Ribbit and Roll: How a Viral Frog Mascot is Fueling the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Historic Start
It’s official: the Cleveland Cavaliers are on fire. With their 14th straight win of the NBA season, the Cavs have not only set a new franchise record but also joined an elite group of just six teams in league history to start a season 14-0. And while the team’s on-court chemistry and offseason moves have been key to their success, there’s another, more unexpected factor driving the hype: a frog. Yes, you read that right—a frog.
Let’s set the scene. After their latest victory, a hard-fought game against the Chicago Bulls, the Cavaliers celebrated in style. Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen were all smiles as they danced and laughed on the court with Moondog, the team’s mascot, who was dressed as Froggy. Froggy, the now-iconic sign-holding amphibian, has become Cleveland’s rallying cry, and the city can’t get enough of her.
Moondog held up a sign that read “14-0,” and the trio of Cavs stars couldn’t help but join in the fun. The moment was pure joy, encapsulating the team’s loose, fun-loving vibe that has captivated fans and fueled their historic start.
YOUR CLEVELAND CAVALIERS ARE 14-0. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/LS3q8ZAZXA
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) November 16, 2024
The Origins of Froggy
So, where did Froggy come from? The story begins with a dancing frog meme that started circulating when the Cavs opened the season 4-0. The Instagram account @cleveorleave, run by Kaitie Nickel and Mike Hamme of Cleveland Vibes, posted the video of Froggy, dubbing her the “lucky frog.” After the team’s fifth straight win, they doubled down, captioning their next post: “Posting until Cavs lose.”
Well, Cleveland didn’t lose for another two-and-a-half weeks, and Froggy fever took over the city. Fans embraced the meme, and even the players got in on the fun. Donovan Mitchell admitted he was “shocked” when he first saw the viral mascot on social media, while Jarrett Allen called Froggy “a vibe” and confessed he’d been wanting to dance with her since he first saw her.
“It’s Cleveland,” Allen said after the game. “That’s just a vibe in the city, and I hope it doesn’t change.”
Froggy’s Impact on the City
Froggy has become more than just a meme; she’s a symbol of the Cavaliers’ success and the city’s spirit. After every win, Froggy takes to the streets of Cleveland, often appearing outside Rocket Mortgage Field House or at Whistle Taproom & Venue, a sports bar near the arena. She holds up a sign with the team’s record on one side and “Cavs Win” on the other, dancing with fans who can’t get enough of her signature side-stepping and hopping moves.
According to Nickel, Froggy represents the female fan and has become a beacon of female empowerment. Female mascots are rare in professional sports, with only a few notable examples like the New York Liberty’s Ellie, the Boston Red Sox’s Tessie, and the New York Mets’ Mrs. Met. Hamme called Froggy an “it girl” and said her popularity is a testament to her unique appeal.
“You find that maybe the players and definitely the sports fans are protective of her,” Nickel said. “You get a feeling of wanting to fight for her.”
How Froggy Became a Lucky Charm
Froggy’s rise to fame wasn’t entirely planned. Cleveland Vibes didn’t expect the mascot to resonate so deeply with fans, but once the Cavaliers hit 10-0, they decided to go all in. They purchased a Froggy costume and began sending her out after every win. The players quickly embraced her, with Hamme noting that the locker room felt Froggy embodied the team’s energy.
“They’re obviously having fun out there. They don’t take themselves really seriously,” Nickel said. “The teamwork there is visible from the stands. They really do love each other.”
Interestingly, Froggy’s dance moves may have a deeper meaning. Hamme said he was told that the drumbeat and Froggy’s entrance resemble the dance of a Chinese dragon, which is believed to bring gifts or money. This has led some to view Froggy as a “lucky frog,” and the Cavaliers’ record-breaking start seems to back that up.
What’s Next for Froggy and the Cavs?
Even though the Cavaliers have cooled off slightly, dropping three of their last six games, Froggy remains a constant presence. After every win, she’s back outside the arena, dancing and celebrating with fans. Cleveland Vibes has no plans to stop the tradition, with Hamme joking, “We’re not superstitious. We’re just a little stitious,” quoting Michael Scott from “The Office.”
As the Cavaliers continue their season, Froggy will be there every step of the way, embodying the team’s fun, loose, and winning spirit. “They’re showing up in a special way this season,” Hamme said. “We think it’s a lucky season. We’re thinking we’re going to break records all season long. And we’re here to dance with them.”
Originally Written by: Jamal Collier
