Very few people can say they know the man who is Bear, now I'm priveledged to say I'm one of them. I met the man behind the fur, did the same stunts, and performed with him in costume at the Utah Jazz game.
This was one of the fun-est jobs I've ever done.
You can watch the story here on abc4.com. You'll see how I rode the mountain bike down the stairs, went sledding down the staris, dunked with dunk team, etc. But let me tell you what it was really like -
I can tell you Bear is one of the most athletic, creative, funny, coolest, kindest, busiest, committed, daring, and well organized people I've ever met. He has such a demanding day, especially during basketball season. He's constantly performing at meetings or charity functions around the state. He hardly has any time to sit back and relax. He was so busy on Monday he barely ate before he performed during the Oklahoma City game.
I called him asking for an opportunity to show people what it's like to be him, and he gave me more access than anyone ever has. It was the first time a complete stranger wore a mascot costume and performed with him during a game.
I was very impressed with how kind he treated me, and included me with his friends. Typically, he doesn't reveal himself to anyone outside the Jazz organization. I learned he's a Veteran, a father with children, and regardless of how sick or injured he may be he doesn't miss a game. Many people may remember when Bear was in a wheelchair and still made onto the court.
When you meet Bear it's always him. There's no fill-in guy. Bear wants every child he meets to have a personal connection with him. If you met him when you were 5 yrs old, you're meeting the same man again. There is no other Bear.
So naturally I didn't don the suit, but I wanted to know what it was like to look out at fans through his eyes, so Bear suggested the next best thing, Bumble the Bee. As Bee, I learned firsthand how much it takes. Lots of fans love ya, some of them love ya too much. You can never get upset with them. You need to take the time with as many fans as possible. You need to constantly find new ways to have fun with them and get them involved. I high 5'd people, signed autographs, gave hugs, danced with one guy, and shook my stinger in people's faces. But Bear is on a completely different level. He has no inhibitions, thinks quick on his feet, and is constantly finding new ways to get the crowd involved, make 'em laugh, and never misses an opportunity to give Bear hugs.
There's a reason so many people are fans of Bear, and why he's now got one more.
