Royals harness power of Rally Mantis to profit off critter's newfound fame

Joe Rodgers

Royals harness power of Rally Mantis to profit off critter's newfound fame image

The Kansas City Royals have won 18 of their past 22 games entering Tuesday since inheriting the Rally Mantis as an unofficial dugout talisman. After the first one passed on to insect heaven, its winning ways were reborn into Rally Mantis Jr., who travels with the team across America in its own portable habitat. 

Of course, the critter's popularity is now being monopolized by the Royals, who are selling Rally Mantis memorabilia at a steep price as the club is in the midst of an improbable wild-card chase.

For any Royals fans out there (or praying mantis lovers) who want to save some money, you can buy the mask from Archie McPhee & Co. for $27.50. 

MORE: It might not get weirder than a praying mantis with these live animal mascots

If the defending World Series champions can find a way into the postseason and pull off the unthinkable repeat, Rally Mantis may find its way into Royals lore much like that of the Cardinals Rally Squirrel which was immortalized on their 2011 championship rings

 

 

Joe Rodgers