Mascots at a Glance
Mascots: Crawford the Crawfish, Spud the Potato & Kernel the Cobb
Team: Biloxi Shuckers
League: Double-A South | Milwaukee Brewers Affiliate
Home: Keesler Federal Park, Biloxi, Mississippi
Born: 2015 (with the opening of Keesler Federal Park)
Race Time: Bottom of the 5th inning
Inspired By: The three essential ingredients of a South Mississippi crawfish boil
Race Distance: A sprint around the warning track in front of thousands of cheering fans
Why They’re Unique: Instead of racing sausages or presidents, Biloxi celebrates one of the Gulf Coast’s greatest traditions, a crawfish boil.
For generations, a crawfish boil has been more than just a meal across South Mississippi. It’s a Saturday afternoon spent with family, neighbors, and friends gathered around picnic tables covered in newspaper. It’s the smell of Cajun seasoning drifting through the air, kids chasing each other around the yard, and someone always insisting they’ve cooked “the best batch yet.”
Every great boil starts with three essential ingredients: crawfish, potatoes, and corn.
So when the Biloxi Shuckers were looking for a way to celebrate one of the Gulf Coast’s most recognizable traditions, they didn’t look very far. Instead of racing hot dogs, sausages, or presidents like other Minor League Baseball teams, the Shuckers created something that could only happen in Biloxi, the Crawfish Race.
Every home game during the bottom of the fifth inning, the ballpark transforms into one giant backyard boil as three oversized mascots race around the warning track in one of the Gulf Coast’s most entertaining between-inning traditions.
Children immediately pick a favorite. Parents find themselves cheering just as loudly. By the time the race reaches the final turn, the crowd is on its feet as if the Shuckers are trying to score the winning run.
It’s goofy. It’s unpredictable. And it’s become one of the signature traditions at Keesler Federal Park.
Meet the Racers
🦞 Crawford the Crawfish
Every race needs a favorite, and Crawford usually enters with the loudest cheers.
Representing the star of every South Mississippi crawfish boil, Crawford brings plenty of confidence to the starting line. He struts in front of the crowd, waves to fans, and isn’t afraid to celebrate before the race even begins.
When the whistle blows, Crawford usually gets off to a fast start. His sideways sprint isn’t always graceful, but somehow it works. Whether he’s weaving around the competition or pumping up the crowd halfway through the race, Crawford embraces the spotlight.
If there’s one racer fans expect to win, it’s Crawford, but the beauty of the Crawfish Race is that nothing is guaranteed.
🥔 Spud the Potato
Every crawfish boil needs potatoes, and every race needs an underdog.
Spud may not have Crawford’s speed or Kernel’s long stride, but what he lacks in athleticism he more than makes up for with personality. His rounded shape often leads to stumbles, awkward turns, and the occasional tumble, earning some of the biggest laughs of the night.
Kids love cheering for Spud because he never quits.
Even when he’s trailing by several steps, he keeps chugging toward the finish line, and every once in a while, the lovable potato pulls off an upset that sends the crowd into celebration.
He’s proof that hustle can sometimes beat speed.
🌽 Kernel the Cobb
While Crawford entertains and Spud wins hearts, Kernel simply goes to work.
Tall, streamlined, and wrapped in his bright green husk, Kernel is the quiet competitor of the trio. He doesn’t spend much time showing off before the race. Instead, he waits patiently for the signal before exploding off the line with surprisingly smooth strides.
Kernel has developed a reputation as the most consistent racer in the field.
Fans may overlook him while they’re laughing at Spud’s antics or watching Crawford play to the crowd, but more often than not, Kernel quietly finds himself crossing the finish line first. Sometimes the quietest competitor is the one you have to watch the closest.
A Race That Could Only Happen on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Minor League Baseball has become famous for its between-inning entertainment.
Across America you’ll find racing presidents, sausages, hot dogs, and even astronauts. Biloxi, however, chose something that perfectly reflects the culture of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Few foods bring people together like a crawfish boil. Whether it’s a fundraiser, Mardi Gras celebration, day at the beach or the boat, neighborhood gathering, college tailgate, or spring festival, crawfish have become part of the region’s identity. By turning the three staple ingredients into racing mascots, the Shuckers created an attraction that instantly feels local.
Visitors may come for the baseball.
Locals know the fifth inning belongs to the boil.
More Than Just a Race
The Crawfish Race lasts only a minute or two, but it’s become one of those traditions families remember long after the final out. Kids proudly declare themselves “Team Crawford,” “Team Spud,” or “Team Kernel.” Friends debate who has the best winning percentage. Cameras come out as the mascots sprint, wobble, and occasionally collide on their way around the warning track.
Afterward, the racers often stick around for photos, high-fives, and plenty of laughs with young fans. It’s exactly the kind of lighthearted entertainment that has made Minor League Baseball one of the best family experiences in sports.
The Biloxi Shuckers return home this week for a six-game homestand against the Montgomery Biscuits, giving fans another opportunity to experience one of the Gulf Coast’s most unique ballpark traditions.
Sure, you’ll see future Milwaukee Brewers taking the field.
But when the bottom of the fifth inning arrives, don’t be surprised if everyone’s attention shifts from the diamond to three oversized mascots racing around the warning track.
Because on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, there are few things more competitive—or more entertaining—than a crawfish, a potato, and an ear of corn battling for bragging rights.
One thing is certain: you haven’t truly experienced a night at Keesler Federal Park until you’ve picked your favorite racer and cheered them all the way to the finish line.
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