KIRO NEWSRADIO OPINION

‘If they’re going to do Jimothy, do it right’: Jake and Spike critique Mariners’ representation of viral raccoon

Jul 20, 2026, 5:01 PM

Jimothy, the oddly shaped raccoon who has become a Seattle celebrity, made his big-league debut over the weekend after the Mariners added a Jimothy character to the iconic salmon run race.

However, KIRO hosts Jake Skorheim and Spike O’Neill weren’t impressed with the Mariners’ representation of the animal.

“Jimothy ran in the salmon run, and I wish the Mariners’ marketing had taken just a couple more minutes or hours or maybe even waited a day,” Spike said on “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio.

“For what?” Jake asked.

“To give us a better Jimothy,” Spike responded.

“The Jimothy costume was not perfect,” Jake said.

“It was lacking,” Spike replied.

Jake and Spike pointed out the Mariners have done a great job with the other fish costumes in the race: the King, Sockeye, Silver, and Humpy.

“If they’re going to do Jimothy, do it right,” Spike said.

Spike added that he would have preferred them to build a real Jimothy costume rather than putting stuffing under the character’s jersey.

Jake’s suggestion for Mariners on Jimothy

Meanwhile, Jake had his own suggestion for the Jimothy salmon run, apart from the costume.

“I have a suggestion for the Mariners. They may not take it, but this would be hilarious. In the salmon run, if you bring Jimothy back, aside from the suggestion of a better costume that more accurately reflects his true deformities, his charm. At the start of the race, he should just attack the salmon and start eating it,” Jake said.

“That’s what they would do in reality,” Jake added.

“Brilliant,” Spike replied.

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3

KIRO Newsradio Opinion

WA oil gas prices summer...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

‘Long, hot, expensive summer at the pump’: Jake and Spike break down WA’s soaring gas prices

Jake and Spike recapped some of the factors contributing to rising gas prices, and why it's forecasted to be a "hot, expensive summer" in Seattle.

21 hours ago

seattle mayor katie wilson budget deficit billion...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

‘You think this could be a firing?’: Jake, Spike question latest abrupt exit from Mayor Wilson’s office

Concerns rise over Sage Wilson's sudden departure from Mayor Wilson's office. Jake and Spike question if this is indicative of a firing?

2 days ago

Jimothy (1) seattle raccoon ballard...

Charlie Harger

Harger: We find something pure and we love it so hard we ruin it. Jimothy needs an exit strategy

Jimothy is a sensation. One week ago, we first brought you the story of this goofy raccoon on our show. Every day since, the Jimothy content has multiplied.

2 days ago

Seattle free lunch school...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘Another rookie mistake by Mayor Wilson’: Gee and Ursula clash over who stalled Seattle’s free school lunch plan

Mayor Katie Wilson's initiative for free meals in schools faces hurdles. Explore the debate and its implications for Seattle students.

2 days ago

congress affordable housing home...

Charlie Harger

Harger: Congress just cut thousands of dollars off the only home a lot of Americans can afford

What's going on is that lawmakers in both parties have figured out affordable housing is sinking them with a big part of the country.

3 days ago

silverware at a diner - capitol hill...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘The restaurant remains open’: Gee, Ursula stunned by Capitol Hill business owner’s alleged $1.5M tax scheme

A Capitol Hill restaurant faces scrutiny as its owner is charged with stealing $1.5M in payroll taxes from employees.

3 days ago

‘If they’re going to do Jimothy, do it right’: Jake and Spike critique Mariners’ representation of viral raccoon