Bucky Badger Eluded Me

On my recent trip to see a Wisconsin Badgers softball game, I hoped to see former National Pro Fastpitch player and current Associate Head Coach Danielle Zymkowitz and of course, Bucky Badger. I missed both.

I did see Zym on the field. Pre-game she handled drills. During te game, she coached first base. Had it been a single game, I would have waited afterwards to catch up with her. It was a doubleheader though and it was just too hot to stay for both games.

Bucky, on the other hand, was even more frustrating. He appeared in the stands in the first inning. Figuring he would be around all game, I waited until he moved to a convenient area for me to approach him. Before I saw that opportunity, he left, not to return.

Th lesson here is to take the picture when you first can. You might not have more chances. Fortunately, I have a few pictures with Bucky from previous events. This miss doesn't really bug me.

Later in the day, on our way to the bookstore for a shirt, we strolled by one of the many Bucky statues around town. Of course, I had to get that picture.

Bucky Badger and me in Madison, WI-April 2026.

Statues: Bucky Badger

On a trip to watch the Wisconsin Badgers softball team earlier this year, I combined two of my interests, in addition to the softball. Madison had a public art exhibition featuring Bucky Badger, the mascot of the University of Wisconsin.

Buckingham Ulysses Badger has been the school's mascot since 1889. His first known appearance was in a cartoon in 1940. The Bucky on Parade exhibition featured 55 Bucky sculptures around the campus area. I did not bother my pal Tony to find all of them, but I did manage to get him to seek a few for fun. Most were outside, although a few were indoors, like one at a hotel.

This was a rare occasion where I combined my fascination with mascots and my interest in public art sculptures. I'd love to see this in Chicago, but the city just doesn't get as excited about college sports as a college town like Madison does.

Bucky Badger and me in Madison, WI-April 2025.

Mascots: Bucky Badger

Recently, my buddy Tony and I made a day trip to see the Wisconsin Badgers host the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a Big Ten Softball matchup. Despite Wisconsin losing, we had a fun time there and around town.

If you know me, I have a fascination with mascots. If one is around, it is my mission to get a picture with the fuzzy creature. Such was the case at Goodman Softball Complex.

Bucky Badger made his appearance early in the game. He was busy for a few innings interacting with young fans. While I kept a close eye on him, I didn't want to barge in on the kids. When I saw him walking through the stands, I had my opportunity and I took it.

The official mascot of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Buckingham U. Badger debuted in 1940. In 2016, Bucky was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. Originally drawn by California-based commercial artist Art Evans in 1940, and first sold from Duffy's Book Store in Madison, Bucky was later drawn with boxing gloves by Madison artist Thomas Spiece. After a badger and a raccoon proved too fierce at games, art student Carolyn Conrard created a Bucky head-piece and cheerleader Bill Sagal, wore the outfit at the homecoming game. 

As the college softball season nears the end, my mascot opportunities turn to baseball. Stay tuned for more mascot fun.

Bucky Badger and me in Madison, WI-April 2025.