Cylo Is a Lancaster Homer

Himself, his team, the city, the county. Even local residents.

Wherever he goes, he represents. Cylo is a character, with character.

"Cylo's role as the mascot is to bring the energy to each game day and create excitement about our team in the community," said Madeline Davis, who is the Lancaster Stormers' community and fan engagement coordinator, as well as one of Cylo's handlers. "Typically, professional sports teams do have a mascot. Cylo is a very important staple to our organization and is well recognized in the community."

Cylo is the official mascot of the Lancaster Stormers professional baseball club, which plays its home games at Penn Medicine Park, 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster. The friendly Cylo plays a huge role in the Stormers' overall fan experience, as important off the field as the team and its players are on the field.

"This season, we play 63 home games at Penn Medicine Park, and Cylo comes to all of them," said Davis. "He is our biggest fan. He is a great entrance greeter, loves to give high fives and arm wrestle, and will sit with fans to watch the game."

A minor league franchise, the Lancaster Stormers compete in the Atlantic League, a circuit whose season runs from late April to early September. As for Cylo, he is in a league of his own.

With his help, the Stormers have one of the most loyal fanbases in the Atlantic League, drawing an average of more than 4,000 spectators at each home contest.

"Cylo is our biggest cheerleader and does a great job of pumping up the crowd," said Davis. "My favorite thing about Cylo is how outgoing and funny he is. I grew up coming to Stormers games and have loved him since I was a kid. Something a lot of people don't know about him is that he is actually a distant cousin of the Phillie Phanatic."

Cylo has been part of the Lancaster professional baseball franchise since the organization's inception 21 seasons ago. While banners have been hung and players have come and gone, the sturdy Cylo has been one of the Stormers' few constants.

"Cylo is named after Cy Young," said Davis. "His full name is Cyloicious L. Stormer and has been that since the Stormers first debuted in 2005. I hope everyone gets the chance to meet Cylo. You know where to find him."

Outside of Penn Medicine Park, Cylo makes dozens of local appearances each year. He's just as comfortable reading books to preschoolers as he is visiting residents of retirement communities.

"I do schedule the appearances," said Davis, a resident of the city. "It's a lot of fun connecting with different people and organizations, and it's always rewarding to see faces light up when he arrives. Cylo appeals to all ages, and Cylo loves everyone."

"Cylo is very easily recognized in the Lancaster area," concluded Davis. "When traveling downtown, we often receive honks from passing cars and we are frequently stopped for pictures. Cylo is very extroverted and outgoing. He can be a bit mischievous if left unsupervised, so he always travels with a handler."

For additional information, go to http://www.lancasterstormers.com.

Photos by Photos By Kirk Neidermyer..

Order professional photos at epcphoto.com hosted by smugmug.

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