D-Jays Mascot Readies For Big Birthday Bash

It’s a typical day at . Staff is coming in, the grass is being cared for, and the players are beginning their morning workouts. But, outside of center field, in an area known as the “home run zone” at the stadium, another worker of a different feather is getting ready for the busy day.

“It’s just another day for me, but it’ll end with an amazing baseball game and yet another ‘W’ in the Blue Jays’ column,” says D-Jay, the mascot for the Dunedin Blue Jays, Toronto’s high-A minor-league affiliate. D-Jay rarely does interviews, but gave us a rare glimpse into the life of a minor league mascot when Dunedin Patch sat down with him just days ago. Keeping with an unspoken handed-down tradition of not speaking to the public, D-Jay assisted us with the interview by writing down his responses.

Shining his beak and re-stringing his fishing rod, D-Jay was busy preparing for this weekend’s big day — his birthday — in which many local mascots will be making an appearance to help celebrate the giant bird’s 25^th birthday.

“I sent lots of invites, and it looks like just about everyone’s going to make it. My distant cousin Raymond [Tampa Bay Rays] and even my old pal Thunderbug [Tampa Bay Lightning] are even coming out. I’m pretty stoked,” says D-Jay, “it’s a pretty big day for us here in Dunedin, and I’m going to celebrate it — Dunedin-style!”

As a minor-league mascot, D-Jay’s days are filled with plenty of work — from community appearances, photo shoots, Twitter updates and, of course, baseball. But most don’t realize the amount of dedication that comes with mascot performances.

“It’s strenuous and sometimes they're really long hours, but it’s always fun. I love taking pictures with the fans,” he says, “and it’s more fun when I can poke a little fun with them.” Some of D-Jay’s favorite game-day gags include a spider on a fishing pole and, of course, the age-old mascot tradition of using silly string. “I have this spider that I put on a fishing pole – it’s really a great bit of fun to scare the women… well, and even the men sometimes, when they see this giant spider magically appear in front of them.”

For the big birthday bash, D-Jays friends will take part in contests and more throughout the night, giving fans plenty of photo opportunities. Fans are also encouraged to Tweet their birthday wishes to the bird using his handle, @djaybluejay.

D-Jay’s birthday will take place this Saturday, May 12 at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Game time is 6:30PM. The fun will go on all night long with contests, autograph signings and plenty of mascot friends visiting to with the big bird well wishes. Tickets are only $6. For more information, call the Dunedin Blue Jays at 727-733-9302 or visit www.DunedinBlueJays.com.

This is D-Jay's first public interview since taking the helm of the mascot duties from his older brother, BJ the Blue Jay, several years ago.