Where Are They Now? Mascot Edition: Mettle the Mule

Baseball's history of colorful mascots dates back more than a century. Unfortunately, some of our most distinctive big-headed friends have seen their stories lost in the cracks of time. So let's fill in the blanks -- if the mascots could talk, here's what they might say. This week: Mettle the Mule, who briefly served as Mets mascot in 1979.

Cut4: So Mettle, how did you become a mascot for the Mets?

Mettle: Well, my owner was a part of that there DeRoulet family. They ran the Mets team for a short while in the ‘70s. Reckon’ my caretaker was named Bebe? Anyway, she thought I’d make a fine addition to the team. Thinkin' I could bring along some sort of spirit and passion to the Mets. I didn’t really see how, but who was I to say somethin’? I’m just a mule. Grateful I can talk at all.

Cut4: What was Shea like in 1979?

Mettle: Shea reminded me of the old farm down south -- lots o’ grass and space to roam. Although, every time I started grazin’ people started yellin’ at me. Wasn’t sure why. It would eventually grow back. I could even help with the fertilization process.

Cut4: What was your role with team?

Mettle: My role was to inspire the Mets players and fans. See, Mettle sorta' means the same thing as spirit and courage. So, I trotted up and down the foul line before games, smilin' at the crowd and wavin' my tail. Durin’ the game I stayed in a pen next to the bull’s pen. Never did see that bull though, thank goodness. I really don’t like bulls.

Cut4: Did you have a favorite aspect of being a mascot in Queens?

Mettle: Aw shucks, I think the whole experience was really somethin’ special. I’m just happy they chose me. I’m sure there were a buncha’ other mules up for the job. I think the players were pretty nice to me. They left all kinds of sunflower seeds and nuts for me to eat after the game. Mostly shells though. Really just a fine thing to do.

Cut4: So why did your tenure as mascot end?

Mettle: The team had a rough go of it in ’79. I tried my darndest to motivate the fans, but they just didn’t seem too interested. I even did an encore lap along the white line for a couple games. It tired me out, but I really wanted to help this organ-i-zation out. After that first season, it was decided it was better off if I hit the open road. It was bittersweet. I really loved my time in the big city, but was happy to go back to a place where the grass I stood on was also OK to eat.

-- Interview conducted by Matt Monagan / MLB.com, Previously on Where Are They Now: Rootin' Tootin' Ranger