MASCOT CONSULTING'S President and Operating Manager is
Joby Giacalone, the original "Homer" the Dragon
for the Charlotte Knights between 1989 and 1993, and "
Dinger" the Dinosaur for the Colorado Rockies during the 1994 and 1995
seasons. Both of these characters were "born" under his care, as he was
the first to don the costumes and create the image.
When in character, Joby became the soul of the mascot. Joby knows the
purpose of the mascot is to entertain the audience, while projecting the
image of the organization and the team it represents. While in Charlotte
along with the committment from the Knights, he was able to turn "Homer"
into a strong revenue generating source. Gross revenues from public
appearances, grew from around $1200 in 1989, to a scheduled $15000, by March of 1994.
As a mascot, he made many guest appearances at minor league games including;
Charlotte, NC; Huntsville, TN; Chattanooga, TN; Columbia, SC;
Portland, OR; Billings, MT; Hagerstown, MD; Frederick, MD; Quad cities, IL;
Hickory, NC; and more. While in Charlotte he was able to create a character
that brought the fans to the ballpark by making "Homer" a vital part of the
entertainment package. Joby developed "Homer's Heroes", a school program,
which helped attendance and kept the presence of the Knights in the community
year round. Attendance at the Charlotte Knights home games increased
dramatically every year during his time in Charlotte.
While in Colorado Joby helped coordinate the campaign to name the mascot. He
introduced the Rockies to the concept of Hospital visits as a method to give
back to the community, and made it a practice to visit local hospitals
regularly. "Dinger" began to make the minor league circuit in only his first
year of existance by visiting the Rockies affiliates in Asheville, NC, New Haven,
CN, and Bend, OR. "Dinger Claus" was a program designed by Joby which involved
the mascot appearing as Santa Claus for photo opportunities at the novelty
stores owned by the Rockies. Joby was also invited along with the Phillie
Phanatic, to entertain in Puerto Rico, at the Carlos Baerga Celebrity Softball
for Charity Tournament in December of 1995.
cosmo@mascotconsulting.com