Popular LA Kings Mascot Bailey Nominated for 2023 Mascot Hall of Fame

Bailey, the first mascot to lift the Stanley Cup, is one of 18 mascots nominated for inclusion into the 2023 Mascot Hall of Fame…and it will be the fans who determine if Bailey will indeed receive this tremendous honor!

Voting is now underway. Fans can vote once per day per device through Saturday, May 27, by visiting: mascothalloffame.com/2023-mascot-hall-of-fame-nominees.

Bailey the Lion is the King of the NHL. He is lively, energetic, and the family-friendly Mascot of the LA Kings. Fans love watching Bailey at all LA Kings games banging his drum starting our "Go Kings Go!" chant.

Bailey has a long history with the LA Kings, born in 2007 and cheering the Kings on through their first two Stanley Cup championships. He wears number 72, "because it's always 72 degrees in Los Angeles."

Bailey was named in honor of Garnet "Ace" Bailey, the team's Director of Pro Scouting who was aboard United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston's Logan Airport on September 11, 2001. He wears an "AM" patch on the left side of his chest in honor of Ace and Mark Bavis, who was with Bailey on the flight and served as a Kings Scout. Bailey the Lion continues to honor the legacy of "Ace" Bailey through his work with the community and the Kings Care Foundation.

He also has a heart as big as his mane. The LA Kings mascot is a champion for change, raising $2,000,000 in support of Kings Care Foundation's mission to aid families in Los Angeles over the last 10 years. His charitable endeavors have brought him across the world - from countries as close as Mexico to those as far as China - spreading his love for the great game of hockey by participating in community youth hockey programming and various philanthropic opportunities.

Bailey is a familiar face in Los Angeles as he regularly makes appearances at community events. He is a steadfast supporter of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Ronald McDonald House, and YMCA among many others, lending his ability to captivate and motivate audiences to dig deep into their pockets or simply spreading joy to children who may be otherwise short on smiles. Bailey is also the subject of the popular bi-lingual children's book "B is for Bailey."

Bailey's many honors include ESPN ranked #1 Mascot of the NHL (2018-19); ESPN ranked #1 Mascot of the NHL (2017-18); and Awarded Most Awesome Mascot by Cartoon Network (2014).

The Mascot Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the world's most beloved mascots. Since its inception, the Hall of Fame has inducted more than 20 mascots, recognizing their contributions to sports and entertainment. The Mascot Hall of Fame Executive Committee has announced the official ballot for its highly anticipated annual event, The VOTE! - a competition that will determine which mascots will be inducted into the prestigious Mascot Hall of Fame. This year's ballot features 18 nominees from a wide range of professional sports teams, collegiate program, and independent organizations.

The 2023 nominees include 10 major league mascots, one minor league mascot, six NCAA mascots and one independent. Each nominee is recognized for their outstanding performance and dedication to their respective teams and communities.

The winners will be announced at the Cue the Confetti Fundraiser at the Mascot Hall of Fame on June 23.

This year's ballot for consideration:

Bailey - Los Angeles Kings (NHL)

Cozmo - LA Galaxy (MLS)

Blitz - Seattle Seahawks (NFL)

Buzz - Georgia Tech (NCAA)

Freddie Falcon - Atlanta Falcons (NFL)

Goldy Gopher - University of Minnesota (NCAA)

Jaxon de Ville - Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)

Miles - Denver Broncos (NFL)

Otto the Orange - Syracuse University (NCAA)

Rameses - University of North Carolina (NCAA)

Slugger - Portland Sea Dogs (MiLB)

Staley Da Bear - Chicago Bears (NFL)

The Bearcat - University of Cincinnati (NCAA)

The Blue Devil - Duke University (NCAA)

TORO - Houston Texans (NFL)

Wally the Green Monster - Boston Red Sox (MLB)

YoJo (Independent)

Punter - Edmonton Elks (CFL)