One of the most recognizable mascots in sports history, Youppi! has been synonymous with the Montreal Canadiens since the early 2000s. However, before being the mascot of the Canadiens, Youppi! spent 25 years as a part of the Montreal Expos in the MLB. The Expos moved to Washington in 2005 to become the Nationals, and that left Youppi! without a home. Originally, it was thought that Youppi! would move to Washington with the Nationals, but after they came up with their own mascot, Screech the eagle, the former Expos mascot was left in limbo. That all changed on September 16, 2005, when the Canadiens announced that Youppi! would become the team’s very first official mascot, becoming the first to be a part of two major sports leagues in North America.
Youppi! is a trendsetter and record holder
Before we get to Youppi! time with the Canadiens, we have to go back to where it all started. Youppi! was created by Bonnie Erickson, an American puppet designer. Erickson did some work for The Muppets, with her most notable creation being Miss Piggy. The reason behind Youppi!’s orange colour was actually an homage to former Expos player Rusty Staub, who was nicknamed "le Grand Orange" by the fans. Youppi! was introduced to the Expos in 1979 and was originally leased to the organization before eventually being purchased. The mascot debuted in the Expos' 2-0 win on April 14 against the Chicago Cubs.
Youppi!'s biggest claim to fame was being the first mascot in MLB history to be thrown out of a game. In the 11th inning of a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1989, Youppi!, dressed up in a nightgown, lay on top of the opposing team’s dugout, which left manager Tommy Lasorda furious. Lasorda, who famously had an altercation with the Philadelphia Phillies mascot a year prior, complained to the umpires, resulting in the Expos mascot getting ejected. “The umpire Bob Davidson saw Lasorda arguing with me and took the decision to say, 'OK, Youppi!, you're out of the game,” said Claude Hubert, the man behind the Youppi! mask that night. Youppi! did eventually return to the game, as the crowd continued to chant for the mascot, but was only allowed on the Expos side of the dugout. The Expos would lose the game 1-0 in a 22-inning affair, but the night will always be remembered as the time Lasorda got Youppi! ejected.
Youppi! to the Canadiens and Hall of Fame
In 1999, the Expos were sold to Jeffrey Loria, and after a difficult period for the organization, including a near-revocation from the MLB in 2001, were moved to Washington at the start of the 2005 season. Originally, the thought was that Youppi! would go to Washington with the organization, but ultimately the Nationals chose to adopt a different mascot, an eagle called “Screech.” Youppi! was left without a team, but that did not mean the mascot was unwanted. As many as 10 suitors wanted to purchase Youppi! from the Expos. Ultimately, the Canadiens acquired the rights in 2005, with reports suggesting the price could be in the six figures. Youppi!’s story in Montreal was not done just yet, becoming the first mascot to be in two different North American sports leagues.
Youppi! is not just a regular mascot. Youppi! is arguably one of the most famous and recognizable mascots in sports history. The now-Canadiens mascot is one of three to have their own displays in the Baseball Hall of Fame, joined by Phillie Phanatic and Famous Chicken. Along with being in the Baseball Hall of Fame, Youppi was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2020, becoming the first Canadian sports team to hold that honour. Youppi! is not just the Canadiens mascot, but he has now become an icon in the city of Montreal. Always up to no good, trying its hardest to distract the opposing team, that only adds to the experience of watching a game at the Bell Centre.
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