Under the category of even bad publicity is good publicity, Phang was making the rounds on various local TV morning shows today promoting the team, the playoff run and the USOC Final. That exposure for the team is very good and could not be replicated otherwise. Prior to Phang, a player would have to be there.
what current or former Union player's DNA do we think was on that cleat? Given all the hype? Has to be Freddy. Probably plays about as well too.
We'll know a lot more during his first halftime minigame appearance. For example, if he dribbles the ball out of bounds unchallenged, it was likely Andrew Wenger.
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/...-david-raymond-mls-soccer-phang-20180910.html "When I was working with [the Union]," character branding consultant David Raymond said, "they said, 'We know that there's going to be a period of time where this isn't going to be popular with our fans, but we're doing this because we need to engage youth. We are going to stand behind it.'" 100% accurate statement.
Okay, I've had a day to think on it. The backstory was cute, and it's a fun thing for the kids. I guess I'm a Phang Phan now.
There are SO MANY LEGITIMATE THINGS to bitch about with this team... complaining about a mascot just makes you look like an idiot and diminishes your legitimate complaints because you become a person who "just likes to complain about everything" in the eyes of the team. Pick your battles people.
Ok, here’s my petty complaint. If they’re going to go with one, I wish it were a mascot somehow related to the theme of the team (like a cartoonish Revolutionary War general in uniform or something, after all that was the inspiration of the original primary kit). But, I know, the Phillies and Sixers ‘scots are random creatures, too. But, it’s for the kids anyway. Oh so glad I could get that off my chest... Now back to complaining about real Union problems.
Didn't you read his back story. His great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather posed for the "Don't Tread on Me" cartoon.
My wife texted me this morning to let me know that one of the radio stations she was listening to (probably XTU) was giving Phang a little ribbing about his arms. My kids think he's kind of weird looking, but admitted they'd definitely give him a high-five, or fist bump, if they saw him.
Dude, the Phanatic is related to Jim Henson and the Muppets. He (she?) isn't just some random creature ...
A snake with arms!? Unbelievable!!! Has anyone counted the greats in the great-great-great.... grandfather, factored in the breeding age of snakes and the year that the Join or Die cartoon was drawn to see if the number of generations is accurate!? I require anatomical and biological accuracy in my mascots and their backstories!!!
I think it’s silly. I also don’t care. Probably some egg at the academy everyone will start egg gargling soon about the talent pipeline. Why can’t they sign quality Euro mascots? This @#$&ing team never spends! Watford just cut theirs. Harry the Hornet is available on a free! If we had better scouts we’d be in on this. He’ll just end up in Atlanta as Georgie the Yellow Jacket.
There are several area colleges that pump out a new crop of mascots every spring who are hungry and ready to take the next step in their mascoting careers. Take whatever kid is in the Villanova Wildcat suit...they may not have the natural talent to be the next Phanatic or Swoop, but they are local, have national championship experience, and would make a phine Phang.
I was drinking a Shock Top last night during the game and realized Phang looks like the Shock Top Orange:
So where was Phang yesterday?? He shows up and we get thumped by Montreal. He's MIA yesterday and we win. Is Phang the next Toni Stahl???
Maybe he was hanging out with Swoop at the Eagles game? Or maybe they were trying to save money and bought a suit that couldn't get rained on? An "I'm melting! I'm melting!" incident would traumatize the kids.