For sports franchises, a memorable mascot is money in the bank. It’s one of the reasons fans come to the games and can be a solid gold merchandising and event opportunity. Beyond the “costume,” it also matters who jumps inside to deliver the dance, the swagger and comic timing punch. Here are the top 11 characters when it comes delighting sports audiences. Think of this list as a good reference point when it comes to creating a fun-loving face for your brand at events, trade shows and office functions.