Daniel Ruefman

What the Fuzz? Survival Stories of a Minor League Mascot Daniel Ruefman

"What will you do for work?"




It is a simple question that has been posed to children for generations. But when Daniel Ruefman's high school Spanish teacher asked that same question to the class, he just didn't have the answer. One-by-one, as his classmates selected all the good jobs, Daniel searched the recesses of his mind for a unique job, one that nobody else would ever choose--a job that would stand out. In a sudden moment of inspiration, he provided an answer that would ultimately change the course of his entire life--professional mascot.




Two years later, an unorthodox opportunity would find its way to him while working at a chain of family restaurants. Little did he know that following this path would get him on the wrong side of a city-wide manhunt, knocked out by a professional wrestler, and sitting on a gurney at a local hospital weighing the risks of just one more season against the dream of going pro.