azcentral.com · Jan 29, 2020
Dick Jacobs, first to serve as ASU Sun Devil mascot, dies at 91
Dick Jacobs, Arizona State's first Sun Devil mascot, died Monday at age 91.
Jacobs performed as ASU's mascot from 1951-53. The school adopted the Sun Devils as its athletic nickname in 1946, changing from Bulldogs, then ASU alumnus Bert Anthony, a Disney illustrator, designed mascot Sparky in 1948.
When tryouts were held to select someone to portray Sparky, Jacobs was the only student to attend. A gymnast, he walked on his hands and tumbled to win the job then became well known for doing handstands on top of the goal post.
Dick Jacobs was the first performer of Sparky, Arizona State University's mascot. He donned the costume in 1951.Playing Sparky was far from Jacobs' greatest claim to fame.