Double Trouble: Father-Daughter Duo Shaped Baylor Mascot History
For Andy Spencer and Deanna Pratt, Baylor pride runs in the family. From the debut of Marigold, this father-daughter team played a key role in the legacy of Baylor’s beloved mascots, one bear suit at a time.
Andy Spencer’s Journey as Mr. Bear
Andy Spencer, Baylor Class of 1987, was among the university's first mascots. As a freshman, he noticed the Wendy’s Bear performing at a pep rally and was inspired. He took the Wendy’s Bear suit, added a Baylor double-zero jersey, and created Mr. Bear.
“I thought it looked like fun and ended up doing it for three years while I was there,” Spencer said. “I took it from being the Wendy’s bear to being the Baylor Bear.”
Deanna Pratt’s Unexpected Path
Deanna Pratt, Baylor Class of 2019, initially had no desire to become a mascot. She was actually afraid of mascots as a child and hoped to join the volleyball team in high school. However, when she wasn’t invited back for tryouts, her path changed.
“I never wanted to be a mascot,” Pratt said. “I was actually deathly afraid of mascots when I was little.”
Despite her fears, Deanna eventually followed her father's footsteps and became part of the team that brought another Baylor mascot to life.
Family Tradition of Baylor Spirit
The Spencer family’s involvement with Baylor mascots exemplifies a unique family tradition intertwined with the university’s spirit and community.
Author’s summary: The Spencer family forged a lasting connection to Baylor’s mascot history, turning unexpected opportunities into a proud family tradition of school spirit.