Phillie Phanatic may return to old design following settlement, per report

One of the most recognizable mascots in the sports world could be returning to its signature look.

The Phillie Phanatic may go back to its own design following a settlement between the creators of the character’s costume and the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

A new, controversial version of the Phillie Phanatic with minor tweaks such as lighter blue accents, different shoes, star-shaped eyelids and seemingly scaly arms has been in place for the last two seasons as a legal battle between the Phillies and the creators, Bonnie Erickson and Wayde Harrison, took place.

In the terms of the settlement, the Phillies will pay the creators an undisclosed amount of money in exchange for the ability to use either of the designs, making it possible for the old Phanatic to make a comeback.

The Phillie Phanatic became the Phillies mascot in 1978, standing on the sidelines for both the 1980 and 2008 World Series championships and cecoming one of the most iconic mascots in American sports.

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