Edited by Devon Dean
As the Louisville Bats celebrate their 25th season of baseball at Slugger Field, a changing of the guard will take place at the end of the season for one of the team’s most beloved fixtures.
Jeremy Sharfe, an assistant principal at Dixie Elementary, is embarking on his farewell season as the man behind the mask, so to speak. Sharfe will retire from his role as Buddy Bat after 22 seasons.
Sharfe’s career as a mascot began during his college years at Western Kentucky University, where he spent two years as “Big Red.” After graduation, he made appearances as a mascot for Pepsi.
But Sharfe wanted more. After graduating from Western Kentucky with a degree in education, he called both the Louisville Bats and Churchill Downs. Both organizations interviewed him, culminating in him taking the role of “Churchill Charlie” for some time before deciding to focus on Buddy Bat.
For the Love of the Game
Sharfe’s passion for baseball is part of what drew him to audition for Buddy Bat. “I love baseball and sitting in the dugout before games and talking with the players,” said Sharfe. “I was a Cubs fan before the Bats. I loved Ryne Sandberg.” Sharfe recalled a memorable moment when Sandburg, managing Lehigh Valley, remembered him days after a brief conversation. “When I walked past, he said ‘hi Jeremy.’ That was neat he knew who I was.”
Louisville Bats President Greg Galiette told a story of how Sharfe’s passion got him in a bit of hot water once, with Buddy Bat being one of the first-ever baseball mascots to be ejected from a game by an umpire. Galiette wouldn’t get into too many specifics, other than saying, “Buddy did not agree with a close call at second base.”
Beyond the Ballpark
Performing as Buddy Bat has involved more than just game-day antics. Sharfe used to make over 100 appearances a year outside of Bats games, including visiting hospitals and working to cheer up patients of all ages. “I used to go to hospitals 20 to 30 times a year. Now it’s about four or five,” said Sharfe. “Seeing those kids with cancer… I’ve cried inside the costume. It’s tough.”
Being Buddy Bat has not come without its challenges. The physical toll of the role is significant. The Bats’ costume is notoriously warm, and the large headpiece has caused Sharfe neck problems. “Kendrick Haskins of WAVE-TV has wanted to put a thermometer on my neck to find out just how hot it is in the suit,” he said. “He hasn’t done that yet. But maybe he will this year.” Throughout the years, Sharfe has gone through three or four costumes annually, especially as the large hands wear out and get slick each summer.
Hanging It Up
Sharfe is retiring to focus on his family, as well as his music career. Sharfe is an accomplished, multi-instrument musician. He plays acoustic guitar, mandolin, harmonica, and piano. He has even played the National Anthem before the game in the suit. “We had a special head created with a hole cut out so Jeremy could play the trumpet as Buddy,” said Galiete.
The decision to retire wasn’t easy. When Sharfe informed Galiette and the team this winter, it was an emotional moment. “I was in tears,” said Sharfe. “Greg and Michelle Anderson have been great to me and everyone in the organization as well.”
Galiette admitted whoever is the eventual successor will have some big shoes to fill.
“We wanted a character similar to The San Diego Chicken. Someone known for having fun. I think everyone knows who Buddy Bat is. Our goal was to have a brand that exemplified fun for families,” he said, likening the mascot to the popular children’s character Bluey.
Initially, Sharfe and Galiette collaborated to shape Buddy’s personality. “He’s mischievous,” Galiette explained. “Pushing the envelope as a character that is good with kids, with a bit of snark thrown in.” Galiette said Sharfe pushed the envelope in terms of physicality as well.
“Jeremy would walk on his hands in the costume during kids’ races between innings,” Galiette explained. “That’s not an easy skill to master.”
What’s Next for Buddy Bat
Dan Peyton, the current “Churchill Charlie,” will step into the role in the interim. Sharfe will stay on to help select an apprentice to carry the Buddy Bat torch. “We want to lean on him to look around at current local high school and college mascots to see who might be a good fit,” Galiette said.
Though the costume will soon be worn by someone new, Sharfe’s legacy as Buddy Bat—bringing joy to fans, supporting the community, and embodying the spirit of the game—will remain a cherished part of Louisville Bats history.
For a complete schedule or to get tickets, visit milb.com/louisville.
