Yes, It's Hot in Here: Adventures in the Weird, Woolly World of Sports Mascots

by A.J. Mass

Yes, It's Hot in Here explores the entertaining history of the mascot from its jester roots in Renaissance society to the slapstick pantomime of the Clown Prince of Baseball, Max Patkin, all the way up to the mascots of the slam-dunk, rock-and-roll, Jumbotron culture of today. Along the way, author AJ Mass of ESPN.com (a former Mr. Met himself) talks to the pioneers among modern-day mascots like Dave Raymond (Phillie Phanatic), Dan Meers (K. C. Wolf), and Glenn Street (Harvey the Hound) and finds out what it is about being a mascot that simply won't leave the performer.

Mass examines what motivates high school and college students to compete for the chance to wear a sweaty animal suit and possibly face the ridicule of their peers in the process, as well as women who have proudly served as mascots for teams in both the pro and amateur ranks. In the book's final chapter, Mass climbs inside a mascot costume one more time to describe what it feels like and, perhaps, rediscover a bit of magic.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Baseball, Pop Culture

240 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2014

Reviews

[Lance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mascots are as much a part of sports as are the players and coaches. They interact with fans, perform various acts on the field of play during breaks in the game and will make many appearances outside of sports on behalf of the school or team. A former Mr. Met, A. J. Mass writes about life as a mascot and shares some interesting stories about life as a mascot.

Not all of those stories are about himself, though. Whie the star of the book describes how Mr. Met came into existence and his time as the mascot at Shea Stadium, Moss writes about others who have lived the life of a mascot. There are good stories on famous mascots such as the San Diego Chicken (Ted Giannonulas), the Phillies Phanatic (Dave Raymond) and the Phoenix Gorilla (Henry Rojas).

The stories on other less prominent mascots and the people who wore those costumes are even better. There are many names - at times it’s hard to keep track of who was which mascot - but nonetheless they are all entertaining and for the most part uplifting, such as stories of two young women who were glass ceiling breakers when they became mascots for the Syracuse University Orange and MLB’s Oakland Athletics. There are also stories of some mascots, especially in Pittsburgh, where the men in the costume of the Parrot ran afoul of the law.

Moss did try to get back in costume one last time just before writing this book (published in 2014) but was rebuffed by the Mets. It’s clear in his writing about the team that while he enjoyed being Mr. Met, he had no love lost for the team’s front office, especially those in marketing and communication, the areas that primarily hire and fire mascots. It’s not a very stable job and like athletes, age can cut short the time one can perform. But like the job, this book can be fun and if one likes to see the mascots as well as the players then read this book

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[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't hate this, but there was a good chunk of the book that was just kind of... boring. I think I went into this thinking it would be more conversational with other mascots when it was just short stories of his experience being a mascot over a decade ago and then putting a couple stories from other mascots in.

I did find it interesting how different places view mascots differently, especially when it comes to their anonymity or lack thereof.

The writing wasn't terrible and it did hold my interest. It would have been a lot more enjoyable if my expectations weren't so incorrect. I don't know if many sports fans would be jumping up to read this book, but maybe people interested in being a mascot would find it fun.

[Mrs. Kenyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Modern day mascots are believed to have originated from the Renaissance jester. Their main role is entertaining an audience and keeping them focused on the “floor.” Yes, It’s Hot in Here explores what it is like to be a mascot in the sports world. Mass covers high school, college and professional sports teams and what is expected from these individuals. Although there are times where Mass comes across as a jaded ex-employee, readers will see his love for this role and explore aspects of the team mascot that only a few would have already known. This is not a book I would normally pick up, but it was nominated to be a “Rosie Book” and after looking deeper into the description I thought I would give it a try. Once I got into the stories, I couldn’t help but keep reading. This is one of those books that will need to be talked up, yet will satisfy the readers who are willing to try.

[Exapno Mapcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are two things that you will find out in this book. The first is that being a mascot is harder than it looks, and people see fur and their minds go to cartoon characters and forget about the person inside the suit. The second is that nobody likes the San Diego Chicken, whenever a performer goes up to him, he responds with a warning.

As a former Mr. Met, AJ provides an entertaining look into the world of mascots, both is own time underneath the baseball and with others, some veterans like himself and others just beginning.

Free review copy.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

A super-enjoyable and educational book about a weird part of the sports world. I liked it a lot, but am surprised he didn't even mention furries, and aside from his words to the contrary, it's pretty obvious he hasn't gotten over losing his job as Mr. Met.

[Jami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book :)

[Webberly Rattenkraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've spent some time in assorted mascot suits myself, and the author vividly captures both the highs and lows of the job. From stinky suits to indifferent management on the downside, there's always the joy of performance that makes it worthwhile.

[Chris Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Book. Read it if you want a peek into the world of Team Mascots!!! Fun to see the human side of these entertainers

[David Gao · Rating 3 out of 5]

When it comes to book topics, it can't get much more lighthearted than sports mascots. Reading Yes, It's Hot in Here inside the house while the COVID-19 pandemic developed, postponing the start of the MLB season and cancelling other events that we've grown to take for granted, certainly highlighted this point.

With that being said, I enjoyed AJ Mass' candor in taking us behind the mask. There are the expected jovial anecdotes, but also plenty of earnest insight as to the unglamorous underbelly of the profession.

Unfortunately, mascots ultimately entertain best through a visual medium, and despite Mass' best efforts, you just don't quite get the same laughs when a mascots' pantomime is described via text, and not conveyed visually. My hope is that one day a documentary version of this book is released.

[Luke V · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and light hearted romp through the story of sports mascots... appreciate that it's written by a former mascot, that insider understanding is helpful. Not a particularly compelling read, but it is interesting to read about the mascot labor market, the mascot-management relationship, gender issues, etc. The author belabors some points, such as his issues with Mets management, and the rudeness of the Chicken.

[Ron · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly I did not finish it.

It was interesting and then about halfway through I simply lost interest.

The author is a very good writer, It was very enjoyable, Just somewhere along the line I lost interest.

I'm not blaming the author.

It really was a fun book.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good. Very easy light read for anyone interested in the silly world of mascots. Gives personal account from multiple mascots across various sports leagues and sport levels. Loved it!

[Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read, good stories

[Gene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Occasionally funny and though he claims he doesn't, the author seems to have a chip on his shoulder.

[Kaitlyn Slack · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like sports, a charming and quick read. Multiple LOL moments and I probably won’t ever brush off an annoying sports mascot ever again!

[Jackson Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

for a former mascot this book was amazing from its history to what it entails to what fun stories come from beibg in a hit suit for hours on end

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw an article in the USA Today about this book that discussed the first chapter and Mr. Met being told by a Secret Service agent that if he got near President Bill Clinton there were snipers on the roof that would shoot him. That story alone interested me enough that I downloaded the book to my Kindle. Mistake.
After the the Secret Service story the author, A.J. Mass, takes the reader on a long trip through the history of mascots. I would enjoy it more if Mass would have just started with the early sports mascot in America the San Diego Chicken.
I am not a fan of the NY Mets but was when seeing the cover of the book on Amazon I assumed, wrongly, that the book was going to deal with stories from his years working for the NY Mets and maybe other sports. He shares a couple stories about being with the Mets but most of the time that he discusses the Mets it is to rip them for not sharing his vision for the future of Mr. Met and than being fired by the team via email. The first time he mentions the way he was treated by the team it is understandable him being upset but as the book continues he continues to rip the club about how it is run and why it is so horrible.
Instead of this book being stories about Mass' time with the Mets he interviews other mascots around the country about their experiences. All sports and levels are interviewed. College tryouts are discussed for different universities. Also the introduction of women into the largely male dominated field both in college but also in the pros.
He doesn't just grind the ax against the Mets either. The original sports mascot San Diego Chicken, Ted Giannoulas, get his fair shots too not just from Mass but other mascots. At first it just comes across that maybe Mass is difficult to get along with but after a few other mascots discuss how unlikable Giannoulas is than it is a little more believable. Than again mascots maybe hard to get along with because more than one have stories about not getting along with the front office of a team and being fired or let go due to creative differences.
After watching the HuluPlus series Behind the Mask I was a little more interested in learning about the people that strive to be mascots. The people in that show did not come across like the majority of the people interviewed for this book. They were doing for the love of the sport, team, school or community. They all were happy doing and for the couple looking toward moving on they were disappointed. This book just seemed to be an attempt by a disgruntled former employee to get some shots off at a former employer while writing about a topic not usually talked about because of the secrecy around being a mascot.

[Jon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a particularly well written book on a fun, interesting topic. Mr. Mass, the author, comes across - and to his credit he admits to this - often as bitter and angry at the Mets organization for firing him. I understand that Mr. Mass is trying to show the reader that professional mascots are a world and community on their own where not everyone is friendly and competition among each other can be fierce just like any other industry. Reading other comments on the book from folks apparently in the know, the world that Mr. Mass depicts is not entirely accurate.

I must also say this. I like hearing "insider gossip" as much as the next person but I often felt that in this book it comes across as quite nasty. The man who plays the San Diego Chicken may in fact be an ego maniacal jerk in real life - and Mr. Mass also states that the Chicken turned down an opportunity to be interviewed for the book. But I felt that the fairly frequent trashing of this individual - by other mascots - was unnecessary. We got it the first time you bashed him. And the Chicken isn't the only mascot that gets trashed, so do several individuals in the book who DID talk to Mass and apparently help out with the research for this book.

In other words, the book is a mess and all over the map. It's s shame because Mass did in fact have something with the subject matter.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many other people have criticized Yes, It's Hot in Here because A.J. Mass is too cynical and because it comes off as him complaining about how poorly the Mets treated him. While Mass does come off as disgruntled, most of the time it works in this book. Being a mascot is not all fun and games (as the title suggests). I rather enjoyed the behind the curtain reveals into how the Mets treated Mass. To me, this speaks volumes about how the organization is run as a whole.

Mass provides a lot of interesting information about mascots, including several humorous anecdotes about what a mascot experiences on a daily basis. From this book, I do have a greater appreciation for mascots, and there certainly is a difference between a great mascot and just some guy in a costume.

Yes, It's Hot in Here sometimes got a bit off track with Mass's personal vendettas, whether against the Mets or the San Diego Chicken, but most of the time Mass's sardonic and oftentimes ridiculing tone is what made this book enjoyable for me. If this book simply provided whimsical anecdotes of being a mascot, there would be nothing here. Mass does a great job of expressing his sheer joy in the world of mascots as well. Overall, Mass strikes a nice balance, providing the reader with just about everything they could want from a book about mascots.

[Mac J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mac J.
2/8/15
I recently read Yes, It’s Hot in Here by AJ Mass. It is full of short stories and history of Major League Baseball mascot’s experiences and how they came to be. One of the best Mascots ever is the Phillies Phanatic. He is well known and is loved by everyone. The first Phanatic was named Dave Raymond and he was an intern for the Phillies during the summer. The Phillies called him, and asked him if he was interested in becoming a mascot. He replied by saying yes without giving it much thought, and that is how the Phanatic was born.
AJ Mass knows so much about mascots because for a couple of years, he, himself, was Mr. Met! His message is that mascots are very important because everyone enjoys them and they make everyone laugh. Everyone loves a funny troublemaker and Mascots bring just the right mix of comedy and chaos to ballparks everywhere. Mass also talks about how his life has changed since he was Mr. Met. Mass writes, “Mascots are indeed magic. But at long last, I’ve broken free from the spell.” (222) Mass isn’t mad about not being able to bring joy to thousands of people everyday like he did when he was Mr. Met. Mass looks at it positively and is happy that at one point, he was able to do that. This was a great book full of history, comedy, and a new way of viewing how mascots impact sports.

[Jen Selinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A.J. Mass was once a public figure who was beloved by those who came to see him. In the mid 1990s, A.J. was none other than Mr. Met, the mascot for the New York Mets baseball team. Things were going great until early 1998, when A.J. received an e-mail informing him that he was going to be replaced as Mr. Met. This news came as a bit of a shock, but A.J. was not bitter. He knew that it was time to move on with his life. In his book, A.J. describes what it means to be a mascot, starting with the history of the word, going all the way up to a recap of his days as Mr. Met. In between are funny, heartwarming, and shocking stories about those who suited up to take on the role. And, as for the question about the temperature inside the suit, A.J. answers quite simply: "Yes, It’s Hot in Here!"

[E · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, not great. Wish he had spent more time talking about what it was like to be Mr. Met. What he did from day to day. What his routine at the stadium was. How he came up with his antics. Instead, most of what we get is how bad the Mets brass was (which was undoubtedly the case, but still . . .). His interviews with other mascots are mildly interesting, but he lets them complain too much about their former employers and about each other. The history of mascots was very perfunctory and could have been much deeper.

So, despite the title, Mass doesn't do a very good job of bringing you inside the costume. I learned a few "inside baseball" tidbits, but I wouldn't recommend this book.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please note that I read the uncorrected proof.

The anecdotes and history of mascot work is super interesting. Many of the stories were fun and mentioned mascots I grew up with, and I had no idea how much effort it can take to be one. The book, however, was poorly organized, and reading through it, I had no sense of time for these stories. A lot of them were mashed together in the same chapters.

This is definitely a fun read as long as you are not looking for chronology.

[Jwonnacott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected this book to have more fun and entertaining stories about being a mascot. The first chapter is an entertaining story about Clinton being at a Mets game and Mr. Met's interaction with the secret service. It was basically downhill from there as the rest of the book seemed to be about how hard it is to be a mascot and how little management values them.

[K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing book, but too much information. It would have made a good short story, but went into more detail than was necessary. The author is amusing and has a entertaining voice and humble, self-deprecating humor, but unless your are a die-hard baseball fan, this probably wouldn't be all that interesting to the general reader.

[Kim Wong · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author's hurt feelings about his history with the NY Mets shines clearest in this part-history of mascots in sports, part-memoir about his time as Mr. Met, part-reflection on his attempted comeback as a mascot. The divided focus gives the book an overall slight feeling.

[Chris]

I was expecting a personal memoir from someone with an entertaining and weird job, but this is a bitter, gossipy, tell-all about the sports mascot community. The dirt on the San Diego chicken is only the beginning.

[Francis Cuncich · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Who's your Gorilla?

Henry Rojas

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mostly entertaining look at the world of sports mascots. However, there was a bit too much attention paid to the author's 15+ year old grievances against Mets management. We get it, now let it go.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an ok read. The mascots stories are often interesting, but I also detected a lot of bitterness. True, it sounds like mascotting is a thankless job, but there was a lot of complaining.