by Reg Hanson
Downtown Toledo:
On Monday the Toledo Walleye announced the first member of the new organization, “Spike”, the lovable and highly marketable mascot of Toledo’s newest professional sports team. Spikes first appearance to the Toledo faithful happened Monday during the Hens noon game against Scranton/ Willkes Barre and will continue through the remainder of the Hens season.
People had mixed emotions as the fish scampered about with Muddy and Mudonna. While most were very supportive of the newest face of Toledo sports there were those that had their doubts. One had a very strong opinion on this matter, the old Toledo Storm Mascot “Dukes” the dog.
We caught up with the K-9 working the afternoon shift at Chuck E. Cheese. I sat down with him to get his opinion on Spike and other hot topics here in Toledo:
Reg: You saw the mascot (Spike) what did you think?
Dukes: Well at first I thought I didn’t know what was going on. It looked like just another fish with a bike helmet on like he rode the short bus to the game, but then when he was dancing around with Muddy and Mudoona reality kicked. I’ll be honest, it hurt a bit
Reg: Were you interviewed for the position?
Dukes: Yes, but it was more of a formality. Naps (Joe Napoli) and I sat down to talk one day over a Muddy burger on Opening Day. He thought if I was in a fishing outfit I may have a chance but after we talked more the smell of a wet dog wasn’t really appealing to the fans, I mean at the Sports Arena it would have been fine, hell I probably would have smelled better than half the fans but I never got a call back.
Reg: Do you feel betrayed?
Dukes: After 10 years with the Storm I felt I deserved a chance but it’s a tough job market right now and they had to do what they felt was right.
Reg: Do you think it was because of “the incident” at the Sports Arena?
Dukes: I knew you would go there Hanson, for the last time I thought it was water not vodka. One time I lift my leg in public and that is all anyone remembers. I paid my fine and the city got their $80. Let it go…
Reg: Off topic who for mayor and why?
Dukes: I think Bell has a great shot but don’t under estimate Opal. With an amusement park downtown maybe I could get some work.
Reg: Did you know that Spike is from Windsor, Canada
Dukes: Really? I thought some East Sider fishing underneath the High Level bridge plucked him out one day, well that’s just another example of how good Americans are being put out of work. What’s next? A dancing Jalapeno on skates from Mexico?
Reg: What’s next for Dukes, birthday parties or is here the final stop on this crazy ride?
Dukes: Well I heard about the Arena Football Team and have been eating flies and stretching my tongue so I think I may have a chance (attempts to make Bull Frog noise… I think).
Dukes then was taken down by 4 seven year olds who demand that he dance for them. They kicked and punched him pretty hard several times but he got up and danced for them.
His outfit was a worn and a bit pungent, but I could see he still had in him. If Spike does not look out Dukes could be first in line to replace him. Perhaps when the puck drops October 18th the Toledo Onion should start a petition to bring Dukes back. It may be just crazy enough to work. Maybe I will have those guys for Take Back Toledo help me with the form…
On Monday the Toledo Walleye announced the first member of the new organization, “Spike”, the lovable and highly marketable mascot of Toledo’s newest professional sports team. Spikes first appearance to the Toledo faithful happened Monday during the Hens noon game against Scranton/ Willkes Barre and will continue through the remainder of the Hens season.
People had mixed emotions as the fish scampered about with Muddy and Mudonna. While most were very supportive of the newest face of Toledo sports there were those that had their doubts. One had a very strong opinion on this matter, the old Toledo Storm Mascot “Dukes” the dog.
We caught up with the K-9 working the afternoon shift at Chuck E. Cheese. I sat down with him to get his opinion on Spike and other hot topics here in Toledo:
Reg: You saw the mascot (Spike) what did you think?
Dukes: Well at first I thought I didn’t know what was going on. It looked like just another fish with a bike helmet on like he rode the short bus to the game, but then when he was dancing around with Muddy and Mudoona reality kicked. I’ll be honest, it hurt a bit
Reg: Were you interviewed for the position?
Dukes: Yes, but it was more of a formality. Naps (Joe Napoli) and I sat down to talk one day over a Muddy burger on Opening Day. He thought if I was in a fishing outfit I may have a chance but after we talked more the smell of a wet dog wasn’t really appealing to the fans, I mean at the Sports Arena it would have been fine, hell I probably would have smelled better than half the fans but I never got a call back.
Reg: Do you feel betrayed?
Dukes: After 10 years with the Storm I felt I deserved a chance but it’s a tough job market right now and they had to do what they felt was right.
Reg: Do you think it was because of “the incident” at the Sports Arena?
Dukes: I knew you would go there Hanson, for the last time I thought it was water not vodka. One time I lift my leg in public and that is all anyone remembers. I paid my fine and the city got their $80. Let it go…
Reg: Off topic who for mayor and why?
Dukes: I think Bell has a great shot but don’t under estimate Opal. With an amusement park downtown maybe I could get some work.
Reg: Did you know that Spike is from Windsor, Canada
Dukes: Really? I thought some East Sider fishing underneath the High Level bridge plucked him out one day, well that’s just another example of how good Americans are being put out of work. What’s next? A dancing Jalapeno on skates from Mexico?
Reg: What’s next for Dukes, birthday parties or is here the final stop on this crazy ride?
Dukes: Well I heard about the Arena Football Team and have been eating flies and stretching my tongue so I think I may have a chance (attempts to make Bull Frog noise… I think).
Dukes then was taken down by 4 seven year olds who demand that he dance for them. They kicked and punched him pretty hard several times but he got up and danced for them.
His outfit was a worn and a bit pungent, but I could see he still had in him. If Spike does not look out Dukes could be first in line to replace him. Perhaps when the puck drops October 18th the Toledo Onion should start a petition to bring Dukes back. It may be just crazy enough to work. Maybe I will have those guys for Take Back Toledo help me with the form…
I'd love to see Dukes at Walleye games.
ReplyDeleteI bet he'd get more attention than Spike.
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