Less than two years after Gritty came exploding onto the scene to quickly ascend as the most beloved mascot in Philadelphia (and worldwide sensation)—the city’s now-second most perplexing mascot, the Phillie Phanatic, unveiled a fresh, new look over the weekend.
The big reveal came during the Phillies’ first spring training home game in Clearwater, Florida on Sunday, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. (Perhaps the Phanatic’s new mojo gave the team the boost to defeat the Pirates, 4-3. )The Philadelphia Phillies also welcomed the Phanatic’s makeover by tweeting a video that ostensibly proves that while he has evolved, he has not matured.
He has evolved, but clearly hasn’t matured. pic.twitter.com/Tmo5jHNQOB
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) February 23, 2020
The changes were actually more subtle than what many feared when the update was announced last week, in the midst of an ugly, ongoing legal battle with the Phanatic’s original creators, Bonnie Erickson and Wayde Harrison.
Local radio personality Marc Farzetta noted during Sunday’s game that some of the changes include a lighter shade of green fur, a solid blue tail, and what appears to be scales on the underside of his arms—in addition to the overall slimmer look.
@ 1st Glance: L-Old, R-New
— Marc Farzetta (@MarcFarzetta) February 23, 2020
1. Lighter Green
2. Hands free from fur
3. Blue around eyes, Lighter & more of it
4. Stars outline Eyes
5. Blue Socks
6. Red Shoes
7. Laces drawn on
8. Scale-like trim under the arms
9. (not pictured) Solid blue tail not green & blue pic.twitter.com/4M2vKdlvN4
It being Philadelphia and all, home to many less-than-forgiving sports fans, the debut was expectantly met with mixed reviews.
First look at the “evolved” Phillie Phanatic. 👀
— Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) February 23, 2020
📷: @NBCSPhilly #Phillies pic.twitter.com/UjhS0pvISv
THESE are the Phanatic’s shoes not the stupid bobos they put him in yesterday (also pictured: his real tail) pic.twitter.com/5I9xUa6qxn
— Zoo With Roy (@zoowithroy) February 24, 2020
new Phanatic is the offbrand knockoff version you win after sinking $50 into skeeball in wildwood https://t.co/ov4gFgrUGN
— not matt (@PanasonicDX4500) February 23, 2020
Phillies: What do you want from us, the franchise you root for?
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) February 21, 2020
Phillies fans: Spend money to improve the team
Phillies:
….okay so we’re changing the Phanatic
the Phanatic about to turn out as the walmart version from Its Always Sunny pic.twitter.com/XP8V7qcZ4K
— em (@phiIIiedelphia) February 23, 2020
If Phillies fans don’t boo the old phanatic back into existence we have to stop booing everyone else. We’re being tested, and the nation is watching https://t.co/lA44ZhJZlH
— Ethan Giles (@Giles1228) February 23, 2020
My singular hope is that they come up with a gruesome death backstory for the old Phanatic and it involves Gritty somehow https://t.co/OoRAgQ9SEJ
— Levi Weaver (@ThreeTwoEephus) February 21, 2020
New Phanatic is wild pic.twitter.com/gra1tXEKJ2
— NBCs The Slap (@NBCsTheSlap) February 21, 2020
In 2018, Erickson and Harrison issued a notice of termination to the Phillies, claiming ownership of the mascot should the organization fail to reach a new agreement by June 15, 2020. Federal law permits artists to renegotiate their rights after 35 years. Though, the team argues that a 1984 renegotiation with Harrison/Erickson Inc. gave them permanent rights. The Phillies have also claimed that they contributed by creating the character and personality of the Phanatic, beyond just the physical costume.
Yet, many are firmly siding with Erickson and Harrison in their fight to retain legal rights to their creation.
Reminder that the Phanatic being changed is so the Phillies can avoid compensating someone for their creation. This is a bad organization that just wants to save some money
— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) February 23, 2020
The #phillies are worth 2 Billion dollars. Here are the two biggest stories involving the ball club.
— Josh Innes (@JoshInnesShow) February 21, 2020
1. They won’t give one of the best catchers in the game an extra 2 mil. Relationship soured.
2. Losing the Phanatic bc they won’t pay the creator. #philliesfever catch it!
https://twitter.com/TheEricaB/status/1231952637001637889
The organization believes that the minor changes made to the Phillie Phanatic costume will put an end to the legal battle, although that remains to be seen.
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