Inside Boomer: The Life and Times of the ThunderBolts' Most Enduring Star08/27/2025 10:36 AM
By Nicole Bacoyanis
If you’ve been to a Windy City ThunderBolts game, chances are you’ve seen him before you’ve even found your seat. Big smile, endless energy, and a larger-than-life personality, our beloved mascot Boomer is more than just a face at the ballpark. He’s the heartbeat of the ThunderBolts experience.
Though nobody can quite put their finger on what type of animal Boomer is (and maybe that’s part of the fun), one thing is certain: he’s a fan favorite. From the moment gates open, Boomer can be spotted strolling around Ozinga Field, greeting fans with high fives, posing for pictures, and sharing hugs with kids. He sets the tone for the game before the first pitch is ever thrown, making sure everyone feels welcome in the stands.
Boomer is also a star when it comes to promotions. Whether he’s racing around the bases, hyping up the crowd during on-field contests, or showing off his dance moves between innings, Boomer knows how to keep the energy high. And when he makes special appearances around the Crestwood area at schools, parades, or community events, he brings the same excitement with him, proudly representing the ThunderBolts wherever he goes.
When the game is over and it’s time for kids to run the bases, Boomer is right there leading the way. He cheers them on as they round first, gives high-fives at second, and celebrates every home-plate finish like it’s a walk-off win. For many kids, running the bases with Boomer by their side is the highlight of their day at the ballpark, a memory they carry home with wide smiles and excited stories for their families.
More than just an entertainer, Boomer is truly the ThunderBolts’ number one cheerleader. He’s always on the dugout steps, waving his arms to pump up the crowd, dancing to rally the fans, and bringing a spark of energy when the team needs it most. Win or lose, Boomer is there to make sure ThunderBolts fans are always smiling, laughing, and cheering.
Boomer’s magic is that he’s a mascot for everyone. For the youngest fans, he’s a big, friendly guy who’s always ready for a picture or a laugh, or to sign a baseball. For parents, he’s a safe and silly presence that helps keep kids engaged while they enjoy the game. And for longtime baseball lovers, Boomer is a reminder that the ballpark is about more than balls and strikes—it’s about community.
On a typical summer night at Ozinga Field, you might find Boomer kneeling to greet a toddler seeing baseball for the very first time. Moments later, he’s throwing Beggars Pizza shirts into the crowd, then sprinting across the outfield to chase down a foul ball (even if he has no chance of catching it). No matter what he’s doing, Boomer is giving fans a reason to laugh, clap, and stay connected to the action.
Baseball promotions are a ThunderBolts tradition, and Boomer plays a starring role in every one of them. When there’s a t-shirt toss, you’ll spot him on top of the dugout throwing shirts to screaming fans. On the field you’ll find him holding up the quiet please sign during the Closest to the Pin promotion.
Boomer doesn’t just stay at the ballpark; he takes the ThunderBolts spirit out into the community. You might see him marching in a summer parade, handing out candy and waving to families along the route. Or he might pop up at a local school assembly, encouraging kids to read, stay active, and of course, come to a ThunderBolts game.
At charity events, Boomer is often front and center, whether it’s posing for photos, helping raffle tickets, or simply lightening the mood with his goofy antics. He has a special way of connecting with people of all ages, and his presence instantly brings joy to any event. For many families who meet him outside the stadium, Boomer is the reason they decide to check out a ThunderBolts game for the first time.
Ask any ThunderBolts fan about Boomer, and you’ll likely hear a story. Maybe it’s about the time he joined their kid’s birthday party at the park. Maybe it’s when he photobombed a family selfie on the concourse. Or maybe it’s just about how their little one lights up the second Boomer comes into view.
That’s the real magic of a mascot like Boomer—he creates moments that stick. Baseball is about the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and the thrill of competition, but it’s also about fun, laughter, and togetherness. Boomer makes sure every single fan feels that.
Every team has players, coaches, and staff working to make the season a success. But the ThunderBolts also have something no opponent can match: Boomer. He’s the one who lifts spirits during a losing streak, fuels the crowd during a rally, and keeps families coming back game after game.
He may not swing a bat or throw a pitch, but ask anyone who knows Ozinga Field—Boomer is just as important to the ThunderBolts as anyone wearing the uniform.
Boomer isn’t just a mascot—he’s family. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a season-ticket holder, one thing’s for sure: a ThunderBolts game wouldn’t be the same without him. |
Browse by Year »
2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006
Browse by Month »
August 2025 July 2025 June 2025 April 2025 February 2025 January 2025 November 2024 October 2024 September 2024 August 2024 July 2024 June 2024 May 2024 April 2024 February 2024 January 2024 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 November 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 September 2020 June 2020 April 2020 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 January 2018 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 November 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006 June 2006 May 2006 April 2006 March 2006 February 2006 January 2006 |
