The Suns Gorilla
The Suns Gorilla is the official mascot of the Phoenix Suns basketball team. He is famous for his entertaining antics and dunks which he performs off of a trampoline between the 3rd and 4th quarters. He appeared as a secret character in the video game NBA Jam Tournament Edition. He is also a charter member of the Mascot Hall of Fame, inducted in 2005.
The Gorilla first appeared in the winter of 1980, in the form of an Eastern Onion singing telegram messenger sent by James Oberhaus, a loyal fan. Having been invited onto the court by security, his antics caused him to become an instant hit with the fans.
The Gorilla is shown in television commercials, and media print in and around the Phoenix metro area. The Gorilla has also been on the "Good Morning Arizona" morning news show.
The Suns Gorilla has become so popular with Suns fans that he now has a baby Suns Gorilla that he can be seen performing with at Suns home games. The Suns Gorilla is sometimes referred to as "Go" by local fans.[1]
According to an interview with Bob Woolf, who has played the Gorilla since 1988, the Gorilla is from the Banana Republic, is 5 foot ape, and attended Furman University.[2]
[edit] Notes
- ^ Craven, Scott (May. 18, 2005). "Suns's mascot is Woolf in Gorilla's clothing". AZCentral.com. The Arizona Republic. http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0518gorilla18.html. Retrieved March 25, 2010.
- ^ Robrt L. Pela (12 May 2005). "He Is the Ape Man". http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2005-05-12/culture/he-is-the-ape-man/. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
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