November 18, 2008
Tampa Bay Rays' fired mascot speaks out
Performer Kelly Frank, the woman who perfected Raymond's trademark butt shimmy, said she does not know why she was fired Monday after five seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays.
"I'm just as confused as everyone else," she said. "I really didn't get an explanation."
Frank said she was praised as recently as three weeks ago, when her supervisors told her she out-enthused the Philadelphia Phillies mascot, the Phillie Phanatic, during the World Series.
But on Monday, she was told she would no longer be Raymond. Frank also worked on marketing projects, including the cowbell promotions at several Rays games. She maintained a Raymond blog, offering insider tips on costume changes.
Frank said she was reluctant to discuss what happened Monday.
"My severance package is kind of up in the air right now, so ..." she said.
Frank said she will continue her side business making mascots for professional sports teams, including the University of Florida Gators and the Denver Nuggetts.
Frank, a native of Sunrise, said she will likely remain in St. Petersburg for another month before she relocates, hopefully for another job.
Rick Vaughn, the team's spokesman, declined to comment.
"But be assured Raymond will live on," he wrote in an e-mail.
Cristina Silva, Times staff writer
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