Meet Sluggo--the Ems' New Mascot

EUGENE-Once upon a time, in the thick trees of Spencer Butte, a furry creature was born. After finding an abandoned pair of binoculars, the little ball of fur found himself intrigued by something happening in the city sprawled below him-baseball.

But not just any baseball-Emeralds Baseball. The little creature, named Sluggo, loved to sit up on the butte and watch the Emeralds stomp their competition, hitting home runs over the fence and making sliding catches in the outfield.

One of these days, I'm going to play for the Emeralds, thought Sluggo.

But there was only one problem: none of the other players had emerald colored body hair.

I would stick out like a sore thumb if I were on the team, he thought to himself. Maybe I could do something else for the team?

He had heard of other forest creatures working for teams as a mascot.

Hmm, a mascot...that would be perfect! They get to have more fun than the players anyway: play with kids, make up silly skits, and perform in front of the whole stadium! Plus, I would be able to live at the ballpark-how awesome is that?! There, it's decided. I will be the new mascot for the Eugene Emeralds!

That is the story Sluggo shared with the kids (through charades, mascots don't talk, silly!) at Boys and Girls Club of Emerald Valley on Wednesday when the Emeralds officially announced him as the team's new mascot. Making an entrance fit for a rock star, Sluggo proceeded to take questions from the crowd and spend time dancing with his new fans.

Check out what Sluggo has to say on his Facebook page!