This Mascot Factory Exploding Whales plush doll features the Emeralds alternate identity and its signature whale carrying dynamite. Product was produced by Mascot Factory.
The Exploding Whale identity references an event that occurred on November 12th, 1970 in the city of Florence. A 45-foot-long sperm whale washed ashore on the coast that weighed just short of eight tons. The state’s Highway Division had jurisdiction over the beaches and, after consulting with the United States Navy, they decided to remove the whale using dynamite. The hope was that the explosion would result in scattered, small pieces left for animals to consume. Instead, the result was an event that would be remembered in the history books.
The Eugene Emeralds now take the field as their Exploding Whale alternate identity. The Emeralds have worked with the city of Florence, the mayor, city council, and other business leaders in Florence to carefully create this alternate identity.