Baldwin the Eagle: A History of Boston College's Beloved Mascot

Baldwin the Eagle is an iconic figure at Boston College, synonymous with school spirit and athletic pride. From humble beginnings as a live bird to the energetic student embodying him today, Baldwin has evolved into a beloved symbol for the BC community.

The Origins of the Eagle Mascot

Prior to 1921, Boston College did not have an official mascot. Between 1905 and 1910, the student body expressed interest in adopting one. Early suggestions included the owl and the antelope, but neither gained traction. In 1920, after a successful year for the track team, a Boston newspaper cartoon depicted Boston College as a cat, which spurred the Rev. Edward McLaughlin to advocate for a more fitting symbol.

In a letter to the student newspaper, The Heights, Fr. McLaughlin passionately argued for the adoption of the eagle as the school's mascot. He wrote, "It is important that we adopt a mascot to preside at our pow-wows and triumphant feats…. And why not the Eagle, symbolic of majesty, power, and freedom? Its natural habitat is the high places. Surely the Heights is made to order for such a selection. Proud would the B.C. man feel to see the B.C. Eagle snatching the trophy of victory from old opponents, their tattered banner clutched in his talons as he flies aloft."

Fr. McLaughlin's words resonated with the Boston College community, and the "Eagles" nickname stuck. Soon after, the college received a pair of golden eagles from Texas and New Mexico as gifts. However, one eagle escaped, and the other broke its beak while trying to flee.

Margo: The Live Eagle Mascot

In August 1961, Boston College made another attempt at having a live mascot, adopting a 10-month-old golden eagle named Margo. Her name was a combination of the school colors, maroon and gold. Margo served as the live mascot until her death in 1966. By this time, eagles had become endangered, leading the university to transition to a costumed mascot. A live Boston College mascot made a brief comeback between 2013 and 2014. The bird was named “Welles” in honor of Welles Crowther, a Boston College lacrosse player who became known as the “Man in the Red Bandana” after his heroics in saving the lives of others following the Sept.

The Rise of Baldwin: The Costumed Mascot

In 1976, the tradition of student actors portraying Baldwin began when an inspired student rented an eagle suit and wore it to a football game.

Today, Baldwin is brought to life by a team of dedicated, unpaid undergraduate students who audition for the role. These students are responsible for maintaining Baldwin's energetic and joyful presence at games and events.

The Secrets of Being Baldwin

Students who portray Baldwin are expected to keep their identity a secret until they graduate, adding to the mystique surrounding the mascot. They navigate crowded spaces in a full-body costume with limited visibility, all while staying in character and never speaking.

According to current Baldwin actors, there's a unique energy and persona that comes with wearing the suit. One student described Baldwin as "everyone’s little brother" who is trying to be cool and hype up everyone. Another student, naturally an extrovert, had to adjust to the limited mobility of the costume, realizing that every movement had to be exaggerated.

The audition process focuses on energy and charisma rather than specific skills. Auditionees may be asked to dance to music or act out scenarios, such as posing for a photo with Fr. Leahy or interacting with a crying baby. Skating ability is also considered for those who will portray Baldwin at hockey games.

The Challenges and Rewards of Being Baldwin

Being Baldwin is physically demanding. The suit is often hot and can get very sweaty, described by one student as "the best workout of your life" and "like being in a sauna and doing Zumba." Visibility is also a challenge, as the actors can only see out of the beak, which faces downward. This requires them to pay close attention to people's feet for guidance.

Despite the challenges, the students who portray Baldwin find the experience incredibly rewarding. They enjoy bringing joy to fans, especially children, and creating a sense of unity within the Boston College community. One student shared, "The best part? The smile on the kids’ faces-but I can’t actually see the kids at all. But just, like, knowing." Another said, "It’s like having this superpower because everyone on campus knows your name and knows who you are, and you immediately spark joy."

Baldwin's Many Appearances

For football games, there are multiple Baldwins, which fans may notice when Baldwin is suddenly a foot shorter at intermission. Baldwin appears at various sporting events, including football, lacrosse, and hockey games.

Baldwin Jr.

The distinctive Eagles mascot has a number of feathered friends to keep him company. Baldwin Jr. - a 9.5-foot inflatable eagle - is also a feature at games.

The Bronze Eagle Statue: Another Symbol of Boston College

Another important symbol of Boston College is the gilded bronze eagle statue located in front of Gasson Hall. This statue has its own unique history, separate from the costumed mascot.

Read also: History of the BU Bridge

The Andersons and Their Eagle

The statue was originally owned by Larz Anderson, a diplomat, and his wife, Isabel Weld Perkins, a socialite heiress. The Andersons acquired the statue in Japan in the early 20th century. Isabel inherited $17 million from her grandfather, William Fletcher Weld, when she was five years old. That made her one of the wealthiest women in the country. When she was twenty years old, her parents asked Maud Howe Elliott to chaperone Isabel on a yearlong grand tour of Europe. Elliott was the daughter of Julia Ward Howe, author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Larz Anderson befriended Robert Todd Lincoln at Harvard, who helped him get a diplomatic post in London. By 1896, Larz Anderson was in Rome as first secretary to the American embassy, and head over heels in love with Isabel Weld Perkins.

The statue remained in Larz Anderson Park in Brookline, Massachusetts, until 1954, when Augustus (Gus) M. Anderson (no relation), who worked as a private secretary for Isabel Anderson for over 40 years, donated it to Boston College. Gus Anderson, a big Boston College football fan, grew concerned about weather damage to the eagle.

The Replica

Due to Gus Anderson’s concerns about the weather, Boston College had the eagle repaired and copied. It is an exact replica of the original eagle that now overlooks the Boston College campus. The bronze eagle (an osprey, really) spreads its wings high atop a 30-foot marble pillar in front of Gasson Hall at the end of Linden Lane. It is a favorite backdrop for proud parents to be photographed with their newly admitted - or recently graduated - sons and daughters.

The Evolution of Baldwin's Look

Over the years, Baldwin's appearance has evolved. In 2000, with the unveiling of the current athletics logos, the Boston College Eagle mascot received a visual makeover. The name "Baldwin" is a combination of "Bald" (as in bald eagle) and "win."

Mascots: A Brief History

Though use of mascots goes back to ancient history, the word "mascot" did not come into usage in the English language until the late 19th century. A French composer named Edmond Audran (1842-1901) wrote a popular operetta entitled "La Mascotte" (1880). It was quickly translated in English and performed in London in 1881 and in Boston in 1882. The plot was very light-hearted fare concerning a rural girl who brought good luck to whoever possessed her, provided that she remained uncorrupted. The term, translated into English as "mascot" and used as a noun, has a notion of a person, animal or thing that brings good luck. It quickly became employed by sports teams. Besides serving as a good luck charm, a mascot also provides a school with an added sense of identity. In 1889, Yale University became the first American university to adopt a mascot, a bulldog named "Handsome Dan."

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