The Economics of Everyday Things 5. Sports Mascots
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Jan 15, 2026 
Join Dave Raymond, the original Philly Fanatic and designer of over 130 mascots, alongside Bonnie Erickson, a former Muppet Show designer who created the Fanatic. They dive into the cultural significance of sports mascots, exploring the challenges of design and character fitting. Discover the financial side of mascots, including their revenue potential and celebrity-like salaries. Learn about viral sensations like Gritty and the quirky rituals behind mascot maintenance, including cleaning techniques and the fascinating world of mascot boot camps.
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From Intern To Icon
- Dave Raymond landed a Phillies internship and took any task asked of him, which led to becoming the first Philly Fanatic performer.
- His willingness to say yes turned a promotions intern into a career mascot and later a mascot firm founder.
Mascots As Mobile Marketing
- The Phillies redesigned mascots as active, mobile characters to attract younger fans instead of static team symbols.
- Bonnie Erickson used Muppet design principles to make the Fanatic funny just to watch and physically expressive.
A Costly Licensing Mistake
- The Phillies bought only the Fanatic costume and not the character rights, costing them millions in missed merchandise revenue.
- Bonnie Erickson earned substantial merchandising income until the Phillies later bought the rights for $215,000.