Slider is the Cleveland Guardians mascot. The big fuchsia furball debuted on July 29, 1990, during a doubleheader against the New York Yankees, and he stayed on when the Indians became the Guardians in 2022.
Slider at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Debut | July 29, 1990, during a doubleheader against the New York Yankees |
| What he is | A fuchsia furball with a yellow nose and shaggy yellow eyebrows; no particular species |
| Team names | Cleveland Indians until 2021, Cleveland Guardians since 2022 |
| Mascot Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2008 |
What is Slider?
Slider isn’t any particular animal. His creator called him a “big fat furball”, and his longtime coordinator says he’s his own species. He’s fuchsia, with a yellow nose and shaggy yellow eyebrows.
The idea came from Dennis Lehman, a former Cleveland executive who had worked on the Phillie Phanatic and brought the mascot idea to Cleveland after the Phanatic’s success.
The Mascot Hall of Fame says fans threw peanuts at Slider from the upper deck when he debuted in 1990. The Hall of Fame also lists a cameo in the 1994 film Major League II.
Slider turned 30 in 2020, and Dan Kilday has been the team’s mascot coordinator since day one. Slider was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2008.
From Indians to Guardians
On July 23, 2021, the club announced it would change its name from the Indians to the Guardians after the 2021 season. Team officials confirmed the same day that Slider would stay. He’s still the Guardians mascot in 2026. For every other team, see our MLB mascots list.
The 1995 ALCS fall
The night everyone remembers is October 14, 1995: Game 4 of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners at Jacobs Field. With Carlos Baerga batting, Slider tried a somersault, fell from the outfield wall and tore ligaments in his knee. Cleveland won the game 7-0. You can watch video of the fall.
Slider was back for Game 5 the next day with a wrapped knee and crutches, to an ovation. The accounts differ on who was inside the costume by then: SABR says someone else wore it while the injured performer was out.
Slider FAQ
What is the Cleveland Guardians mascot?
Slider, a fuchsia furball who has been Cleveland’s mascot since July 29, 1990.
Was Slider also the Cleveland Indians mascot?
Yes. Slider debuted in 1990, when the team was the Indians, and he stayed after the name changed to the Guardians in 2022.
What kind of animal is Slider?
None in particular. Slider is a furry fuchsia creature with no defined species.
When did Slider get hurt?
During Game 4 of the 1995 ALCS, on October 14, 1995, when he fell from the outfield wall attempting a somersault and tore knee ligaments.
Sources: MLB.com, Slider: From ‘big fat furball’ to Hall of Famer; Cleveland Guardians, Meet Slider; Mascot Hall of Fame, Slider; SABR, 1995 American League Championship Series; MLB.com, Cleveland Indians change name to Guardians; Fox 8 Cleveland, Will the Cleveland Guardians keep Slider as their mascot?. How we check facts: About page.