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Holy heck... I can't imagine what the "free agent" threat is supposed to do. What team is going to want a mascot so iconically associated with one team and city? Can you imagine the curse that would bring? The fan ill-will?
I don't even remotely care about sports, this is just bad crowd psychology. To paraphrase the late Orson Welles in his final role, their bargaining posture is highly dubious.
I understand seller's remorse. When they signed over the rights in perpetuity in 1984, they probably thought the design might be used for another ten years or so, it was that good.
But its longevity, its value, is tied to the team. Without the Phillies association, it's hollow.
But its longevity, its value, is tied to the team. Without the Phillies association, it's hollow.
They could have sidled up nicely and been like, "Hey, remember when we made you that amazing mascot that you're still using forty years later? Do you have any other design work? We've always done right by each other."
I don't know. If they win, and I'm not going to try to guess at their chances (IANAL, and also, I am not a lawyer) but if they do pull it off, I think it will be a modern case of kililng the goose that laid the golden egg.
I mean, not only will they massively devalue what is probably their longest-lived creation... but who would come to them for similar work in the future? Who would trust the terms of their contracts?
