Published: June 19, 2009 10:24 am      

Roscoe shines for Rays

PRINCETON — One of the most popular members of the Princeton Rays baseball organization is Roscoe the Rooster.

Tommy Thomason, a 1997 Princeton Senior High School graduate, is entering his eighth season as the lovable barnyard bird.

Jim Holland, the Rays’ dynamic general manager, said, “Tommy does a great job as Roscoe. He is a people person. I have received many positive remarks regarding the fine work he does.”

Roscoe’s role is varied. He greets everyone at the games. Frequently, he poses for photographs with youngsters and occasionally with adults.

During home games between innings, he races around the bases, usually competing against moppets. Against such competition, he has a perfect record. He has never won. The tykes are thrilled, of course, with their athletic success in front of a cheering crowd. On rare instances, Roscoe has faced adult competition and has managed to record a win or two.

Over the years, Roscoe has been involved in two skits between innings that he just as soon forget. One included an athletic female security guard and the other featured the wrestler, Jerry “The King” Lawler. On both occasions, Roscoe’s adversaries did not follow the script, and they were overly exuberant in their execution of the skit.

The results were that Tommy sustained injuries. He good naturedly laughed, “One time I could not get of the bed for three days because of my injury.”

Roscoe again this year will be sending birthday card greetings to members of the Princeton Rays’ “Kids Club.” This club, which has many benefits, costs $12 to enter. It is open to any boy or girl who is 12 years old and younger.

Roscoe is involved in a number of community activities. He has appeared at elementary schools in connection with Drug-Free Mercer County. He frequently attends Little League baseball games. In addition, he has participated in Kid’s Day at Mercer Mall.

Tommy recalled his greatest compliment as Roscoe.

“Several years ago a couple from Beckley attended a game with their young grandson. Early in the game, they indicated they wanted to take a photograph of me with their grandson. After they took the photograph, they left immediately. They had come to the game merely to get the picture,” he said.

In addition to being gregarious, Tommy loves baseball.

“This season will be the 16th year I have had an involvement with baseball,” he said.

In 1997 and 1998, Tommy was the Princeton Rays assistant clubhouse manager. The following two years, he served as the clubhouse manager. He also had a stint in the Tampa Bay Rays’ clubhouse.

Tommy’s day job is as a computer specialist with the local mine equipment firm of Connweld.

There is a Lady Roscoe. Tommy’s wife of almost four years, Amy, also loves baseball.

She started watching her father play baseball and softball as a preteen, and her enjoyment of the sport was born.

“As the years have rolled by, I have become an increasingly ardent fan of baseball.”

Amy, a medical assistant at a local doctor’s office, is Roscoe’s biggest supporter. But, the young woman who features an infectious smile has not yet donned a chicken outfit, citing that she is too shy to perform in the mode of her husband.

It would be romantic to state that the two met at the ballpark and love ensued. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Actually, they met while Tommy was managing the Green Valley Bowling Alley.

In recalling his career with the Princeton Rays, Tommy exclaimed, “I love being Roscoe.”

And, that rush shows game after game, year after yea