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Canadiens: Youppi! Inducted Into Mascot Hall Of Fame

By Patrick Lortie

MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 25: The mascot of the Montreal Canadiens Youppi takes to the field ahead of MLB spring training between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Milwaukee Brewers at Olympic Stadium on March 25, 2019 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 10-5. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 25: The mascot of the Montreal Canadiens Youppi takes to the field ahead of MLB spring training between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Milwaukee Brewers at Olympic Stadium on March 25, 2019 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 10-5. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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One of the most beloved mascots in both Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League is finally being recognized for his greatness. The big orange fluff known as Youppi! has been inducted into the prestigious Mascot Hall of Fame.

Originally inducted in 2020 but couldn’t celebrate publically due to COVID-19, the famous mascot was out in full force to accept this prestigious honor.

Youppi! of course is best known to most as the daredevil, Tommy Lasorda-bugging mascot that entertained Expos fans from 1979 until their demise in 2004. In 2005 the Montreal Canadiens bought the rights to Youppi! and introduced the orange legend in a deal that was rumored to be in the six digits. This was the first time in sports history that a mascot ever switched teams let alone sports.

The modern Youppi! is a very tame version of what Expos fans were used to see, particularly in the late 80’s and 90’s. In a game against the Dodgers in August of 89, Youppi! made history after drawing the ire of Dodgers coach Tommy Lasorda and became the first mascot in sports history to be ejected from a game.

In 1979 when he made his first appearance at the Olympic Stadium fans were left confused as to what Youppi! was exactly. After a rather docile intro, Youppi! quickly left his mark as an absolute legend of entertainment.

The bizarre yet original design was made by Bonnie Erickson, who was a designer for Jim Henson and was most famous for designing Miss Piggy.

Youppi is one of three mascots to be displayed at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY along with the Phillie Phanatic and the Famous Chicken of San Diego.

MONTREAL- MAY 12: Youppi, the Montreal Canadiens mascot holds a young fan during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Montreal Canadiens and the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on May 12, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)
MONTREAL- MAY 12: Youppi, the Montreal Canadiens mascot holds a young fan during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Montreal Canadiens and the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on May 12, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images) /

Children of all ages are automatically drawn to Youppi! as despite his unique look, he remains a very approachable ball of fluff.

To some, he might send a sting to the heart of baseball fans, but it’s still great to see that this legendary mascot will likely still stick around for a long time.

I for one, will always remember his antics on his four-wheeler.

MONTREAL, QU – CIRCA 1989: The Montreal Expos mascot Youppi performs during a Major League Baseball game circa 1989 at Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QU – CIRCA 1989: The Montreal Expos mascot Youppi performs during a Major League Baseball game circa 1989 at Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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