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MiLB teams get into the Groundhog Day spirit

What if a mascot predicted the weather, instead of a groundhog?
(From top, l-r) The Hartford Yard Goats, Fresno Grizzlies, Gwinnett Stripers and Jersey Shore BlueClaws provide their own takes on Groundhog Day.
By Stephanie Sheehan @Steph_Sheehan
February 2, 2023

It’s February, which means Spring Training is right around the corner. But before attention can be rightfully turned to diamonds across the Minor Leagues, we must look to Punxsutawney Phil to tell us how many more weeks of winter there will be.

It’s February, which means Spring Training is right around the corner. But before attention can be rightfully turned to diamonds across the Minor Leagues, we must look to Punxsutawney Phil to tell us how many more weeks of winter there will be.

This day seems to be made for the Gwinnett Stripers, whose mascot is a groundhog named Chopper. In fact, the Braves' Triple-A affiliate put out a few Groundhog Day tweets, including a nod to the beloved Bill Murray movie proudly bearing the day's name.

Several teams got in on the fun, but perhaps no club was moved by the spirit of the day like the Fresno Grizzlies. The Rockies’ Single-A affiliate paid tribute to both the rodent seeing its shadow and the classic comedy by tweeting out a photo of their mascot in place of the groundhog … once every hour. What if there is no tomorrow?

The Hartford Yard Goats also had some Photoshop fun. The Rockies' Double-A affiliate inserted one of their mascots, Chompers, in place of Phil.

Not wanting to be left behind, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Double-A Angels affiliate) flaunted their fan-favorite mascot too.

The Everett AquaSox (High-A Mariners affiliate) decided to forego any element of comedy and cut right to the chase. From now on, we'll turn to Webbly.

The Jersey Shore BlueClaws also showed off their Photoshop game. But instead of using their mascot, the Phillies' Single-A affiliate just put a cap on Phil himself.

The Hillsboro Hops (High-A D-backs affiliate) put a unique Oregon spin on the day, and we have to say, this sounds much better.

The Triple-A Sugar Land Space Cowboys were prepared for the day. On Jan. 31, the Astros affiliate put out a poll to determine what Space Cowboys’ media relations manager Ryan Posner would have to do if Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. Well, he did, so Ryan, we’re really looking forward to that slam poetry!

The Worcester Red Sox (Boston's Triple-A affiliate) and the Chattanooga Lookouts (Cincinnati's Double-A affiliate) made sure to remind everyone that, six more weeks of winter or not, Opening Day is only two months away!

Stephanie Sheehan is an contributor for MiLB.com.