The Phoenix Mercury have one of the most unique mascots in professional sports, and certainly the most extraterrestrial in the WNBA.
His name? Scorch. He’s not just a fiery ball of energy on the sidelines, he’s a full-blown character with a sci-fi backstory, a growing fanbase, and a performance style all his own.
When you attend a Phoenix Mercury game, you’ll likely spot Scorch dunking off a trampoline, high-fiving fans, or dancing on the court in a way that only a flame-colored, space-traveling mascot can.
According to team lore, Scorch is an alien who traveled from the planet Mercury to Earth after hearing the electrifying energy of the Mercury fanbase, known as the X-Factor.
He landed in Phoenix on June 9, 2002, the date of his official debut. Ever since, he’s been lighting up the arena at Footprint Center with his signature moves and high-energy antics.
The look, personality, and rising mascot crew
Unlike traditional mascots, Scorch doesn’t resemble any one animal. Some fans say he looks like a mix between a kangaroo, bat, and dog, featuring big ears, a pointed snout, a tail, and long limbs.
But officially, Scorch is just… himself: a one-of-a-kind creature from another planet, meant to match the bold identity of the Phoenix Mercury.
His profile lists some fun trivia: his favorite food is hot dogs, he enjoys sipping hot chocolate, jamming to the Beastie Boys’ Intergalactic, and watching Phoenix Rising, a movie that doesn’t exist (yet).
But Scorch doesn’t work alone anymore. In 2023, the team introduced a second mascot, Fuego, a massive inflatable character dressed in team colors. His name means “fire” in Spanish, tying directly to the Mercury’s fiery identity and Arizona’s desert heat.
Fuego adds another layer of fun for fans and often appears during timeouts or pre-game festivities.
At the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix, Scorch was spotlighted in a big way.
In one memorable moment, he rappelled down from the rafters, creating a dramatic entrance that showcased his role as a mainstay of the Mercury experience. As reported by Sports Illustrated, the entrance “turned heads” even among the most seasoned WNBA fans.
“Scorch detected a high-level wave of energy from his home planet,” says his official bio. “He traced that energy signal to Phoenix, Arizona. As he drew closer, he could hear the chants of the X-Factor echoing through space.”
While mascots often take a backseat to star players, Scorch is a key figure in building the Mercury’s game-day energy.
With his background story, playful demeanor, and role in the growing tradition of WNBA mascots, he’s more than just a sideshow, he’s part of the team’s heart.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Phoenix Mercury or a newcomer to the league, one thing’s for sure: once you see Scorch in action, you won’t forget him.
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