Meet the new Gwinnett Braves mascot, Chopper. I suppose it's a fine name for a mascot, especially one that appears to be a chipmunk.
I'm left wondering if the name stems from the hundreds of times Skip said, "A chopper to Chipper..." over the airwaves. If it is a tribute to Skip (and Chipper), that's quite clever.
ETA: Oh, it's not a chipmunk; I should read more carefully. It's a groundhog? Weird. The teeth threw me off. ;)
By Crista Michelle September 16, 2008 - 12:05 pm
awww he's cute.
regardless of what animal he is. my mom thought he was a squirrel, so no worries. he can be anything :P
By moatsak September 16, 2008 - 3:26 pm
In the AJC today they said that the GW Braves were trying to make a local connection and so they went with the groundhog in honor of the GA Groundhog Day, um… groundhog of honor?, Gen. Beauregard Lee out of Lilburn (I think). (Although I have to say I too think he looks more like a chipmunk.) The Chopper name was the result of a naming contest. They had 3 final possibilities – Shadow, Pop Up or Chopper. I can easily see where Chopper won since it was already familiar with all the chopper/chipper references that you mentioned. I hope the person who submitted Chopper got something for winning.
By CABravesFan September 16, 2008 - 4:15 pm
I'm still trying to figure out if it is cute or going to haunt my dreams…whether he is a chipmunk or a groundhog (a chiphog? or perhaps a groundmunk?) I just can't overlook the potential creepiness factor…maybe that is just me?
It would be really cool if that name was a tribute to Skip- even an unintentional one:)
By Lauren T. September 16, 2008 - 4:43 pm
Hee, "Chiphog". That's what Larry would name his Harley, right?
By Jennifer September 16, 2008 - 7:29 pm
The teeth threw me off. ;)
It's quite the grill, indeed. :D