Day 354: Slugger the Sea Dog Plans a Walk for Tourettes

Slugger, the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs furry, seafaring mascot is taking his act on the road. If you're a fan of the Sea Dogs, you're familiar with Slugger's antics—his resounding rendition of YMCA, his never ending failure to beat those little kids in a race around the bases, and his general presence at the ballpark during every home game. He's sort of a wise ass too. I can't tell you how many times he's stuck his grimy paw (flipper?) into my french fries rendering them inedible.

On May 7th, Slugger turns 20... it's hard to believe that the Sea Dogs have been in Portland for 20 years! Seems like just yesterday I was standing in line in the wee hours of the morning in front of an unfinished Hadlock Field, desperate to score some inaugural Opening Day tickets. (I did... it was cold.) But it's been two decades and two major league parent teams, but Slugger hasn't aged a bit.

To commemorate his 20th birthday, Slugger is planning a bit of a walk. On May 4th at 12pm, just before the Red Sox host the Oakland A's, he'll depart Fenway Park and begin his walk back home to Hadlock Field. Boston to Portland. 114 miles. He plans to arrive back home by May 8th in time for that evening's game.

But Slugger isn't doing this just for the exercise. He's not doing it because he can't drive. He's embarking on this walk to raise money for Tourette's related non-profits including Tourette's Syndrome Association for their Youth Ambassador Program and Camp Twitch and Shout. Tourette's is a neurobiological disorder characterized by involuntary sudden movements and vocalizations, known as tics. Slugger's goal is to raise $20,000 in honor of his 20th birthday.

If you would like to help him reach his goal, donations can be made by clicking HERE, and everyone who donates will receive a special gift from Slugger.

If you would like to follow Slugger's journey in early May, you can follow him on Twitter at @Slugger_SeaDog. And no worries, some radio folks will be catching up with live interviews with his trainer during the walk. I just hope he doesn't become weak being out of the water for that long...