Dave Raymond, the Original Phillie Phanatic & Author of "The Power of Fun!"

Sports Business Conversations

For 16 years, Dave Raymond was the Phillie Phanatic, one of the most famous mascots in all of sports. In his time inside the costume, he more or less invented the concept of the modern mascot and made characters an indispensable part of a sports team’s operation. In our conversation, we review the Phanatic’s origins, how Raymond developed the mascot’s personality, and discuss some memorable run ins with players and managers. It’s a hilarious conversation at times, but it’s also an incredibly poignant one, as Dave also recalls how the Phanatic helped rescue him from some of the lowest points of his life. The lessons he learned in those moments continue to shape his approach to spreading the value of happiness today.