[This is the second in a series of three columns based on a recent trip to Western New York.]

JAMESTOWN, NY – I have written many times in this column about how I used to be a professional mascot. Well, recently, I was talked out of retirement to make a personal appearance here in my hometown.

I created the costume and performed as the mascot “Yippee!” for the Jamestown Expos in the 1980s, and then “Bubby Breaker” for the Tulsa FastBreakers (1988-1991). However, I hadn’t performed in the costume since 1994.

Knowing that I was going to be in the Jamestown area for a reunion with my wife’s family, I contacted the general manager of the Jamestown Tarp Skunks about an opportunity to play the National Anthem on trumpet before one of their games. The team is not a part of any affiliated minor league but rather a member of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. That means, the teams are comprised of college baseball players looking to improve their skills during the two-month summer season and they use wooden bats, like the pro leagues.

The general manager responded that they would indeed like me to play the National Anthem. Well, I recognized his name, so I mentioned to him that I went to school with his parents and that they would remember “Yippee!” from back in my days in Jamestown. When he realized who I was, he decided he would like “Yippee!” to perform at the game, as well.

So, the idea came about that we would celebrate the Tarp Skunks’ mascot Whiffy’s birthday, and “Yippee!” would make a special appearance. I played the National Anthem while in costume, which surprised the crowd. Then, I performed for most of the game; dancing, leading the fans in cheers, and mingling with the fans in the strands.

Overall, it went real well, and I received some great feedback from the fans and the team management.

I did realize, however, that I’m certainly not as young or in shape as I used to be. I have only put the costume on a couple of times in the past 30 years and that was just for a video shoot and to have photographs taken. I forgot how stinking hot and heavy that costume is to perform in for three hours at a time. Besides, at game time, it was 84 degrees with 73% humidity.

I survived and totally enjoyed myself that evening. It brought back a lot of great memories for me of performing at Russel Diethrick Park. I had the same feelings this time as I did so many years ago. Hearing the laughter of the crowd and knowing that they were being entertained by what I was doing is a feeling that is difficult to describe, but one that validated my desire to get back out there and do it one more time.

Someone asked me if I’m coming out of retirement? No, I wouldn’t say that. Again, the costume is extremely difficult to wear at this point. It would need some upgrading. The fur is worn out in spots. The head is very heavy, and the straps are so stretched out, I had trouble keeping it on. If I did ever perform as “Yippee!” again, it would need quite a bit of repair. However, if another costume and opportunity came my way, I may have to give it serious consideration.

So, I suppose the best answer is, never say never.

TULSA BEACON RADIO

Tune in to “Tulsa Beacon Weekend” radio show every week, featuring interviews with local and national guests, talking about everything from politics to family issues. This week, my guests will include Mike Courtney, counselor and author of Failure and How I Achieved It, also comedian Daren Streblow, host of The Daren Streblow Comedy Show. The show airs on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. CST on 970am KCFO.