www.randycarfagnoproductions.com

Designed by Raymond entertainment group

Gapper (Cincinnati)

Gapper in 2005 signing a Gapper doll for a fan.

Gapper (sometimes referred to as Groper) is one of the current mascots for the Cincinnati Reds. He was first introduced as the furry companion to Mr. Red, the long-time mascot in the winter of 2002 as the franchise was preparing to move to their new home, Great American Ball Park. The mascot was created by David Raymond’s Raymond Entertainment Group, the founder being the man inside the Phillie Phanatic costume from 1973 to 1993. A young fan won two season tickets for submitting the winning name; he is named after the “gap” in the stands in the seats of Great American, which provides a view into and out of the stadium. The term “gapper” is also a slang phrase for a batted ball which falls into the “gap” between outfielders (generally a ball hit to either left-center or right-center field which rolls to the fence).