Sharky

Sharky: The Finned Phenom of the Martha's Vineyard Sharks

In the sun-soaked sands and salty breezes of Martha's Vineyard, where the legacy of Jaws still sends a thrill through every beachgoer, lurks the ultimate island icon: Sharky, the mischievous mascot of the Martha's Vineyard Sharks. Since the team's inception in 2010 as part of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (and their splashy transition to the New England Collegiate Baseball League in 2019), Sharky has been the finned heartbeat of Vineyard summers. A larger-than-life great white (in spirit, if not in scale) who embodies the team's fierce spirit, family-friendly fun, and unbreakable ties to the island's seafaring soul.

Sharky burst onto the scene at Vineyard Baseball Park (affectionately dubbed the "Shark Tank") as a nod to the Vineyard's cinematic shark lore, quickly becoming the grinning guardian of game-day joy. Donning a sleek blue-and-white Sharks jersey emblazoned with the number 31, this costumed crusader roams the baselines with a sombrero-tipped swagger, his view peeking through a toothy maw that adds an extra layer of adventure to every high-five and hug. Kids (and kids at heart) adore Sharky's wide-eyed wonder. Many swear he's the real deal straight from the deep, mistaking his plush exterior for a genuine Vineyard visitor. But don't let the cuddly facade fool you; Sharky's got bite when it comes to rallying the crowd, whether it's hyping up a ninth-inning comeback or celebrating a home run with a frosty case of Polar beverages for the slugger.

At the heart of Sharky's antics is the legendary "Sharky Baserace," a fourth-inning tradition that's equal parts chaos and cheer. Here, the mascot takes on waves of pint-sized challengers, waddling the bases in a high-stakes showdown where victory is gloriously elusive. Sharky boasts just two wins in 23 home games, proving that even sharks know when to let the underdogs shine. "Those 10-year-olds are faster than you think," quips one team intern, capturing the pure, unfiltered magic of the moment. Beyond the diamond, Sharky's island escapades keep fans guessing: from surprise ferry sightings in full regalia to community bashes with MV Youth Baseball & Softball, painting the team store in signature purple, or even fundraisers at Sharky's Cantina. He's been spotted high-fiving presidents (or at least their Secret Service shadows) and turning playoff clinchers into family festivals, all while sweating it out in the Vineyard heat.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit staple, Sharky isn't just entertainment, he's the glue binding collegiate stars, local legends, and wide-eyed youngsters in a shared love for the game. From the Sharks' 2022 NECBL championship parade (where he posed triumphantly with the Fay Vincent Cup) to record-breaking crowds of 3,567 in 2025, Sharky's presence has helped draw over 60,000 fans annually, making every summer night at the Shark Tank feel like a block party on the diamond.

Spot Sharky at the next home game for a baserace rematch, a photo op, or just to feel the pulse of Vineyard baseball. Follow his fin-credible adventures on mvsharks.com, Facebook, or Instagram because on Martha's Vineyard, the real jaws-dropper isn't in the water, it's leading the charge from the dugout.