Postgame blitz on Raymond sends mascot to sideline

© St. Petersburg Times
published June 11, 2002

ST. PETERSBURG -- Rays players aren't the only ones taking their lumps these days.

St. Petersburg police are investigating an incident in which the Rays' furry blue mascot, Raymond, was knocked over by a man who ran on the field after Sunday's game.

"As he's running across the field, he runs smack into Raymond," St. Petersburg police spokesman Rick Stelljes said. "Knocks him down."

Raymond injured his right shoulder and was unable to perform Monday. He was X-rayed Monday night for the possibility of a broken clavicle and will be further evaluated today.

The Rays invite children to run the bases after Sunday afternoon games, and the popular mascot was standing near the pitcher's mound when the incident occurred. The 38-year-old man, whose name was not released because he was not charged, told police he was running after his children at third base and the collision was an accident.

Given that Raymond is 6 feet 6, about 3 feet wide and very blue and furry, the Rays say that is unlikely. "If it was an accident you'd think he would have stopped to see how Raymond was," Rays spokesman Rick Vaughn said.

Investigating officers titled the report a battery but did not make an arrest and will send the case to the state attorney to decide if charges should be filed.