I’m in it for the kids

By Mike Trask

Monday, April 7, 2008 | 2 a.m.

Krissy Krummenacker / Reading (Pa.) Eagle

Children surround and tug at “Quack,” the Reading Phillies’ mascot, played by former Reading Eagle and current Las Vegas Sun reporter Mike Trask.

So the Las Vegas Wranglers need somebody new to fill the 98-inch waist of The Duke.

It’s unclear whether wannabe mascots will be lining up outside the Orleans, looking to become the next furry green monster to fill in the time between faceoffs.

But I have someone in mind for the job. Me.

I know hockey, having grown up on backyard rinks in Buffalo and journeyed to Canada for more than one mid-December tilt. I’m still getting a good skate in once a week with my bar league squad.

But more important, I know a bit about mascoting. A few years back (and I have the pictures to prove it) I handled the role of Quack the Rubber Ducky at a Double-A baseball game in Reading, Pa.

The Reading Phillies lost that night. But I learned that scoreboards have no relevance to a mascot. You have a schedule to maintain, even as your face rubs against the smelly insides of a raggedy 6-foot-7 yellow suit.

There are hyper kids to visit in the pavilion. A little later, it’s time to give away a pizza, and it’s important to keep people begging before sliding the pie to a child.

Next up comes signing autographs with gloves that don’t have fingers.

Take a break. Get some water.

Dance on the dugout. Take some photos. Avoid the roundhouse rights thrown by 5-year-old heathens.

Never fight back. Never talk.

Keep the feet moving as the suit gets wetter and heavier.

Finish the night off by giving high-fives at the exits. Put the suit away in the dank mascot locker room beneath the stands.

Waddle to the car and realize nobody wants to hug you when you’re not dressed up in a ridiculous costume.

It’s a demanding, exhausting and dirty job. I know this.

But it is unbelievably fun.

And really, how many people in Las Vegas can skate and mascot?

THIS WEEK’S BEST BET

Las Vegas Wranglers vs. Stockton Thunder

7:05 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Orleans Arena

The Wranglers have been great in the regular season for the past three years but have stumbled in the playoffs. This year, they have their eyes on the Kelly Cup.

TICKETS: $18.50 and up

ON THE WEB: www.lasvegaswranglers.com, www.orleansarena.com

ALSO WORTH A LOOK

Las Vegas 51s vs. Colorado Springs Sky Sox

7:05 p.m. Thursday, Cashman Field

Yeah, yeah, it’s the final game of the eight-game opening home stand. But the real reason to go is dollar beer night.

TICKETS: $8 and up

ON THE WEB: www.lv51.com