Mascot work isn't all fun and games

It's not digging ditches, and it's not moving heavy furniture. It's not the labor involved that made it so hard to play a mascot.

Really, it's just so darn hot in that costume.

That, and the kids.

Last week, the Camden Riversharks allowed me to be their mascot, Finley, for a day. About a month prior, I took part in a "tryout" to make sure I didn't completely make a fool of myself. I passed, I think, because last Friday, with the Riversharks hosting the Lancaster Barnstormers, I put on the jersey and shark head and roamed Campbell's Field.

Before that could happen, I went over the ground rules with marketing manager Mike Barone and community relations director Rebecca Anderson. "Don't talk or make noises" was basically the tip of the day. And, perhaps most importantly -- and something that should go without saying -- don't lose the head.

With all that in mind, I hit the locker room and geared up. The scent of the costume was quite potent – as you would imagine it to be with interns rotating as the mascot on a game-by-game basis, in addition to what oftentimes can be sweltering heat.

No worries. I played hockey. I know that odor.

Part of the obligations of the Rivershark is to take photos with hoards of kids coming through the turnstiles, as well as giving hugs and basically acting like a goof. Easy for me.

What was not easy was seeing out of the head of the costume. That's where it got tricky, and where tiny children at your feet can become your worst enemy.

Where I've gained even more respect for those who strap on the mascot gear every day is the almost unmanageable sight lines. Peering through the teeth of the Rivershark head was challenging, and the fit of it causes you to lean back and shrug your shoulders for an absurd amount of time.

Through it all, I persevered, meeting a gaggle of happy children -- some did punch and kick me, but most were sweet and others, even shy. Parents loved that the kids loved it.  On the field, I tossed some t-shirts and took part in pre-game festivities.

All in all, it was a success. A stinky, sweaty success.  The "hard work" was all in good fun.