By Brigham Prince
It seems that Charlie is getting a lot of attention lately.
Of course everyone knows Charlie”s Angels, but who exactly is this mysterious Charlie?
It is time for the truth about Charlie.
Charlie is the 6-foot tall mascot that can be found entertaining fans at the Provo Angels” home games.
Unlike other dogs of his breed, Charlie is a Saint Bernard decked out in an Angels jersey and fitted hat, but like all Saint Bernard”s he can”t talk.
Despite his lack of speaking ability, Charlie communicates very well according to Michelle Kramer, director of community relations for the Provo Angels.
“You can kind of tell what he means,” Kramer said. “He”s a dog, he can”t talk, he can”t even bark. He uses hand gestures almost like sign language. It”s really easy.”
Kramer, in this case, can be called Charlie”s best friend. She aids Charlie at baseball games and oversees scheduled public appearances that Charlie makes.
Kramer says sometimes Charlie is unable to see kids when they are behind him, and to help Charlie out she will squeeze his hand to let him know someone is there.
Teamwork like this has made Charlie a favorite among the fans.
According to Kramer, the concept for Charlie as a mascot was the result of brainstorming sessions and the combination of many ideas.
The main influence came from the movie, “All Dogs Go To Heaven”, in which the main character is a Saint Bernard named Charlie.
Provo Angels principal owners Rob Owens and Linda Gach Ray in particular fell in love with the idea of having Charlie as a mascot.
The Charlie”s Angels appeal also influenced the selection of the mascot. In the previous two seasons, the Angels featured a supporting cast that accompanied Charlie, appropriately called, Charlie”s Angels.
Charlie”s goal at a baseball game sounds simple, but it requires a great deal of patience according to Kramer.
“He just tries to get people involved,” Kramer said. “He chases those who pull his tail. Kids feel like they have a personal relationship with him.”
Charlie”s antics at Angels” games include the race around the bases where he races a child around the bases to home plate. He also hands out a bouquet of flowers to a lucky lady in which it is announced, “Charlie loves to be flirted with.”
It”s these types of qualities that the Angels look for when considering an applicant for “Team Charlie.”
“They must be enthusiastic and into being around kids,” Kramer said. “Previous experience is a plus.”
According to Kramer, members of Team Charlie are thrown in head first after being hired, usually interacting at events such as Special Olympic softball games. This gives Charlie a chance to interact with kids and see how he performs.
Charlie”s skills aim to accomplish the goal of making the Provo Angels baseball games a family fun atmosphere.
