The San Francisco Giants baseball team has a beloved mascot that adds fun and excitement to their games. The mascot, named Lou Seal, is a friendly and enthusiastic character that has become an iconic part of the Giants fan experience. Lou Seal is a giant sea lion, which is a fitting choice considering San Francisco's close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Sea lions are known for their playful and energetic nature, which aligns perfectly with the spirit of baseball and the Giants team. Lou Seal's costume consists of a gray bodysuit with the Giants logo on the chest, along with a fluffy white belly. He also wears a Giants baseball hat and has a contagious smile on his face at all times.

Giants’ Lou Seal mascot makes it 13 straight years

CORRECTS SPELLING TO ZIMEI, INSTEAD OF ZEIMI - Lou Seal, the San Francisco Giants mascot, revs up the crowd in preparation for the Giants’ baseball game against the Colorado Rockies in San Francisco, Monday, Sept. 26, 2011. His name is Joel Zimei, but to the masses he is the beloved Lou Seal mascot. When the Giants finish their season Wednesday, Zimei will have worked 1,054 consecutive home games--a Cal Ripken-like record in his costume-wearing world.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, Associated Press

CORRECTS SPELLING TO ZIMEI, INSTEAD OF ZIEMI - CORRECTS DATE OF PHOTO - In a Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, photo, Lou Seal, the San Francisco Giants mascot, revs up the crowd in preparation for the Giants’ baseball game against the Florida Marlins in San Francisco. His name is Joel Zimei, but to the masses he is the beloved Lou Seal mascot. When the Giants finish their season Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011, Zimei will have worked 1,054 consecutive home games--a Cal Ripken-like record in his costume-wearing world.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO — Joel Zimei exhibits what can only be considered a mascot swagger.

No matter that almost nobody knows his real name, save for those behind the scenes with the San Francisco Giants. To the masses, he is the beloved Lou Seal. The mascot bounces around the ballpark, dances on the dugout and poses for photos. He signs autographs, too.

And Lou Seal is riding quite the impressive streak. When the reigning World Series champions wrap up their season Wednesday, it will mark Zimei's 1,054th consecutive home game — a Cal Ripken-like record in his costume-wearing world. That's 13 straight seasons, spanning the final days at Candlestick Park to the present in the Giants' picturesque waterfront spot.

How has he pulled off this remarkable run while balancing life as a husband, homeowner and soon-to-be first-time father?

"Stubbornness and determination," Zimei said while hurriedly getting ready for Monday night's game against the Colorado Rockies. "That's 13 straight seasons without missing a game."

Yet Zimei has lost track of his streak. He knows June 8 marked 1,000 straight home games — the team honored him with a banner that day.

After that, Zimei has to make a quick count on the magnetic schedule stuck to the door of the "Seal Cave," his locker room. It's an approximately 12-foot-by-12-foot closet where he transforms himself into San Francisco's Lou Seal simply by pulling on that larger-than-life fluffy gray seal suit.

Virtually anonymous — the way he prefers it — instincts take over once Zimei gets dressed.

"It's almost automatic, no matter how I'm feeling," Zimei said. "It's like hitting an involuntary switch and I just become Lou. After 13 years, sooner or later, it just blends."

On this night, he apologizes for the McDonald's garbage on the floor. He swears it's the first time in six months he has eaten fast-food for his pregame meal.

Sometimes, there's no choice because of the time crunch. He also needs his fuel considering how active he is each night and it's typically 45 degrees warmer inside his suit than it is outside.

Zimei has had some close calls along the way keeping his streak alive.

He once drove through the night from Reno, Nev., to make it back from vacation just in time for a day game after his flight from Denver to San Francisco got canceled.

He told his wife, Sierra, he couldn't miss the game.

"This is my full-time gig," said Zimei, who is aided with all aspects of his operation by assistant Anthony Pava. "It's the longest streak. All of us are pretty good friends. NFL guys, good luck catching me. You'd have to have a 100-year run to get close."

Zimei became Luigi Francisco Seal in 1999. He has his own magnets, World Series pictures that he autographs, even business cards with his real name and that of Lou Seal.

He's "5-foot-9-something" as he puts it and 170 pounds. In costume, Zimei stands 6-2.

Just like all the ballplayers he cheers, Zimei remembers his callup to the big leagues as if it were yesterday.

A college student in criminal justice at the time, he became a mascot by accident.

Zimei took a job working for Philadelphia's Triple-A Scranton club when he got the chance to help out the Phillies mascot during the 1998 season. That offseason, he wrote to most of the major league clubs and discovered the Giants, Mets and Red Sox all were holding mascot auditions.

"I didn't want to be a Red Sox, I didn't want to be a Met. My grandfather was a huge, huge Willie Mays fan back in the Willie Mays New York Giants days," Zimei said. "I figured it would be fun to get off the East Coast, come out here and check out California, and I've been here ever since."

In the winter, Zimei works for the NBA's Golden State Warriors across the bay in Oakland.

Though he doesn't give his body much of a break, he has never been on the mascot disabled list.

"Fortunately the injuries I have had I've been able to work through," he said. "I broke my right hand the last day of the season in 2004 because I was a sore loser and punched a brick wall after I found out we didn't make the playoffs that year. Fortunately for me it healed through the offseason."

He has gained several players' seal of approval.

"That's awesome, pretty cool," Rockies veteran Jason Giambi said. "He takes his job seriously. I'm sure every now and then he could have a schedule conflict. I like it. That's impressive."

Matt Cain, San Francisco's longest-tenured player, can appreciate Zimei's longevity, too.

"That's pretty sweet," Cain said. "I asked him earlier this year, 'How many days are you here?' He said, 'I haven't missed a day.' That's great. That's a lot. It's pretty amazing — 13 years straight, that's a long time."

Still, around AT&T Park there's one home streak that's tough to beat. Longtime equipment manager Mike Murphy hasn't missed a home game since the franchise moved West from New York in 1958.

When told about Zimei, Murphy quipped: "Oh really? I haven't missed a home game since 1958. I've missed a few road trips but never missed a home game."

That's a pair of remarkable runs for this organization to celebrate in a year the Giants won't return to the playoffs.

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He also wears a Giants baseball hat and has a contagious smile on his face at all times. Lou Seal is a multi-talented mascot and can be found dancing, interacting with fans, and leading cheers at the Giants' home games. One of the most exciting moments for fans is when Lou Seal leads the "Seal Shuffle" during the 7th inning stretch.

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This dance routine has become a Giants tradition and involves Lou Seal and the crowd dancing along to a catchy tune. It's a fun and lighthearted moment that brings everyone together and adds to the festive atmosphere of the game. Lou Seal is also involved in various promotional events and community initiatives. He can often be spotted at local schools, hospitals, and charity events, spreading joy and positivity to everyone he meets. His presence extends beyond the baseball field and reinforces the Giants' commitment to being a part of the community. Overall, Lou Seal is more than just a mascot. He is a symbol of the team's spirit and a beloved figure within the Giants fan community. Whether it's at the ballpark, in the community, or on social media, Lou Seal brings joy and excitement to fans of all ages. His energetic and playful nature embodies the team's personality and contributes to the overall enjoyment of Giants baseball..

Reviews for "Lou Seal's Greatest Rivalries: Mascot Showdowns and Iconic Moments"

1. Megan - 2 stars

I recently attended a Giants baseball game and was very disappointed with their mascot. The giant orange creature roaming around the field was more creepy than entertaining. Its oversized head and exaggerated features were off-putting, and it seemed to scare more kids than it made smile. The mascot lacked any genuine interaction with the fans, and it felt like a half-hearted attempt at engaging the audience. I think the Giants need to reevaluate their mascot choice and go for something more fun and approachable.

2. Ryan - 1 star

The Giants baseball mascot is downright terrifying. I would have preferred no mascot at all than being subjected to that monstrosity. It's supposed to be a giant, but it just looks like a mutated orange blob. The oversized head is disproportionate, and the wide grin comes across as more of a grimace. Instead of adding to the game experience, it detracts from it, making people want to avoid the creature rather than interact with it. I hope the Giants franchise reconsiders their mascot choice and opts for something less nightmare-inducing.

3. Jessica - 2 stars

As an avid Giants fan, I have to say that their mascot is a letdown. The giant orange character lacks any personality or charm. Its movements are stiff and robotic, with no real effort to engage or entertain the crowd. The design is also unimpressive, looking like a cheap knock-off of other team mascots. I think the Giants should invest in a new mascot that brings excitement and energy to the games, rather than being a stale, lifeless figure on the sidelines.

The Evolution of the Giants Baseball Mascot: How Lou Seal Grew into Its Current Form