MILWAUKEE – This morning, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled the first bobblehead of Zeke the WonderDog to celebrate Zeke’s 10th birthday, which is today. Zeke is the unofficial mascot of the Michigan State Spartans who has been entertaining fans with his Frisbee-catching ability since the late-1970s. The officially licensed bobblehead is being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, an official licensee of Michigan State University, in conjunction with the school and Zeke’s handlers.
Sitting on a green and white Michigan State logo base that bears his name, the Zeke the WonderDog bobblehead has his mouth open and tongue out in a playful pose. He is wearing a green scarf adorned with the MSU Spartans logo.
The bobbleheads, which will be individually numbered to 2,024, are currently available exclusively through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. Expected to ship in April, the bobbleheads cost $30 each, plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order.
In a recent listing of the “10 greatest dog mascots in college sports history,” USA Today Network tabbed Zeke the WonderDog as No. 1. An unofficial Michigan State mascot, Frisbee-catching Zeke has been capturing the hearts of Spartan fans since the late-1970s. The original Zeke, a yellow Labrador owned by MSU junior Gary Eisenberg, competed in the disc-catching national championships held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Officials in the MSU Athletic Department noticed Gary and Zeke’s success and invited them to perform during halftime at a Spartan football game. They did, and a new tradition was born.
In 1978, Zeke was the first non-human to be awarded a football letter from coach Darryl Rogers. After an 18-year hiatus, the MSU Athletic Department revived the frisbee-dog tradition in 2002. Zeke IV, formerly known as Buckshot, is a firecracker red English Labrador. He debuted as the new Zeke on December 3rd, 2016, at a MSU men’s basketball game. He has made appearances at NFL games, MSU Alumni Association functions, festivals, parades, and golf outings.
“Zeke promotes Spartan love,” said Jim Foley, Zeke’s trainer. “From the tailgates to the end zone, his charm and charisma have made him a fan favorite, uniting Spartans everywhere with a love for the game and a dog that truly represents the heart of MSU."
"Zeke the WonderDog isn't just a fan favorite—he's a true icon among Michigan State fans,” said Erika Austin, MSU Director of Trademarks and Licensing. “With every wag of his tail and every trick he performs, Zeke has captured the hearts of Spartans everywhere, proving that his paws are just as legendary as Spartans Will!"
“We’re excited to unveil the first bobblehead featuring Zeke the WonderDog – a mainstay for the Michigan State community since the late-1970s,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “This bobblehead will be the perfect way for MSU fans, alumni, students, faculty, and staff to show off their love for Zeke and their school pride!”
About the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum:
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located at 170 S. 1st. St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened to the public on February 1st, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale as well as organizations, individuals and teams across the country. Visit us online and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
