
- Twister: The tornado is know for it’s signature “F5” jersey.
- Puckchop: The newer of the Cyclones’ mascot. It pays homage to the city’s Porkopolis roots.
Flying Pig Marathon
- The Flying Pig: This pig is ready to run in its marathon clothing and running shoes.
Vote now!
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What's the best mascot in Cincinnati? We're letting you decide
