Slammers Spring New Mascot on Shorewoodland

The Slammers have a new addition, and he'll be spending a lot of time on the field — and in the stands.

The closest professional baseball team to Shorewood is announcing the signing of its second mascot — J.L. Bird.

“He can be a little mischievous. But we’ve been assured that he’s perfectly friendly,” Slammers Director of Marketing Sarah H. Eichenberger said of Bird, who appears to be a bird in an old-fashioned, horizontally striped prison uniform.

Bird is joining the Slammers' other mascot, Spikes the bloodhound, in what is now a potent one-two mascot punch.

Bird cannot speak but did produce a written statement.

"It took the team awhile to decipher the message because he’s a bird and lacks thumbs," according to a press release distributed by the Slammers. The release neglected to mention that birds also do not have hands.

Bird said in his statement that he is “excited to cause all sorts of mischief at Silver Cross Field this year. That bloodhound Spikes is going to have his hands full.”

Bird made his debut Sunday night as he ran wild around Silver Cross Field.

Spikes had no comment but appeared slightly put off at the mention of Bird’s name. Slammers officials say Spikes is fully prepared for Bird’s antics, as the bloodhound reportedly is a former prison guard.

For tickets to see the two mascots in action, as well as some great baseball, call (815) 722-2287 or visit the Slammers' website.

The Slammers belong to the Frontier League of Professional Baseball. Now in its 19thy season, the Frontier League is the oldest continuously operating independent professional league.