toledo: Where are you from originally?

Muddy: The swamps of the mighty Maumee River.

toledo: What, exactly, is a Mud Hen?

Muddy: It is an American Coot.

toledo: How long have you been the Mud Hens' mascot?

Muddy: As long as I can remember.

toledo: Of all the Mud Hens in the world, how were you chosen as the Mud Hen's mascot?

Muddy: Have you ever seen another bird shake its tail feathers like me?

toledo: Is this what you dreamed of being when you were younger?

Muddy: When I was young, I loved flying over ballgames and enjoying Mud Hens baseball. I always thought that it would be a fun place to work.

toledo: What is the best part of being the Mud Hens' mascot?

Muddy: Feeling the love from the fans.

toledo: What could you do without?

Muddy: Rained-out games.

toledo: Do you ever get together with the San Diego Chicken, the Baltimore Orioles Bird, or the Pirate Parrot?

Muddy: Birds of a feather do indeed flock together.

toledo: You are well known for your creative dancing. Where do you get your moves?

Muddy: I loved watching Soul Train as a young bird and also American Bandstand.

toledo: Is there a Mrs. Muddy?

Muddy: Wouldn't you like to know! Stay tuned.

toledo: How do you like your new roost at Fifth Third Field?

Muddy: What can I say? It's the best perch in the league.

toledo: Do you ever get to play?

Muddy: Every so often, I try to sneak into the batting cage for some batting practice.

toledo: Do you go on the road with the team, and if you do, do you get your own coop?

Muddy: Why would I ever leave Toledo?

toledo: What do you say when people call you a big chicken?

Muddy: I say, "Do your homework, because I am not a chicken at all."

toledo: Where do you go shopping?

Muddy: The Swamp Shop at Fifth Third Field.

toledo: What's the best thing on the menu at Fifth Third Field?

Muddy: The fresh popped birdseed - popcorn - and the Muddy Dog, named after yours truly.

toledo: Do you ever see yourself getting called up to the majors?

Muddy: I love it too much here.

toledo: Who or what inspires you?

Muddy: I am inspired by the cheer of the crowd, the crack of the bat, and popcorn.

toledo: What does a Mud Hen do in the off-season?

Muddy: Fly south for the winter and practice all of my dance moves and watch spring training.

toledo: Why don't you wear any pants?

Muddy: It's too hot in the summer. Plus, it constricts my dancing.

First Published June 2, 2003, 1:23 p.m.