Hey there, it's Stephen Dubner. As we like to remind you now and again, Freakonomics Radio

is part of the Freakonomics Radio Network. The other shows in our network are no stupid

questions, people I mostly admire. And our latest edition, The Economics of Everyday Things.

It is a short weekly show about the everyday things that often go unnoticed and unexplained,

even though they deserve better. The special episode you're about to hear

gathers up three of these short pieces so that you can hear just how good and fun the show is,

and then you can go to your podcast app and follow the show because what I'd really like you to do

is to make the economics of everyday things a regular part of your podcast diet along with

Freakonomics Radio. Again, just search for the economics of everyday things in your podcast app

and start listening to every episode. Thanks in advance.

When you go to a baseball game, there are a few things you can count on.

You'll hear the vendors hollering over the din of the crowd.

You'll smell the peanuts, the hot dogs, the ludicrously overpriced beers.

And if you're at Citizen's Bank Park in Philadelphia, you'll see a six-and-a-half-foot-tall,

fuzzy green beast, waddling across the field in search of trouble.

Even if you're not a sports fan, you've probably heard of the Philly fanatic.

Sports Illustrated called him the best mascot in history. He has sold millions of dollars worth

of merchandise, and he brings families to the ballpark at a time when fewer people are going

to baseball games. How exactly does he do that? Well, it has a lot to do with the guy who originally

wore the costume. I could throw, I could catch, I could do cartwheels, not a lot of gymnastics,

but I could dance, I could move really well. I kind of fancied myself as being the secret weapon.

This is the economics of everyday things. I'm Zachary Crockett. Let's talk about sports mascots.

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