'Gapper' was introduced as the furry companion to
Mr. Red, the long-time
mascot of the
Cincinnati Reds in the winter of
2002 as the franchise was preparing to move to their new home,
Great American Ballpark at a holiday event sponsored by the team. The mascot was created by David Raymond's Raymond Entertainment Group, the founder being the man inside the
Phillie Phanatic costume from
1978 to
1993. A young fan won two season tickets for submitting the winning name.
Biography
(Furnished by the Cincinnati Reds Marketing Department)
Born: Unknown (still a few years from maturity though)
Height: 5'7" (insists he's 5'7 3/4")
Weight: A few pounds short of the elevator limit
Physical Aspects: Red & Furry skin, Reds Jersey (?), "
Junior" style backwards cap
Career Goals: One at-bat against the Phillie Phanatic, one pitching appearance versus
Bernie Brewer, to last as long and be as beloved as Mr. Red.
Wants to Meet: YOU!! (Say "Hi" at the next Reds game.)