Rays dump mascot performer

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Post a comment | E-mail this story | Print

Kelly Frank, who performed as the 'Raymond' mascot at Rays game has been let go by the team.

PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- The Tampa Bay Rays may have had a turnaround season but apparently their mascot did not.

According to Bay News 9's partner newspaper the St. Petersburg Times, the baseball team has fired Kelly Frank.

The 27-year-old Frank had manned the team's mascot suit Raymond for five years.

Frank said the team did not offer her an explanation why she was let go.

More Information

Mascot fired

As a Rays' employee, Frank also worked on other marketing projects, including the cowbell promotions at several Rays games. She maintained a Raymond blog and posted Raymond videos on youtube.com.

Frank was reluctant to discuss her dismissal in detail.

Team officials said the firing does not mean the end of Raymond the mascot, however.

Be in the Know with Bay News 9 Now!

Get news, weather, and traffic alerts delivered directly to your computer desktop, e-mail, or cell phone with Bay News 9 Now.

Subscribe for free!

In-depth with Charlie Crist

crist Florida Gov. Charlie Crist responds to backlash from his own party, corruption in politics, critics who say he backtracked on supporting the federal stimulus, and much more. It's all Sunday on Political Connections at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.