Ranking The Best Mascots In Pittsburgh Sports

4. Steely McBeam

This one’s not going to be popular. Poor Steely has been the relative no one wants to claim since making his debut in 2007.

I’m here to tell you this yellow-skinned steelworker isn’t that bad.

Mr. McBeam heading to work, presumably. (Photo: Steelers)

First of all, he just seems so happy, grinning as wide as former Steelers coach Bill Cowher after his long-awaited Super Bowl victory. Secondly, the colors are definitely spot-on, even if his epidermis doesn’t look very healthy. Thirdly…eh, I give up. Steely’s a little corny, but so is playing a Styx anthem to get the Heinz Field crowd fired up.

Point being, McBeam is kinda like the Steelers. Earnest, unabashed, wears a helmet. He’s not perfect, but he’s good enough for No. 4 on this list.

3. Roc the Panther

Let’s pause to celebrate that the top three mascots are all animals. No more “uncanny valley” to deal with when looking into these critters’ eyes.

Not only is Roc the Panther a multi-sport performer in his role as the face of Pitt athletics, he also has his own (periodically updated) Twitter account and an interesting back story that involves a lesson in Latin species names.

Roc supporting his fellow Panthers at the Pete. (Photo: Pitt athletics)

I see Roc as expertly bridging the gap between cute and intimidating. It’s difficult to imagine him scaring off too many kids, but he’s no pushover, either. All in all, Roc is pretty middle-of-the-road, which is why he comes in at No. 3.