Mascot Hall of Fame Welcomes the Noimaees: Class of 2025 Induction

In a whirlwind of fur, feathers, and face paint, five beloved mascots have danced and cheered their way into immortality. On National Mascot Day (June 17, 2025), the Mascot Hall of Fame unveiled its Class of 2025 inductees – fondly referred to here as the Nominees – live on Good Morning America. Fans across the nation tuned in for the highly anticipated reveal, celebrating the larger-than-life characters who have “thrilled crowds, rallied fans, and represented their teams with spirit and heart”. This energetic induction ceremony was not just a nod to sports sidekicks, but a full-blown celebration of community icons who bring joy wherever they go.

Who Are the Noimaees? Meet the Class of 2025

The Mascot Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 comprises five fan-favorite mascots from across sports. These characters – some veterans of decades, others record-setters in their leagues – earned their place through unwavering dedication and charm. Here’s a look at the inductees, their origins, and their roles:

• Blitz (Seattle Seahawks, NFL): A blue anthropomorphic hawk who took flight as Seattle’s mascot in 1998. Blitz has been a staple of Seahawks football for 25+ years, hyping up the “12s” (Seahawks fans) at every home game. Known for high-flying stunts, Blitz even earned the title of NFL Mascot of the Year in 2022 and is celebrated for his extensive community outreach (hundreds of charity and school events each year). From stadium skydives to sideline antics, Blitz’s aerial entrances and tireless energy embody the Seahawks’.

• Fredbird (St. Louis Cardinals, MLB): A bright red cardinal who first hatched in 1979, Fredbird has been the lovable face of Cardinals baseball for over 44 years. He’s entertained at more than 3,600 games and rallied St. Louis through three World Series championships (1982, 2006, 2011). Beyond the ballpark, Fredbird co-hosts a kids’ TV show (Cardinals Kids) – spreading baseball joy to young fans – and was already enshrined in the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame in 2018. With his signature cheerleader-style kicks and endless pranks (beware of his t-shirt cannon!), Fredbird personifies the heart of Cardinals Nation.

• S.J. Sharkie (San Jose Sharks, NHL): The self-proclaimed “hardest working fish in sports,” Sharkie is an anthropomorphic shark who debuted in 1992 when the Sharks joined the NHL. Ever since, he’s been a fixture at the “Shark Tank,” skating and clowning around at every home game. Sharkie is legendary for his daring stunts – including a famous bungee rappel from the arena rafters – and makes a splash at over 450 community appearances annually, from schools to weddings (yes, this shark has been a prom date and even a “best fish” at ceremoniessportskeeda.com!). He’s a 20-time NHL All-Star Game participant and was crowned “Most Awesome Mascot” by Cartoon Network in 2012 – the first hockey mascot ever to earn that honor.

• Sebastian the Ibis (University of Miami, NCAA): An iconic college mascot with roots as far back as the 1950s, Sebastian is a white ibis bird who embodies Hurricane pride. Folklore at The U notes that the ibis is the last animal to seek shelter before a hurricane and the first to reappear after the storm – a symbol of bravery that Sebastian has carried on since his official debut in 1958. Dressed in Miami’s orange and green, Sebastian is known for his swagger and antics (including a famous prank where he tried to put out FSU’s flaming spear with a fire extinguisher). He’s strutted through multiple national championships as the spirited ambassador of Miami’s sports. Now, as the only collegiate character in this year’s class, Sebastian brings a proud college tradition into the Hall of fame.

• TORO (Houston Texans, NFL): A bull with a big personality, TORO has been charging up crowds in Houston since the Texans’ inaugural season in 2002. Sporting Texans gear and oversized horns, TORO is the ultimate showman – flipping into endzones, performing trampoline dunks, and engaging fans with comedic skits. He’s a 11-time Pro Bowl mascot selection and this year proved his dominance by securing the highest votes from both the public and the Hall’s executive committee. “We are so proud to have TORO inducted… we share this recognition with Texans fans everywhere,” said Andrew Johnson, the Texans’ senior mascot program manager, crediting the Houston community for bringing TORO to life. Off the field, TORO runs an anti-bullying school program (“TORO Takes the BULL out of Bullying”) and even authored a children’s book about Toros life – truly a community hero in a bull suit.

Each of these mascots has become much more than just a sideline entertainer – they are community icons and the living “spirit animals” of their franchises. Together, this diverse class of inductees represents the best of the best in mascot history, from pro sports powerhouses to collegiate legends.

Why They Made the Hall: Achievements and Impact

Earning a spot in the Mascot Hall of Fame is no small feat – the selection process is competitive and criteria are strict. To even be nominated, a mascot must have at least 10 years of experience and a proven record of excellence on and off the field. The Class of 2025 emerged from a ballot of 28 nominees that included popular mascots from all corners of sports. Fans played a huge role in the outcome: over 125,000 votes were cast in a spirited two-week online voting period, reflecting an outpouring of support from communities nationwide. Those fan votes, combined with input from an executive committee of mascot performers and sports industry pros, ultimately decided which characters would receive the Hall of Fame call.

So what set Blitz, Fredbird, Sharkie, Sebastian, and TORO apart? In short, decades of dedication and some truly unique achievements:

• Blitz: Not only has Blitz been energizing Seattle since the late ’90s, he’s also earned peer recognition for his craft. In 2022, Blitz was voted NFL Mascot of the Year and even received the league’s “Anchor in the Community” award for his charitable work. Whether he’s raising the 12th Man flag, visiting hospitals, or breaking a dance move, Blitz’s impact on and off the field made him a top vote-getter.

• Fredbird: Longevity and consistency are Fredbird’s forte. With 40+ years under his wings, he has become the 9th MLB mascot ever inducted into the Hall– joining legends like the Phillie Phanatic and Mr. Met. Voters undoubtedly noticed his resume: thousands of games cheered, multiple championships witnessed, and an enduring presence in St. Louis community events. The fact that Fredbird still co-stars on a children’s TV show in his forties speaks to his lasting appeal

• S.J. Sharkie: Sharkie’s relentless work ethic earned him the nickname “Hardest Working Fish in Sports,”. He logs roughly 450 appearances a year from schools to charity eventssportskeeda.com, and has been the face of numerous community programs like “Reading Is Cool” and anti-bullying campaigns. Hall of Fame voters took note of Sharkie’s star power too – he’s represented the Sharks at over 20 NHL All-Star games and even made pop-culture waves by winning a national “Most Awesome Mascot” award on Cartoon Network Few mascots can boast that kind of influence on both sports and community, making Sharkie a shoo-in.

• Sebastian the Ibis: As a college mascot, Sebastian brought a different kind of legacy. He’s been rallying Miami Hurricanes fans for generations – literally since the 1950s – and is intertwined with the very identity of the university. His induction recognizes not just his longevity, but also his cultural impact: Sebastian is a symbol of Miami’s resilience (just like the ibis bird he portrays) and a staple at championship games and campus events. He’s led the Hurricanes onto the field for decades and even sparked national headlines with his mischievous antics. In the Hall of Fame voting, Sebastian’s storied history and unmistakable swagger clearly resonated.

• TORO: The numbers speak volumes for TORO. According to the Houston Texans, TORO “earned the highest number of votes amongst the Executive Committee and ranked highest for public votes of all mascots on the ballot” houstontexans.com – essentially topping both the judge’s scorecard and the fan poll. This double victory reflects TORO’s standout reputation. His high-flying acrobatics (from backflips to big stunts) and hilarious social media pranks have made him a modern fan favorite. More importantly, his community involvement – like reaching over 50,000 kids with his anti-bullying school program – shows the heart beneath the horns. TORO’s all-around excellence made it easy to see why he deserved the Hall call on the first try.

Collectively, the Class of 2025 excelled in the core values the Mascot Hall of Fame looks for: character, performance, community impact, Each inductee has a unique story of how they’ve gone above and beyond the typical mascot duties to become beloved ambassadors for their teams and cities. They ignite fan passion, create lifelong memories, and even inspire charity and education – truly earning the title of Hall of Famers.

A Hall of Fame Homecoming and Legacy

Induction into the Mascot Hall of Fame is a lifetime honor, but for these characters it’s also a new beginning of celebration. In the coming months, each mascot will enjoy a hometown induction ceremony. Rather than one central event, the Hall of Fame is hitting the road – “Induction ceremonies will be held in each mascot’s home city, offering fans a front-row seat to celebrate their local legend,” the Hall announced. That means Seahawks fans will see Blitz feted at Lumen Field, Cardinals fans will cheer Fredbird at Busch Stadium, and so on. Expect pom-poms shaking and confetti cannons blasting in each city, as local communities get to personally thank the mascots that have given them so much joy.

Hall of Fame founder David Raymond sees the bigger picture in all this. By honoring mascots, the Hall “celebrates the unsung heroes of sports and communities”. These five inductees, the Noimaees of 2025, exemplify the positive impact a costumed character can have – from elevating team spirit to lifting children’s spirits in a hospital visit. They prove that mascotting is an art and a passion that deserves recognition. As Raymond put it, “Mascots don’t just hype up crowds, they bring us together, lift our spirits, and create lifelong memories" From David's LinkedIn

So here’s to Blitz, Fredbird, S.J. Sharkie, Sebastian the Ibis, and TORO – the newest members of the Mascot Hall of Fame. Their induction is an energetic, celebratory reminder that sports are about more than scores on a board; they’re about joy, community, and a giant dancing bird or bull making us all feel like kids again. The Class of 2025 has taken a well-earned victory lap into the Hall of Fame, and the whole mascot-loving world is cheering – loudly, colorfully, and with endless spirit – right alongside them.

Class of 2025 Photos

Sources:

• Official Mascot Hall of Fame Class of 2025 miamihurricanes.com

• Good Morning America coverage of National Mascot Day reveal (ABC News, June 17, 2025) abcnews.go.com

• St. Louis Cardinals & KRCG News – Fredbird induction krcgtv.com

• Houston Texans Official Release – TORO’s Hall of Fame induction houstontexans.com

• Sportskeeda – S.J. Sharkie profile and achievements (mascot appearances and awards) sportskeeda.com

Small Editor Note: We released incorrect information pertaining to the Hall still having an active location. The original location is now closed, and in the near future, Mascot Hall of Fame may return in physical form. For now, it will remain a great online resource, and mascot celebrations will be held at their home locations, as we stated a bit earlier in this article.