AKRON -- The Akron RubberDucks' new mascot has its name: Webster.
Webster the RubberDuck will make his official debut prior to Thursday's home opener against the Bowie Baysox at 6:35 p.m. Webster will join Orbit the space cat and Homer the pigeon as the official mascots of the RubberDucks.
Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6 p.m. on Thursday's Opening Day for the entire pre-game ceremonies, including the unveiling of Webster the RubberDuck. This follows the Main Street Festival, which runs from 4-6 p.m. in front of Canal Park on South Main Street where fans can hear live music, see fire breathers, face painters and more fun before gates open.
Nominations for the new mascot's name took place from March 17-25. From March 27 to April 4, fans voted online from five finalists: Bill, Quackers, Rubberto, Tread and Webster. Webster was selected as the winning name with more than 4,000 votes submitted online in the final vote.
Melanie Feltoon from Twinsburg was chosen at random from among the people who nominated the name "Webster," and she will receive two 2014 season tickets and a chance to participate in Webster's official unveiling.
The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.
The 2014 season will be its 18th since moving to Canal Park and its first since becoming the RubberDucks.
