Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Dissecting Nick Diaz's Positive Drug Test

What do you think about this idea?

I've almost brought this up a time or two as Seattle's departure has come closer and closer to reality.  I, like most here hope it doesn't happen... but if it does there's something I'd love to see happen:  
Adopt Squatch as our mascot.

I almost brought this idea up in Dave's recent diary on the main page about if we could consider changing the name to something other that the Portland Trailblazers (I always liked the idea of the Oregon Trailblazers BTW, more inclusive, and still state specific... making the name itself make more sense to the nation... but that's a whole other discussion).  Unfortunately I would have posted at the end of the diary and thought this idea was worth consideration and discussion.

There are several reasons I like this plan.  First and foremost: I think Blaze is one of the sillier mascots out there... and this is coming from a guy who's Alma Mater is Syracuse University and was involved in the protests that ultimately saved Otto the Orange.  One of the most unidentifiable authentic mascots ever.  Blaze isn't far behind.  I can't tell you how many times I've had to tell people that blaze is a cat, or try to answer the inevitable question "Just what is a trail-cat?  A cat that likes trails?"  I don't know... if you google trail cat you don't come up with a definition other than Blaze.  Now, I'm all for abstract thought, I just... well I just don't like Blaze.

Flip-side:  I think Squatch is one of the best mascots ever.  I've been jealous of him for years... realizing that Oregonians should have equal dibs on such a mascot if only we had thought of it first.  Squatch may remain with the Sonics in Oklahoma City, but what kind of sense does that make?  None, only people in the NW can see a sasquatch, real or imagined.  Sasquatches are kind of magical that way.  It could be the water.  It could be the recreational habits, legal and / or otherwise.  Regardless I've decided that nobody can ever see a sasquatch outside of the northwest, and I don't need any evidence to back up that statement, we all know it's true.  I can't see that gesture of keeping Squatch the Sonics mascot anything that will keep former fans cheering for the team if they've already stopped cheering.  For those that are still die-hard Sonics fans, they'll probably remain so they'll just be Oklahoma City Sonics fans until the team fails to the point where even the current ownership group won't take part in it any longer, and I don't think they'll bail on the team if Squatch is replaced, cause hey, it makes sense.

Finally:  This would be a gesture that (although not my primary intent) could be an olive branch so to former our city to the north.  If I were a Sonics fan who were contemplating cheering for the Blazers post Sonics departure and I loved Squatch it wouldn't hurt my chances of jumping on the Trailblazer Express.

So, what do you all think of this idea.  I know there are complications, serious ones... will the Sonics forsake their mascot?  Will we be able to pick Squatch up if they do forsake?  Will this be embraced by the Blazer fan base?  Will there be a transitional period where we have 2 mascots?  Will there be kids crying from the Pacific as far as Boise and from the Columbia down to just south of the Oregon Caves?  I do not know... what I do know is I'd love to have us some Squatch!

Poll
Would you like to see Squatch become a mascot for the Trailblazers assuming the Sonics leave Seattle?
Yes, this may be the most brilliant idea I've ever heard.
10 votes
Yes, but it's not that brilliant Jeremy.
15 votes
Yes, but only if we keep Blaze too permanently, it's about history.
9 votes
Yes, but we need a transitional period which should be easy enough to work out .
1 votes
No, I loves me some Blaze.
4 votes
No, I'm not crazy about Blaze, but it's all about history, Blaze stays forever, solo.
8 votes
No, but only because the Sonics will take Squatch, crazy as that is in OK City.
2 votes
No, I hate Squatch, I may not like Blaze, but I hate Squatch.
7 votes

56 votes | Poll has closed

Comment 29 comments  |  0 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

I still find
it hilarious that we came up with Blaze during the dark years....... genius!

by iDea on Mar 26, 2008 11:13 AM PDT reply actions  

Would Squatch be part of the Sonics domain?
Then don't forget this, from yesterday:

. . . if the franchise leaves for Oklahoma City as widely expected, the team name might stay behind.

During a breakfast meeting for team sponsors Friday . . . [jackalope #1] Clay Bennett said
he wants to negotiate a settlement in which he will take the team's players and coaches,
but leave the team's name, colors and 41-year history behind for another franchise to adopt, The Seattle Times reported.

Sonics spokesman Dan Mahoney confirmed Bennett's statement on Monday.

In its $26.5 million settlement offer to Seattle leaders, the team's ownership group said,
"We understand the city's desire to reserve the Sonics name for a future franchise
and will support the city's effort with the NBA on this issue," according to the report.

If the name, colors (including red?), and history stayed in Seattle to be reserved for
a future Sonics team, a la the Cleveland Browns, then I'd have to imagine Squatch would be part of that package.

Even so, in the interim, I'd gladly welcome Squatch to Blazer games as some sort of visiting "guest mascot",
while he's in teamless limbo waiting for a future Seattle SuperSonics team to emerge from the gloom.

Blazers have a five-on-three...and they pull it back and wait for help.

by QualityPie on Mar 26, 2008 11:22 AM PDT reply actions  

Nice Find QP!
I hadn't read this, thank you even if it does make it much less likely that Squatch can become our mascot... but that's greatly off set by a team remaining in Seattle.

by drawingjeremy on Mar 26, 2008 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions  

Squatch
would likely be part of the sonics domain that will be left behind in Seattle.  I think this move will be Sonics renamed in OK City and reborn down the road in Seattle.

It would be so weird to jack somebody else's mascot.

Although Squatch is one of the best.

I would do it with a massive approval from up North, but I can't see that happening either.  They've been trained to root against us, and I don't think many Seattle fans will be jumping on our bandwagon.  Not with all the rampant jealousy!

"Stick a knife in 'em, their done!" ~ Mike Rice

by courtsideerrandboy on Mar 26, 2008 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions  

Only one reservation
How does this free agent signing affect our cap space in 09?
I'm frequently right, but always certain

by jscot on Mar 26, 2008 11:34 AM PDT reply actions  

If this was 2003, what would that matter?
Headline: "GM Nash Offers Squatch 6-Year Deal Worth $82 Million"
Blazers have a five-on-three...and they pull it back and wait for help.

by QualityPie on Mar 26, 2008 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions  

I kinda like Blaze.
He's goofy.  It would be really weird to see Squatch for Blazer Games when I'm used to seeing Blaze, even if Blaze stays too.  It would also be weird to have a Seattle mascot in the Rose Garden.

by ranma on Mar 26, 2008 12:55 PM PDT reply actions  

Well,
we've had Squatch in the Garden before.  When it's Blaze's birthday celebration they bring in all sorts of other mascots and have fun with it... probably the best mascot performances that I've seen at the Garden... but I get your point.  It would be weird, if we could pull it off I'm still all for it... you know the bumper sticker Keep Portland Weird.

On the goofy topic I hate to say it but our in-studio game time reporters have grown on me, especially after seeing the disaster that was Duckworth.  I never thought I'd be a supporter of Tony and Michael, but they have grown on me, goof-balls for sure, effective, over time for me, yes.

by drawingjeremy on Mar 26, 2008 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions  

Combine them
Put furry hair on the cat and call him Blazesquatch.

--Dave

by Dave on Mar 26, 2008 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

Well that would address history some
all be it in a kind of weird GMO kind of way.  I'd support it, but I want that sasquatch face... what if we went with the sasquatch face and hair (gotta have the Chewbacca like hair), but let him have a red tail (I think we can take some liberties in just what a sasquatch has evolved into, sorry purists), and maybe even some pointy cat ears.  The name Blazesquatch doesn't work so well for me, I'd like Trailsquatch more but then we really aren't honoring the Blaze history as much.  I know, we could have Squatch constantly play with fire!  OK, I best stop heading in this direction, mascots are role models for the kids after all.

by drawingjeremy on Mar 26, 2008 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

NO TAIL!!!
That tail is creeepy....mega creepy!! It looks like big crooked .......let just say it reminds me of Ron Jeremy after he tried getting romantic with a brick wall. Remember "mascots are role models for the kids after all".

by 92wastheyear on Mar 26, 2008 8:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

Depending on Blaze's gender
we could put hair on her and call her Snatchsquatch.

by timg56 on Mar 26, 2008 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

Wouldn't it be...
   Wouldn't it be just too cruel? For Sonic fans. Tough enough we take "Mr.Sonic" and make him our coach. Then Clay Bennett backs up the moving vans. I wouldn't want to rub it in their faces by adopting the squatch.

  We would need a cooling off period. Like dating and break-ups. How long before you can "talk" to another teams abandoned mascot?

  I do REALLY think it would be a great idea if the Sonics are moved, if we allowed the Squatch to come to our home games against Oklahoma. Have him wear a I HATE BENNET T-Shirt and root against Oklahoma, that I think would make Seattle fans feel better.

"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"

by Krang on Mar 26, 2008 12:57 PM PDT reply actions  

That would be a lot of fun,
and I think a great first step to adopt Squatch if we could pull it off... on the other hand if it goes down like mentioned in the article QP sited Seattle needs to keep Squatch... on the other hand if Squatch isn't part of the deal, maybe some guest appearances, etc... then down the road if that idea hasn't made serious headway we can make a play for Squatch.

by drawingjeremy on Mar 26, 2008 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions  

I'd love it, but for me it depends
if this is partially a gesture to Seattle, as Krang pointed out, might they not like the adoption of Squatch by us.  I think this point is debatable, no matter what it would require some tact.  So, if the idea is to not adopt our neighbors to the north mascot, rather steal the idea, and not to consider this an invite at all then Yeti is great because there wouldn't be any real problem other than looking like we ripped off Seattle during a weak moment, the had Squatch, we have Yeti.  On the other hand if it's about that olive branch and encouragement to join us in routing for a team that should be pretty easy to win people over towards (future, character, GOd, Roy, LMA....) then I think that adopting Squatch will be more effective in establishing some sort of kinship with our former rivals to the north.

by drawingjeremy on Mar 26, 2008 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions  

Sorry, no.
Chris Kaman is already under contract to the Clippers.
Did you really put stuff on top of the eggs? Like, for real? He put . . . HE PUT THE LIGHT BULBS ON THE BOTTOM!

by QualityPie on Mar 26, 2008 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

interesting
I have been jealous of Squatch too.  Maybe we just give him back when Seattle gets a team again.  This got me thinking about other applicable trail blazer mascots.

-Comic Book Blaze (awesome!!) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blaze_and_Satanus
-Team of Oxen pulling a covered wagon (even better...pulling a Chevy Trailblazer)
-Sacagawea
-Heavy Metal band "Blaze"
-Mongo from BLAZing saddles

by clonigro on Mar 26, 2008 1:18 PM PDT reply actions  

I had never heard of the comic character
and have to say I'd support any of these mascots over our current (especially Mongo) but I (and probably you) would still be jealous of Squatch.

OK, I'm signing out for now, this has been fun, keep the discussion going, I'll check in tonight!

by drawingjeremy on Mar 26, 2008 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions  

This Needs a Cage Match
I think Blaze and Squatch should battle it out.  They could have Squatch come in with all of his belongings wrapped in a handkerchief at the end of a stick.  Blaze could call the cops to try to get Squatch to move on.  After a while, Squatch could just take over some of Blaze's duties until Blaze gets fed up and hits Squatch with a folding chair.  After a few skirmishes they could have a WWE type match to see who would be the permanent mascot.
The square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other two sides.

by tominhawaii on Mar 26, 2008 1:29 PM PDT reply actions  

Attempted Interview with Squatch
Yours truly tracked Squatch down this morning (sorry, I cant reveal the location) and made every effort to interview him about the possibilty of signing with the PTB. You can see Squatch wasnt interested in talking much. Here's the footage of my attempt:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=OJIMbBcZgwc

I heartily endorse this event or product-- Krusty

by bow4meow on Mar 26, 2008 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions  

Shoots
I can't look until I get home around 5:00 PM HST.  It's noon now and they block YouTube at work.
The square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other two sides.

by tominhawaii on Mar 26, 2008 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions  

They had a match during the first Blazers - Sonics
game in Seattle this year.  Squatch ended up tossing Blaze on a table, breaking it in half.  Blaze had to be helped off the court.

by timg56 on Mar 26, 2008 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

Foster care
What if Squatch didn't become the Blazers' mascot, just lived at the Rose Garden?  I hope that the Sonics franchised intellectual property and team records or whatever remains in Seattle, which would most likely include their mascot.  If that's the case, then we couldn't just steal him.

What about fostering him, though?  Keep him in a Sonics jersey, but trot him out just like Blaze at all the Rose Garden games.  Keep the Sonics franchise in the public a bit, at least in the region.  Could make for more interesting gags, too, especially when the OK City Dumb Buckaroos come to town.  Do all this with the intent of releasing him back to Seattle when/if they get their franchise back.  That could promote even more regional goodwill, maybe.

by Diesel10 on Mar 26, 2008 2:52 PM PDT reply actions  

Yeah
Let him wear a Sonic jersey, but have it say Oden on the back... Oh the delicious irony.
Rudy strengthening a perimeter already very powerful, the goal of the Blazers is to pursue everything.

by hightide on Mar 26, 2008 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions  

Uh-oh--looks like he's already been snapped up.
The winter olympics got him; he's gonna be called "Quatchi".

Yeah, like that's not the same guy.
And no, that is NOT a joke. That's a real sports mascot, just an afternoon's drive from Seattle.

Did you really put stuff on top of the eggs? Like, for real? He put . . . HE PUT THE LIGHT BULBS ON THE BOTTOM!

by QualityPie on Mar 26, 2008 2:57 PM PDT reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

The ultimate coverage and analysis of the Portland Trail Blazers.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Small
The Blazers Future Regarding Free Agent Signings
Small
Thunderous Manboobies
Img_0878_1__small
Why do we hate LaMarcus Aldridge?
Small
Oregonlive "journalists" 2 new posts...same old drivel
2474796688_7cdc78828f_o_small
Greg Oden Suffers Life-Ending Injury; Gets 3-Year Extension

Recent FanPosts

Small
WHAT TO DO WITH NIC BATUM BECAUSE WE WILL LOSE HIM IF NOT TRADED.
Small
Trade that helps us out now and the future
Small
How can the All-Star game be more fun and competitive?
Small
Earl Boykins!
Small
LaMarcus Aldridge about to become the 10th highest scorer in Blazers franchise  history
Small
New trade that gets us a new point and a three point shooter
Small
Portland getting.....
Small
The Sun Behind the Clouds: Blazers still on track.
Blazers_small
What are we missing?

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recommended FanShots

Blazers Broadcasters Mike Barrett and Mike Rice re-enacted NBA referee Scott Foster's controversial goaltending call on Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge, who was defending Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star forward Kevin Durant, during this week's edition of Blazers Courtside. Remarkably, no one was injured during the taping of this segment.

Original video of the play here. 
Quotes from the players and coaches here. 
The NBA admitting it got the call wrong here. 
Dave's  extended thoughts here. 
BlazersMakr's FanShot: Major Vegas action on OKC prior to tip here. 
Audio of Chad Doing of 750 AM The Game going HAM on Foster here.

OK, that should just about wrap up the goaltending discussion.

Courtside video via Blazers Broadcasting cameraman John Curry.

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter
In 2008 Tim Donaghy indicated that Scott Foster was a ref that also fixed games
Blazers Owner Paul Allen Ranked No. 3 American Philanthropist In 2011
Rhino
I'm sure you've all heard the news by now that I'm having a scope on my...

Recent FanShots

LaMarcus Aldridge Needs Support Around Him
LaMarcus Aldridge Finds Out He's An All-Star With His Teammates
Congratulations to Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge, on his first All Star selection.

As seen on www.trailblazers.com
AWoj: Aldridge an All Star
It's pretty clear that the season is over already ;)
Double rainbow of sadness:

1) JBay is getting shorter
2) We never got to see him with a mustache

I miss you tiny raptor man.

via The Basketball Jones http://blogs.thescore.com/tbj/2012/02/09/things-of-note-for-february-9-2012/#more-34561
CRAZY stat from Houston game
NBA MVP Rankings... LMA @ #10
Celtics interested in Rondo - Gasol swap? ...
Batum - Top 10 NBA Sixth Men

+ New FanShot All FanShots >


Editors

Kitten_small Dave

Headshotsmall_small Ben Golliver

Lead Moderators

Getfuzzy-satchel_small Timmay!

Bucky3_small Cablinasian

Authors

Plainlc_small Storyteller

Moderators

Lamb_small T Darkstar

Small douglast

Terryporter_small prezofdeath

Small usmcr3049

Lrg_magpie_small Corvid

Wallpaper_small geoffm