NYPL Hudson Valley Renegades

Renegades Mascot Rascal 'Simon-ized' by Imus in the Morning's Sid Rosenberg

Published on July 31, 2003 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Hudson Valley Renegades News Release


FISHKILL, NY - On the heels of the incident earlier this month where the Pittsburgh Pirates' Randall Simon swung a bat and knocked down the "Italian Sausage" mascot during a Milwaukee Brewers game, Imus In The Morning's sportscaster Sid Rosenberg "playfully" tackled Hudson Valley Renegades raccoon mascot "Rascal," knocking him out of the Renegades game on Wednesday night. The incident was a featured topic of discussion on Thursday morning's "Imus In The Morning" show, which is nationally syndicated on radio stations across the country, and is also shown on the MSNBC television network.

The incident took place on the field at the Renegades home field, Dutchess Stadium, prior to the beginning of the game. Rosenberg was on hand to throw out the game's ceremonial first pitch as part of a promotion involving Sportsradio 66, WFAN, Imus' flagship station in New York City. With thousands of fans looking on, Rosenberg tackled Rascal, knocking the mascot to the ground. Rascal immediately shook it off, and then continued his mascot duties for a few more innings before having to leave the game.

Rascal's parents, "Rookie" and "Rene," the Renegades other two raccoon mascots were also on the field at the time. "Apparently, they were surprised with the whole situation" said Renegades President / General Manager Steve Gliner, referring to the family of mascots who have been an integral part of the atmosphere at Dutchess Stadium for ten seasons. "They're more accustomed to dodging cars on the streets around the ballpark. I know Sid meant well and he was just having a good time with it."

Speaking on the "Imus In The Morning" show Thursday morning, Rosenberg was apologetic about what had happened. "It was all in good fun. I am sorry the mascot had to leave the game."

Rascal is played by 17 year old Nikki Huss of Fishkill, New York. Contacted at her home earlier today, she said she was doing fine, and she hopes to be back in her role as Rascal very soon. The Renegades next home game at Dutchess Stadium is on Tuesday, August 5th at 7:11 PM. "I had no idea what was happening," said Huss. "One minute, I was out there entertaining the fans, then all of a sudden, I was on the ground. I know Sid was just having some fun out there."

The Renegades are encouraging fans to send get well wishes to Rascal at getwellrascal@hvrenegades.com. For more information, please contact Tom Butkier with the Renegades media relations department at 845-838-0094, ext. 249, or at tombutkier@hvrenegades.com.

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