The Ribby mascot is a popular character used in various sports and entertainment events. It is often seen as a symbol of fun and excitement, and its vibrant colors and friendly appearance make it instantly recognizable. The mascot is typically portrayed as a humanoid figure with a large head and an exaggerated, happy expression. The Ribby mascot is most commonly associated with baseball games, where it is often seen entertaining the crowd during breaks in the action. It is known for its energetic dance moves, playful interactions with fans, and ability to get the crowd cheering and engaged. The mascot's presence adds an element of entertainment and excitement to the game, making it a memorable experience for spectators of all ages.

The Church of Ribby: Spokane Indians mascot ordained to perform wedding ceremonies

Couples in Spokane have a new option for marriage when it became official Wednesday afternoon that a Spokane Indians mascot, Ribby the Redband Trout, is certified to officiate weddings.

Now, you may be wondering how a trout could unite two people in matrimony.

“With requests, it would be situational because Ribby doesn’t speak; he would need to have a fish translator,” Otto Klein, the Indians senior vice president, said.

While it is still very early in the process, the Indians have begun to brainstorm how they would pull it off if anyone requests to be married by Ribby.

“We are exploring options of how we could offer that to the public, but at the moment, nobody has reached out and asked to have Ribby ordain their wedding,” Aaron Croom, partner services and mascot coordinator of the Indians, said.

While it is common for mascots to develop into beloved public icons, becoming certified to officiate weddings is relatively new territory. The mascot of the San Jose Sharks, SJ Sharkie, has married multiple couples during the past decade.

“As far as Ribby being ordained, we found that major league mascots in other sports have been known to ordain weddings,” Croom said. “Our mascots do 200-250 appearances a year throughout the community; it’s just kind of a broader package of how our mascots can interact with our community.”

The process of Ribby’s ordination was simple. He became certified online through Universal Life Church.

Weddings are one of the popular community events for a mascot to be requested to attend. In fact, Ribby plans to attend a wedding ceremony Saturday, though not as an officiant.

“I would confidently say that professional mascots attend an average of 1-5 weddings per year,” Croom said. “Sports fans are very passionate about their brands, and it’s a fun way to engage hardcore fan bases. We’ve had a lot of positive engagement; it’s a great way to expand our community outreach and bring joy to Spokane.”

With the Indians being a High-A minor league club, the players cycle through the organization quite often. Therefore, it is difficult for players to establish themselves as fan favorites.

“Mascots are a huge part of our team’s success because players typically are here for a year or less,” Klein said. “With 80% of our team changing each year, our mascots are the most consistent piece of our organization regarding fan interaction.”

Liam Bradford's reporting is part of the Teen Journalism Institute, funded by Bank of America with support from the Innovia Foundation.

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A Superhero, A Fish And A Northwest Baseball Team's Planet-Friendly Marketing Scheme

For decades, Smokey Bear has been the poster-mammal for keeping forests clean and safe from disaster, but there are other mascots who aim to serve up a lesson in environmental consciousness.

With the score tied 8-8 in the top of the seventh inning of a minor league baseball game between the Spokane Indians and Eugene Oregon’s Emeralds, a giant fish stands waiting. Behind a gate, at the back of the stadium, in the corner, behind left field.

The Spokane Indians’ newest mascot, Ribby, doesn’t talk. He’s here to raise awareness about his species: a small Northwest fish that, over the years, has declined in number in the nearby Spokane River.

During this Seventh Inning Stretch, like a blue and red streak, Ribby runs toward home plate to rally the fans. Fans don a red and blue paper crown with a giant, leaping, fish in the middle of it.

Ian Szymanski has at least eight—maybe more—of those crowns stacked high on his head.

“I think I’m his biggest fan now,” he said.

But does Ribby’s superfan know much about the Redband trout?

“Um… no, not really,” Szymanski said with a laugh.

But with eight of them on his head he says, “Maybe, I could go online.”

Sparking interest in the Redband trout was exactly what the team’s Senior Vice President Otto Klein—an enthusiastic fly fisherman—hoped for when he came up with the idea.

But he realized before he could introduce the new mascot, he had to do one last thing.

“I had never caught a Redband. And I went down on the Spokane River and caught several Redband in one afternoon,” Klein said. “I needed to make sure that I could speak to how hard fighting they are and how beautiful they are.”

… and why the fish and its habitat are worth keeping round.

Ribby isn’t the only mascot in Spokane with a green message.

When fans see Recycle Man, they call for him and he comes running. He grabs an empty beer can from local Cherie Letz and smashes it against his forehead.

Letz already knew about Recycle Man—and that he would come to get her empties. ?But would she have recycled her can if Recycle Man wasn’t here?

“Absolutely,” she said. “He didn’t change my outlook, but I think he’s inspiring a lot of young people and that is the most important.”

And off goes the superhero, a blue streak, up three flights of stairs, red cape flapping, on the hunt for another empty.

A study from 2015 from the University of Delaware says mascots with an environmental message do change peoples’ behavior. But it’s like a major guilt trip.

But Recycle Man said, “I think the idea here is to use as a classical psychology term, positive reinforcement here.”

And that’s exactly what Recycle Man does. He doles out high fives, shakes hands, whoops and hollers every time a recyclable makes it into one of the stadium’s blue bins.

It’s also what Otto Klein hopes for with Ribby. At the bottom of the eighth inning, the Redband trout is back on the field, but keeping his distance.

“He’s got this elusive kind of mentality, and it’s all about catch and release,” Klein said. “For te fish, you really shouldn’t put your hands all over a fish, it’s not good for the scales and all that stuff, so we’ve kind of done the same thing quietly with Ribby.”

Ribby gives one last wave from far right field, kicks his fat red feet and streaks back through a hidden gate.

Perhaps for a meeting with Recycle Man on a plan to keep cans and bottles out of his riverine habitat.

Unlike other sports mascots, Ribby the Redband trout keeps his distance from fans in part to make them aware of how best to treat fish in the wild.

Minister mascot, fundraising with celebs; plus, new music!

Ultimate wedding guest unlocked. If you (like me) have always dreamed of Ribby the Redband Trout attending your future wedding, you're in luck. As of this month, the Spokane Indians mascot is now an ordained minister and can be booked to officiate weddings in the Spokane area. Since Ribby can't talk, I can only assume he'll give a little shake and boop his nose on the marriage certificate to make everything official. Or his "handler" will translate. Yeah, most likely that. You can request Ribby's wedding services online at milb.com/spokane/team/mascots . (MADISON PEARSON)

STUNNING SHOWCASE

More than 40 sports celebs will be driving and putting around the world-famous Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course on Saturday, July 29, all while raising money for the Community Cancer Fund, which since 2014 has brought in nearly $30 million in the local fight against cancer. As part of the Fan Zone experience, eight Gonzaga Men's Basketball players will be on hand to sign autographs from 11 am-12:30 pm, including Anton Watson, Ben Gregg and EWU transfer Steele Ventners. Tickets are $20 and support the CCF; kids 13 and under are free with an adult. Details at showcasegolf.com. (MADISON PEARSON)

THIS WEEK'S PLAYLIST

Noteworthy new music arriving in stores and online on July 28.

POST MALONE, AUSTIN. The famously tatted hybrid pop star's latest album — bearing his actual first name as its title — pushes his boundaries by featuring him playing guitar on each track.

CARLEY RAE JEPSEN, THE LOVELIEST TIME. The day before the Canadian pop star stops at the Gorge to open for Boygenius, she drops the optimistic companion piece to her 2022 album, The Loneliest Time.

JONI MITCHELL, AT NEWPORT. Speaking of the Gorge, if you didn't catch Joni's dazzling set there in June, fill that folky void with this new live album of the legend's surprise comeback gig at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival. (SETH SOMMERFELD)

Tags

• Arts & Culture,
• Gonzaga,
• Ribby,
• Spokane Indians,
• Post Malone,
• The Showcase,
• Community Cancer Fund

The mascot's presence adds an element of entertainment and excitement to the game, making it a memorable experience for spectators of all ages. In addition to baseball games, the Ribby mascot can also be seen at other sporting events such as basketball games, football matches, and even at music festivals and concerts. Its presence at these events helps to create a festive atmosphere and enhances the overall experience for attendees.

The Ribby mascot also plays a crucial role in promoting team spirit and unity. It often represents a specific team or organization and is used as a symbol of pride and support. Fans often wear merchandise featuring the mascot's image, such as t-shirts, hats, and flags, to showcase their allegiance to their favorite team. The mascot serves as a rallying point for fans, bringing them together and creating a sense of camaraderie and community. Overall, the Ribby mascot is a beloved figure in the world of sports and entertainment. Its lively and cheerful demeanor, coupled with its ability to engage and entertain the crowd, make it an essential part of any event. Whether at a baseball game or a music festival, the Ribby mascot is sure to bring smiles and excitement to all those who encounter it..

Reviews for "Ribby: The Mascot That Brought Luck to the Team"

1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the Ribby mascot. The costume looked cheap and poorly made, and it didn't accurately represent the character it was supposed to portray. The proportions were all wrong, and it was clear that corners were cut in the design. It was unimpressive and definitely not worth the money.

2. John - 1/5 stars - The Ribby mascot was a complete letdown. The colors were faded and dull, making it hard to even recognize the character. The costume was uncomfortable to wear and didn't fit properly. The whole experience was just underwhelming and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

3. Emily - 2/5 stars - The Ribby mascot was a disappointment. The costume was too big and awkwardly shaped, making it difficult to move around in. The material felt uncomfortable against the skin and caused irritation. Overall, it just didn't meet my expectations and I wouldn't consider purchasing it again.

The Untold Story of Ribby the Mascot: A Journey of Triumph