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Wanted: Experienced Person To Don Rays' Mascot Costume

Tribune photo by KATHY MOORE

Less than a month after sacking the woman who was their team mascot for five years, the Tampa Bay Rays are seeking a new Raymond.

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By KEITH MORELLI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 5, 2008

TAMPA - Less than a month after sacking the woman who was their team mascot for five years, the Tampa Bay Rays are seeking a new Raymond.

The team will consider wannabes with one to four years of experience who can run a mascot program, which includes scheduling appearances, "costume maintenance and skit planning."

According to the job description on the Rays' Web site, the mascot must perform at all 81 home games and other events and "play a pivotal role in pumping up the crowd, while helping create a positive and energetic experience for all fans."

The new mascot also will be responsible for "researching, creating and purchasing props and costumes for Raymond."

Also, the person in the fluffy costume "must be able to take on the brand and personality of Raymond, including but not limited to the signature 'belly-wiggle,' energetic dance moves, quirky antics, and the love for kids, families and the Rays."

Applicants must provide links to online video performances or send a DVD of live performances along with a cover letter and résumé by Dec. 31 to Tampa Bay Rays, Attention Courtney Jantz, 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg FL 33705.

In November, the Rays fired Kelly Frank, 27, of St. Petersburg, who had donned the Raymond garb at home games and other events for five years.

Frank said she received good evaluations and her firing was a shock.

Rays officials declined to comment on Frank's dismissal but vowed Raymond would live on.

The mascot's pay depends on various issues, team spokesman Rick Vaughn said, including experience and the number of event appearances beyond home games.

Reporter Keith Morelli can be reached at (813) 259-7760 or kmorelli@tampatrib.com.

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