Married by a mascot: Fresno Grizzlies’ Parker T. Bear becomes ordained minister

Break out the tissues and cracker jack?

Fresno Grizzlies’ mascot Parker T. Bear has officially become an ordained minister and will perform in-ballpark marriages, the team announced Tuesday.

It’s part of Triple-A Fresno’s promotion “My Big Fat Fresno Wedding Show” that’s scheduled for Thursday night against the Oklahoma City Dodgers. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. at Chukchansi Park.

The concourse will be lined with non-mascot wedding vendors and Parker will be available to marry anyone interested (for reals) as well as officiate vow renewals.

Couples interested in taking the plunge with Parker can do it for $20, which includes two tickets to the game. Note, however, that a marriage license will be needed for a Parker-officiated wedding.

“People get married without a big wedding all the time. We’re just providing the most colorful backdrop for it,” Grizzlies marketing director Sam Hansen said. “Getting hitched by Parker at a Grizzlies game will be a memory that lasts a lifetime.”

This story was originally published May 24, 2016 at 3:38 PM with the headline "Married by a mascot: Fresno Grizzlies’ Parker T. Bear becomes ordained minister."