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   Rob Montepare is the person who gives Chopper life and personality. We got to know Rob a bit and found out a whole lot more about Chopper…from the inside.
    Q: The G-Braves’ website bio says Chopper was born on September 15, 2008. In the evolution of the new Gwinnett Braves, Chopper came early on.
    A: Chopper was actually in place before we had collaborated any other talent and even many of our office staff. With a new mascot program comes the need for developing a character and not just a walking costume... as well as initiating community ventures, marketing, and simply building the excitement of Triple A baseball within the area, its about identity on so many levels. Just before our first pitch, Chopper showed up at nearly 100 appearances to promote baseball.
    The idea of the groundhog was initiated because of the proximity to the Yellow River Ranch, they have resident weather prognosticator, General Beauregard Lee. Chopper is his "more athletic cousin." So, instantly Chopper has created a direct connection to his wild ancestors and Gwinnett County. The design is also a welcoming design. When you look at Chopper, he's got a constant smile, which is easier for our younger fans to warm up to our loveable Groundhog. His name was voted on by a very heavily publicized contest, and out of "Shadow," "Pop up," and "Chopper...." It was obviously a good fit with the tradition of Braves baseball and the relation to our tomahawk chop.
    Q: Great. I don't think most fans are aware of a lot of that information. I know you made one of your first public appearances at Turner Field last September.
    A: Yeah, my actual first appearance was at Chopper's unvieling. Turner field was a highlight as Chopper was the first mascot to ever be on the field at that stadium.
    Q: So, a bit about your background and the path that led you to become Chopper.
    A:  I've been working in professional sports for six years now, since my senior year in high school. My very first job was with the Gwinnett Gladiators working as intern and building their mascot appearance. I can't say enough about their organization, they really allowed me to cut my teeth in the business at an unusually young age.
    Simultaneously, while working for the hockey team, I was also a hockey referee for the Southern professional hockey league...eventually I got scouted by the same league the Gladiators play in (ECHL) to be a referee at that level. So, I respectfully had to leave the mascot world to pursue other opportunities. Shortly after that, I had the opportunity to mascot for an NHL team while officiating in the ECHL. I took advantage of that as well for a short period of time. Fast forward to this past September and I was contacted by the Braves to run with this opportunity. So, needless to say, I understand a lot about this business from many perspectives.
     Q: You mentioned the numerous appearances that you made even before opening night. What are some of the kinds of events Chopper usually goes to and which ones do you enjoy most?
A:  Chopper is popping up at all types of events from fundraisers, parades, sporting events, you name it. On a personal level, I enjoy the appearances with Special Olympic and hospitals. In addition, I also love Mascot Mania, when other colleagues get together and enjoy the organized chaos.
   Q: There has to be a few unusual things happening when a six foot groundhog shows up for an appearance…
    A: Recently we have been doing a lot of park appearances for Gwinnett County. We were promoting Bark in the Park Night in June and Chopper was grand marshal for the doggie parade at this park. Typically Chopper prepares for his appearance near his mode of transportation. However on this day, he forgot to hide his keys outside and locked them in the car. You can imagine the challenge and hurdles from there! Thankfully to Gwinnett County police he got his keys back and all is well!

  Q: The Chopper's Clubhouse official kid's club has lots of events for kids and a way to keep them involved in and outside the ballpark? Explain more about that.
  A: The Clubhouse is an offer to fans that will continually evolve to be fun and adventurous for the younger Braves fans. Its a way to keep kids involved with positive things and maybe do things they would not have access to, such as private parties with fellow members, special events, etc.
   Q: You also have several places where people can find Chopper on the internet like Facebook and Twitter.
   A: Chopper is a pretty technically savvy dude. He likes to have the interaction with his fans on several levels. Chopper can be found on Facebook by searching "Gwinnett's Chopper." The other sites are secondary, but Chopper has most interaction with that in addition to his official blog (on the Gwinnett Braves website) which will be active on the off season. It is just another way for fans to share with Chopper with photos or comments.   Q: We were watching you at a recent game and the thought came to mind of how hot it must get inside the Chopper costume.
   And we were at a night game. It must really get uncomfortable in a 90 degrees plus day game...especially since you are rarely sitting still. You're very active running around.
   At least Buzz and Hairy Dog get to do their thing in the fall when it’s cooler.
   How does that work?
   A: Yes, heat is a part of this job. It comes with the territory. As much fun as this is, it is equally hard work. To get an idea, the heat is equivalent to getting inside your car on a hot summer day, usually 20 degrees hotter than what's outside. Preparation starts way before game time performances.
   What I eat and drink affects my level of energy and preparedness. I usually drink water all day long leading up to performance. During the game its a total of about ten bottles of water and one or two sports drinks. I usually take two short breaks and one longer break during a performance. I wear athletic wear underneath and that gets changed upwards of five times a game. Other than that, you build up a tolerance.
   Q: We've seen Reggy and the San Diego Chicken visit the ballpark this summer. Are another other guest mascots scheduled?
   A: As of right now we have one more act coming in, The Spitball Gang. They are fairly new and should be a goodtime.
   Q: So, what happens to Chopper after the season is over, which isn't that much longer? Less than a month. Does Chopper ever get a vacation?
   A: Chopper will most likely take a short break for spa treatments and relaxation. However he's already scheduled to appear at many, many places. Fans can contact the community relations department (www.gwinnettbraves.com) to schedule appearances.
   On a personal level I still officiate professional hockey and will do that in addition to Chopper-related business. There are a lot of marketing initiatives we will hopefully exercise with Chopper and will be working on those as well. Its a never ending process, the only difference is no game days.

Go to www.gwinnettbraves.com
 for photos of Chopper’s recent appearances
and to contact the team about having him at an upcoming event.