Baldwin the Eagle

Baldwin the Eagle is the mascot of Boston College, named after the Bald Eagle. The name is derived from the bald head of the eagle and the word 'win'.

It originated in 1961, when the College received its first live eagle mascot, Margo, which was derived from the first few letters of the school's official colors of maroon and gold. She appeared at all home football games as well as on occasional away games. Eventually, Margo died, and although the College wanted to keep an Eagle, they did not want a live eagle, as said eagles had become endangered since the adoption of Margo. They chose a new, more friendly mascot, who could roam the college attempting to gain and rally support of the Boston College fans.

Since, the mascot has become a large part of the Boston College athletic tradition. In the Summer of 2000, the tradition was expanded with the creation of new academic logos, which heralded the expansion of its mascot. Boston College has two mascots at this time; one, Baldwin, a 6 1/2 foot-tall costume with eagle-like features, and Baldwin Jr., a 9 1/2 foot-tall, inflatable mascot, with capabilities that a human mascot would not have.