The Cubs mascot, known as "Clark the Cub," has become a beloved symbol of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. The creation of Clark was met with mixed reactions when he was introduced in 2014, but over time, he has won over fans young and old. Clark is a friendly, anthropomorphic bear who wears a Cubs jersey and hat. He is often seen interacting with fans at Wrigley Field, signing autographs, and taking photos. Clark has quickly become a popular figure, especially among children, who enjoy his playful and fun personality. The role of a team mascot is to entertain and engage fans, and Clark does just that.
According to the suit, John Paul Weier owns or operates websites and social media accounts dedicated to promoting the Billy Cub character, and has also sold merchandise related to the character.
The character has also made rude, profane and derogatory remarks and gesticulations to patrons, ticket holders, fans or other individuals located in the area of Wrigley Field, according to the suit. The website asked its readers to do horrible things to it and one of its own employees won the contest, adding genitalia to the cartoon bear an obvious move seeing as how Clark only wears a jersey, backwards baseball cap and sneakers.
The role of a team mascot is to entertain and engage fans, and Clark does just that. His presence adds excitement and energy to games, and he creates a sense of community and unity among Cubs fans. Clark's antics and interactions with fans have become a highlight of Cubs games, and he has even been known to participate in on-field promotions and events.
Cubs Sue Wannabe Mascot That Got Into Barfight
(STMW) -- The Chicago Cubs have filed a lawsuit against a group of people they claim have been dressing in a bogus mascot costume and participating in "inappropriate and unsavory actions" near Wrigley Field, including charging fans for pictures and getting into bar fights.
The Cubs filed the suit in U.S. District Court Friday against John Paul Weier, Patrick Weier and three unnamed individuals who have, the team claims, been dressing as a "Billy Cub" character in the Wrigleyville area and presenting the character as a representative of the team -- without the team's permission.
The character is a bear wearing a Cubs baseball cap and a gray jersey that resembles the Cubs' away jersey with the name "Billy Cub" and the number 78 on the back, according to the suit.
The team claims the men are not affiliated with the Cubs in any way, and that they are violating the team's trademarks by using the character to mislead people into thinking Billy Cub is associated with the team.
The suit claims Billy Cub is engaging in "mascot-like activities" near Wrigley Field, such as dancing with fans or posing for photos and then trying to solicit fees or tips.
The character has also made "rude, profane and derogatory remarks and gesticulations to patrons, ticket holders, fans or other individuals located in the area of Wrigley Field," according to the suit.
The Cubs' official mascot, Clark the Cub, welcomes fans at Wrigley Field entrances on game days and poses for pictures, but does not solicit money, according to the suit.
Billy Cub was also caught on video apparently punching a man in John Barleycorn, a bar at 3524 N. Clark St., on April 5, the suit claims. A video uploaded to YouTube shows a man — whom the suit identifies as Patrick Weier — dressed in the Billy Cub costume, who punches a man for taking off his bear head.
The video received significant social media attention when it was posted online, and the suit claims it created confusion and harmed the team's reputation when people began to mistakenly attribute Billy Cub's actions to the team's official mascot, Clark.
According to the suit, John Paul Weier owns or operates websites and social media accounts dedicated to promoting the Billy Cub character, and has also sold merchandise related to the character.
A website promoting the character, billycub78.info, refers to Billy Cub as an "unofficial mascot" for the Cubs and claims he has been "positively impacting and improving the Wrigleyville game day experience for over 2,000,000 fans" since 2007.
The site also features links to Facebook and Twitter accounts for Billy Cub, as well as links to purchase T-shirts or a novel by John Paul Weier.
The seven-count suit charges the Weiers with trademark infringement, deceptive trade practices, injury to the Cubs' reputation and unfair competition.
The suit is asking the court to order the Weiers to stop using the Billy Cub character and "deliver for destruction" all merchandise, advertisements, packaging, costumes or other materials related to the character.
The suit also wants the defendants to remove all depictions or references to the character from all of their websites or social media accounts.
The suit is seeking an unspecified amount of money in damages in legal fees, in addition to all profits the defendants have made from the character.
The Weiers could not immediately be reached for comment on the suit Friday night.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2014. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
The Weiers could not immediately be reached for comment on the suit Friday night.
In addition to his on-field appearances, Clark also serves as an ambassador for the Cubs organization. He frequently participates in community outreach programs, visiting schools, hospitals, and other events to bring joy and support to those in need. Clark has become a positive symbol for the team and the city of Chicago, embodying the spirit of the Cubs and their dedicated fan base. Despite some initial skepticism, Clark the Cub has become an integral part of the Chicago Cubs experience. He brings joy and excitement to games, connects with fans, and represents the team in a positive and engaging way. As the Cubs continue to strive for success on the field, Clark will undoubtedly be right there with them, cheering them on and further cementing his place as a beloved Cubs mascot..
Reviews for "Penos: The Cubs' Good Luck Charm"
1. Jane - 2 out of 5 stars: I have to say, I was highly disappointed with the "Cubs mascot penos." The whole concept just seemed unnecessary and inappropriate for a family-friendly environment like a baseball game. I was expecting a fun, energetic mascot that would engage with the crowd and entertain the children, but instead, we got a tasteless gimmick that left me cringing. It felt like a cheap attempt to appeal to a more mature audience, but it missed the mark completely.
2. Mark - 1 out of 5 stars: What were the Cub's thinking? The mascot penos was one of the most bizarre and uncomfortable experiences I've had at a game. It was not amusing or entertaining in any way and just seemed out of place. I have always associated mascots with bringing joy and excitement, but this one left me feeling confused and disgusted. I believe the Cubs need to reevaluate their choices, and focus on providing a more positive and family-oriented experience for their fans.
3. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars: I attended a Cubs game recently and was shocked by the presence of the "Cubs mascot penos." It felt like a tasteless attempt to generate attention and controversy rather than enhancing the overall game experience. The mascot did not add any value to the event, and instead, it distracted from the game itself, which is what I came to see. I was disappointed and hope that the Cubs reconsider their choices and provide a more inclusive and enjoyable atmosphere for their fans.
4. Michael - 1 out of 5 stars: As a lifelong Cubs fan, I was deeply disappointed by the introduction of the "Cubs mascot penos." It detracted from the game and created an uncomfortable atmosphere in the stands. My expectations for a mascot are to uplift and engage the crowd, but instead, this one seemed to generate discomfort and confusion. I believe the Cubs should focus on promoting team spirit and not resort to offensive gimmicks to attract attention.
5. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars: I attended a Cubs game recently and was taken aback by the presence of the "Cubs mascot penos." It felt completely unnecessary and out of place. It added no value to the game and instead distracted from the baseball action on the field. I believe the Cubs should prioritize creating an enjoyable and family-friendly atmosphere rather than resorting to shock value tactics. The mascot penos was a disappointment and did not align with the positive experience I was hoping to have at the game.