Ernesto Barquet Arrambide has been playing Greenville Drive’s mascot Reedy Rip’It since 2017, following a chance meeting with the performer who played the role before him. Barquet Arrambide originally planned to fill-in for the actor for one or two games but was later offered the position.
Barquet Arrambide shared with the Journal his favorite thing about being Reedy, what a normal day on the job looks like and the biggest misconception about being Greenville’s most famous frog.
What is your favorite thing about playing Reedy?
Without a doubt, my favorite thing about mascoting is interacting with fans. I love having interactions with them both one-on-one and with large groups of people. I always try to make meaningful connections. Sometimes that takes the form of a special handshake or just seeing the same fan at multiple games and dancing with them. One of my favorite interactions to have is when I am able to help a scared little kid warm up to Reedy. When a young fan starts crying at the sight of a giant frog, I try playing peek-a-boo or waving from a distance to make them smile or even come up to give Reedy a hug and take a picture. Being able to create that bond between the child and Reedy is one of my favorite things about being a mascot.
What is a normal day on your job?
I always try to get a good night’s sleep before days that I know I will be in the suit so I can have plenty of energy since Reedy is very active. During the day, I make sure I am eating well and try to load up on carbs. I am constantly drinking water throughout the day to be well-hydrated. Games start with a pre-game meeting detailing what will be going on during the game such as promotions, games with fans and appearances. I suit up after the gates open so I can interact with fans on the concourse before the game starts. During the baseball game, I am involved with the promo team with games and promotions. I also walk through the concourse and the stands when I get the chance and sometimes visit some of the suites. Game days typically end with dancing along to “Sweet Caroline” during the middle of the eighth inning.
Ernesto Barquet Arrambide has been playing @GreenvilleDrive's mascot Reedy Rip’It since 2017, following a chance meeting with the performer who played the role before him. Read this week's #dayinthelife profile. https://t.co/szylE1koYh
— Greenville Journal (@gvljournal) July 30, 2021
The biggest thing I can think of is that some people think a mascot is just a person in a suit. People limit the scope of the abilities of a mascot to just posing for pictures and giving out high-fives, but there is a lot more to being a mascot than that. Being a mascot is being a character and part of that involves learning their walk, their mannerisms, characteristic poses, how they interact with different people, their dancing styles, signature and different elements that make that character unique. Knowing all of this and working on truly becoming the character of the mascot is essential with performing and interacting with fans. Without it, Reedy would be a guy in a frog suit instead of Reedy Rip’It, the playful and goofy mascot we know and love.
