The Sharks players aren't the only ones this season getting the fans into a baseball frenzy. Sharky, the team's mascot, is a celebrity in its own right.

“The fans love Sharky. It’s been that way for years,” said Eddie Maglione, statistics and utility intern for the team, and a frequent Sharks mascot — one of 14 interns who rotate in and out of the synthetic shark suit each week.

While the six-foot Sharky mascot may look the same on the outside every night, inside is a varied group of statisticians, scorers, announcers and videographers. It's a role they say is a mixture of heat and hugs.

It takes a village - up to 14 interns take turns getting in the Sharky mascot suit. — Hailey McLaughlin

“I love seeing the kids all delighted and come up and give me hugs, it’s a whole experience,” said scoreboard intern Harrison Chance. “It brings warmth to my heart to know I’m having a good impact on the Island by taking on the suffering of being over 100 degrees.”

In addition to being able to withstand scorching heat, athleticism is another component of being a good mascot. One of Sharky’s main duties is to lead the “Sharky baserace” in the fourth inning. The rules are simple: Sharky has to take on all comers. Any child who wants to challenge the mascot gets a chance — and usually wins.

In the 23 home games featuring the baserace, Sharky has won only twice.

“I try to beat them in the Sharky races,” said statistics intern Abner Casanova. “But I never do it. Those 10 year olds are faster than you think.”

A Shark walks among us. — Courtesy Martha's Vineyard Sharks

Also on the docket each game is a dance-off and a glorious walk around the grandstands.

“It reminds me kind of being in the ocean,” Casanova said. “It’s very, very moist in there.”

Limited vision is an ongoing challenge for the mascots. The view is through Sharky’s mouth, which can make navigating base paths and numerous high fives difficult.

“Most kids think it is a real shark,” said videography intern Robby Kenyon. “I think that’s pretty unique and a fun out-of-body experience.”

Now that the Sharks have officially made the playoffs, Sharky gets another full week of hugging, high fiving and sweating it out on the basepaths and in the stands.

“It’s a real staple of this Island,” Eddie Maglione said. “And Sharky’s just an iconic piece of this ballpark and Island.”

The final game of the regular season is Tuesday, July 30 at 7:05 p.m.

For a full schedule, visit mvsharks.com.