Piggy Smalls: The Flying Pig Mascot Who Became the Heart of Lexington Baseball
Each summer brings a new roster of college athletes chasing dreams, hoping for another hit, another strikeout and another chance to play the game they love. While players will come and go, the box scores will fade and championships and tough losses, like this season's finale against the Porcupines, will eventually become another chapter in the team's history, one thing remains constant at Holt-Moffitt Field: Piggy Smalls.
“Dead right, if the head right, Biggie there e'ry night” - Notorious B.I.G.
The big pink mascot has become one of the most recognizable faces in Lexington baseball, greeting fans with dance moves, exaggerated expressions, high-fives and hugs that often last a little longer than expected. Piggy doesn't give postgame interviews or talk about the final score, but the mascot communicates in a language everyone understands—joy.
Around the ballpark, the mascot is known as Piggy Smalls, a nickname inspired by confidence, personality and a larger-than-life presence. Before fans even catch a glimpse of the mascot, they hear the unmistakable opening of "Hypnotize" by The Notorious B.I.G. rolling through the speakers. It has become part of Piggy Smalls' entrance, and by the time the music reaches the grandstands, children are running toward the fence, parents are reaching for their phones and everyone knows the show is about to begin.
The Notorious P.I.G. doesn't simply walk onto the field. The mascot makes an entrance.
Whether leading dance contests, celebrating birthdays, racing around the bases or posing for hundreds of photos, Piggy reminds fans that baseball is about more than competition. It is about creating memories.
That spirit reflects the vision of Lexington Piggies owner Danny Kirkman, who has built more than a summer collegiate baseball team. The Honey Monk Food truck serves up the good stuff. The Kirkmans quickly created an experience where families return year after year because of the atmosphere as much as the game itself. Children chase Piggy Smalls through the concourse while parents cheer from the stands, music fills the air and strangers quickly become neighbors.
For Piggy Smalls, the work doesn't end when the final out is recorded. The mascot visits schools, celebrates reading challenge winners and appears at community events throughout Davidson County. Piggy Smalls is even the star of the children's book Piggy Buys a Home, written by Ashley Bonnett of Homestar Realty, extending the mascot's mission beyond the ballpark.
There are no batting averages for mascots, no home run totals and no championship rings, but Piggy Smalls definitely keeps score. The mascot has been known to get a little moody after a loss, especially when the Piggies fall to a team with spikes, like the Porcupines. A dramatic slump of the shoulders or an exaggerated pout is about as close as Piggy comes to a postgame interview, but the mood never lasts long.
After meeting thousands of children over the years, Piggy Smalls has learned the importance of slowing down and making every fan feel special. Rather than towering over young fans, the mascot often kneels down to meet children at eye level before offering a high-five or opening wide for a hug.
Piggy has a simple philosophy, “Sometimes kids just need a hug.”
Whether a child is celebrating a birthday, attending a first baseball game or simply having a difficult day, Piggy is there with open arms. The mascot doesn't ask why. Piggy simply shows up.
Success is measured differently for Piggy Smalls. It is the shy child who leaves smiling, the family photo that ends up framed at home and the unforgettable summer night spent together at the ballpark.
Fans can continue following Piggy Smalls beyond baseball season on Facebook and Instagram, where the mascot shares community appearances, reading challenges, birthday celebrations and behind-the-scenes moments throughout the year.
Years from now, most fans may not remember who won on a Tuesday night in July, but they will remember the flying pig who danced onto the field to Biggie, knelt down for a little one and proved that baseball can change a community—one smile at a time.
