Tucson Padres announce new mascot

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Tucson Padres fever has spread all the way to San Diego, and a member of the Swinging Friar Family had to be part of the fun in the Old Pueblo. The Tucson Padres are excited to announce the "identical long lost twin" of the Swinging Friar, the San Diego Padres mascot, is here in Tucson after being introduced at Friday's Spring Training game at Kino Stadium. The yet to be named mascot can be seen at every Tucson Padres home game, and at events in the Tucson community.

"We knew Major League Baseball's best mascot had a twin brother but we were unable to locate him until recently," said Mike Feder, Tucson Padres vice president/general manager. "This makes us even more excited for Opening Night, to know we have a family member of a nationally recognized mascot performing in Kino Stadium every game."

The mascot's name has yet to be determined. That is the job of Tucson Padres' fans. Starting today, fans can suggest a name for Tucson's Swinging Friar character, with the winner taking home an official Tucson Padres cap, four free home plate reserved tickets to Opening Night on Friday, April 15th, an official picture with the new mascot, and the opportunity to have the mascot provide a personal appearance to your home, office or special event. Sorry he doesn't do weddings or bar mitzvahs!

To enter: visit www.tucsonpadres.com and email [email protected] with your mascot name idea, your name and hometown. You can also post your mascot name idea on the Tucson Padres Facebook Wall. You also may enter via mail by sending your submission to: Tucson Padres Mascot Contest, 2500 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713. Deadline to enter is April 4, so enter soon!