Minor League Baseball’s Top 10 Mascots
2. Barley
Team: Hillsboro Hops
League: Northwest League
Affiliate: Diamondbacks (Class A)
Call us a little biased for throwing the hometown hero this high. But you have to admit that the newest mascot in America is pretty damn awesome. Oh, sure, Milwaukee has the Brewers, but you couldn’t make beer without Hops.
Barley lost two points in originality because he’s by no means the first mascot named after a plant. Sure, he’s no Fighting Pickle (University of North Carolina School of the Arts), but I’d much rather have my team named after the ingredients for beer than celery (Buffalo Bisons) or jalapeños (San Antonio Missions).
BIO: Barley is the newest mascot in Minor League Baseball, making his Northwest League debut this summer! He is thrilled to be rooting for the Hops and helping all fans, young and old alike, get excited that baseball is back in the Portland area! In his spare time, Barley enjoys hanging out with his fellow Portland mascots, texting with D. Baxter and practicing his T-shirt throwing skills. (Vote for this mascot at MiLB.com’s Mascot Mania)
TOTAL SCORE: 31
Creativity: 10/10
Originality: 8/10
Execution: 8/10
Team Relation: 5/5
Photo courtesy of Minor League Baseball: www.milb.com