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News & Record Masthead
July 24, 2004

THE GRAPEVINE

The name Travis Trotter probably doesn't ring a bell for most fans of the now-defunct Greensboro Generals. "Sarge" does.

Sarge was the Generals mascot - big head, gray crewcut, Jay Leno jaw, hockey uniform.

Trotter, a 29-year-bid Sophia resident, was Sarge. He used to be "Scratch," the Greensboro Prowlers' mascot. And he still is "Casey The Bat" at War Memorial Stadium.

"I poured my heart and soul into the Generals," Trotter told The Grapevine on Friday. "I've already called the Winston-Salem Polar Twins office tosee if they need a mascot next season."

Hockey got Trotter started in the mascot business. He operated the radio-controlled blimp when the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes played at the Greensboro Coliseum.

Phil Madren, aka "Monty" the Greensboro Monarchs' lion during their ECHL and AHL days, taught Trotter to skate and became his mascotting mentor.

The Generals paid him $25 per game, which turned out to be an unimpressive hourly wage, especially after covering his gas money.

"It's not the money," Trotter said of the job's appeal for him. "It's all about the kids. I just like wearing the suit."

Trotter's day job is as a customer service rep for Dixie Sales, which provides parts for outdoor power equipment.

He is married with a 2-year-old daughter named Madison, and he describes his wife, Angle, as "a saint for letting me spend so much time at games."

Compiled by staff writer Larry Keech.