A weekly series profiling people working in Cayuga County Tourism.

It's hot, sweaty and stinky, but he says he just doesn't trust anyone else to do the job. The mysterious man hiding under the 10-pound smiling face of the Auburn Doubledays mascot, Abner, is back for his second season at Falcon Park and plans to be around for awhile.

"I'm attached to the job, and plus I don't want anyone else to screw up the Abner name," he said.

Consistency is also important for the fans, he said.

"I have kids that bring baseballs to sign that have five different Abner signatures," he said. "The continuity now is a nice thing."

Part of the job is anonymity, so he won't share his name, but Abner's alter ego was quick to admit that the little ones are the best part of his job.

"The little cute kids - that's what makes it fun," he said. "They follow me around. But the challenge is that some want to beat on me and kick me."

Carl Gutelius, general manager, said Abner has been around since 1996 and adds to the atmosphere of the game.

"He's half the reason that kids come," he said.

This personality of this particular Abner clicked with the Doubledays right away, he said.

"He's fantastic; he's everything you want in a mascot," Gutelius said. "He loves kids. He knows what he's doing."

Two years into the job, the man behind the mask has plenty of stories.

One game he wore a bandanna around his forehead to soak up sweat, but it fell over his eyes and he had to blindly stumble back to the office. Another time, some interns tried to be helpful and sprayed Febreeze scent spray into the head, but it mixed with his sweat and ran into his eyes, burning them.

"It wouldn't be a big deal if you could rub your eyes," he said, laughing. "But I've got the head on."

Responsible for rallying the crowd, wooing the fans and entertaining during quiet moments, Abner spends home game nights roaming the park, giving high fives and kissing babies and grandmothers, running onto the field during innings for children's games, leading the pack in the famous "Taco chant" and signing bats, shirts and programs - sometimes more than once for kids who just can't get enough of him. And he does it all without saying a word.

He doesn't give many interviews, but The Citizen sat down with Abner for the first time as he broke his silence.

You're quite popular. Who are your favorite fans?

The people behind home plate - they always say hi to me. And Crazy Ray, Spike and friends that hang out by the first baseline.

I've seen some special handshakes with fans. How many are there?

It's really endless. I just let it flow. OK, four or five.

The ladies seem to love you - do you have a girlfriend?

No, I'm too old. And I don't think the ladies are a big fan of the beard/mustache combo. I think that's a turn-off.

Do you get nervous before games?

I get nervous before the base race. It's a big thing for me. I've only won it once in nine years.

OK, do...

(interruption) But, I've been working out. Sometimes you'll see me at night at the Auburn high school track doing sit-ups and push-ups. And chin-ups are my favorite, but they don't help with the race. I've got dorky chicken legs.

You're in your Doubledays uniform every night. Are you a Doubledays hopeful?

I've always dreamed of being a pitcher. I'm always at the fast pitch. I'm at 44 (mph) right now. I attribute the 44 to (my) big head. I'm a little self-conscious about it.

But yes, you'll see me at the bullpen checking out pitchers and the motions. I'm trying to soak in as much as I can.

Do you travel with the team for away games?

No, I'm self-conscious about how I look - the big head. I'm afraid that when I'm out of the loving support of Falcon Park, people might not be so understanding.

Do you have any rivals with other mascots?

I've always gotten along with other mascots except one glaring exception. I don't like Scooch (of the Syracuse SkyChiefs). He thinks he's better than the rest. I think the Doubledays are just as good as they are. Scooch talks a lot of smack and I don't like that.

One last question - What is your pre-game warm-up ritual?

I'm old, so I stretch and limber up. I practice handshakes in the mirror.

I practice facial expressions. I fix my beard. I care about my image.