Cast Your Vote for Phinley, Thresher Fans!

Vote early and vote often. Just make sure you vote for Phinley of the Clearwater Threshers as your favorite Minor League Baseball Mascot.

That's the message to Clearwater Threshers fans from Mayor George N. Cretekos and other boosters. Mascot Mania is under way, the annual contest to choose the standout Minor League Baseball mascot.

Doesn't Phinley seem like a natural? There's some stiff competition across the country as well in his own backyard. Also in the running is Marty the Maurauder in Bradenton, D-Jay of the Dunedin Blue Jays and Blue of the Tampa Yankees.

Voting started Thursday, July 18. It's easy to participate: 

1. Got to MiLB.com: Click "Vote" to vote for a mascot. Undecided? Click on any mascot's name to learn more. Vote for mascots in one or more leagues. Just press "submit" at the bottom of the page.
2. Then vote again: You can vote as often as you like on MiLB.com.
   
3. Tweet your vote! Just follow @MiLB, tweet the hashtag #MascotMania, and include the Twitter handle for the team – Clearwater Threshers – whose mascot you want to vote for. Retweets count as votes, too!

The first round of voting is until Aug. 1. The Championship Round is Aug. 1-8.

Every time you vote, you enter the chance to win a subscription to MLB.TV, MiLB.TV, and other prizes. See Official Rules for details.