Minor League mascot challenges Charlie Crist in U.S. Senate race

Secretly you know that you’ve always wanted a high-ranking politician from your state named “Stoney.” (In California, we have the next best thing). In Florida, where nothing strange ever happens, we have a heck of a Senate race shaping up. One of the candidates is Charlie Crist, current governor and Republican, who has announced that he’s running for the U.S. Senate as an Independent. Another is Stoney, mascot for the Port Charlotte Stone Crabs, who will also run as an Independent. Crist, you see, was supposed to throw out the first pitch at the Stone Crabs’ home opener on Friday, but cancelled at the last moment, because that is one of the weaselly things that politicians do. Infuriated, the Stone Crabs called a hastily organized press conference and announced that Stoney would be running against Crist for a U.S. Senate seat. From the Charlotte Sun:

“I thought it was hilarious,” said Frank Weikel, vice chairman of the Charlotte County Republican Executive Committee, when asked for his reaction to the announcement.

The mascot’s bit injected a little humor into a touchy race between the two Republican rivals: Crist and former state House Speaker Marco Rubio.

Yeah, laugh it up, Republicans. You’ll be snickering out of a different orifice when Stoney’s in the Senate chamber casting the deciding vote on immigration reform.
This week’s promotional highlights following the jump.

This week’s promotions:
* Homecoming Night. Tonight, San Jose Giants (California League). You have just enough time to get down to Municipal Stadium to meet Pablo Sandoval, Nate Schierholtz, Sergio Romo, Dan Runzler, Waldis Joaquin, Guillermo Rodriguez and … Travis Ishikawa! What are you waiting for? Print this out and read it on the train.
* Baha Men Concert. Thursday, Arkansas Travelers (Texas League). Yes, the not-at-all one-hit-wonder reggae group who gave us “Who Let the Dogs Out?” and, um, other songs without so much barking in them. [Thanks to Benjamin Hill]
* Peter Mayhew Appearance. Saturday, Oklahoma City RedHawks (Pacific Coast League). It’s spelled “Wookiee,” as we all know (do not anger him by leaving off the last e). Peter Mayhew has made a career out of appearing as Chewbacca, appearing at more sci fi and comic book conventions than I can count in the past 25 years. For fun, adults should ask to ride on his shoulders like Yoda did in Revenge of the Sith.
* The Office Night. Tuesday, May 4, Wilmington Blue Rocks (Carolina League). Tribute to the TV series will include Office Olympics, stapling Dwight’s tie to his desk.