Report: Phillies making changes to Phanatic mascot
The Phillie Phanatic is getting a new look.
The Philadelphia Phillies will unveil changes to their mascot during their spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Spectrum Field on Sunday, according to Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia.
The changes stem from a lawsuit between the Phillies and the Phanatic's creators, Bonnie Erickson and Wade Harrison. The club purchased rights to the mascot in 1984, but under federal law, artists can renegotiate rights to their work after 35 years.
In the lawsuit, which was filed in New York federal court last year, the Phillies accused Erickson and Harrison of going back on a 1984 agreement allowing the club to use the Phanatic "forever."
The Phillies' rights to the mascot are set to expire June 15.
There's no official word yet on what the changes entail, but Salisbury reports they could include different shoes, socks, and measurements.
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