An unusually shaped raccoon named Jimothy has become one of Seattle’s newest hometown celebrities. The city’s baseball team also joined in on the celebration.
The Seattle Mariners announced a Jimothy-themed night on Wednesday, Aug. 5, at T-Mobile Park. The first 20,000 fans through the gates received a special Jimothy rookie card.
Fans could also purchase special tickets that included an exclusive Mariners x Jimothy T-shirt. The offer sold out so quickly that the team added a second date for Friday, Aug. 7.
Jimothy became famous after Seattle resident Kiana Hall filmed him walking through the city’s Ballard neighborhood. Wildlife experts believe his unusual appearance may be due to a congenital spinal deformity, although this cannot be confirmed without examining him.
Jimothy Became Famous After a 5-Second Video
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Video shared by Reuters shows Jimothy moving through the neighborhood and includes an interview with Hall about the unexpected encounter.
Hall spotted the animal emerging from beneath a parked car on July 13. She initially believed she was recording a cat before realizing the small, round creature had the facial markings of a raccoon.
“We literally just saw him and was like, ‘He looks like a Jimothy,'” Hall told Reuters. Seattle NBC affiliate KING-TV reported that Jimothy quickly inspired artwork, merchandise and other tributes around the city.
The First Jimothy Ticket Offer Sold Out
In an official Facebook announcement, the Mariners revealed that some of the rookie cards distributed Aug. 5 would be special chase cards. According to the Mariners, $2 from every ticket sold through the special offer will benefit the Ballard Food Bank.
Jimothy is still a wild animal despite his newfound fame in the area. Wildlife experts have encouraged people to admire him from a distance and allow him to continue moving through the neighborhood without interference.