Boston College Eagles History

School Colors

Like so many athletic traditions at Boston College, the adoption of the school colors started with the students. In the mid-1880's, BC students were passionate for their teams, but had no way of visually proclaiming where their loyalties lay.

As a story in The Heights on those early years noted, "A college man going to the games had no striped tie to wear. Nor was there any armband of any significant color that might let the wide world know that the `fair' rooters, screeching so loudly at anything at all, were followers of the Boston College team."

A committee of students, led by the school-spirited T.J. Hurley (class of 1885 and composer of "Alma Mater" and "For Boston"), was appointed to determine which hue would best represent BC. After considering the colors of rival Jesuit institutions - Holy Cross's purple, Fordham's maroon, Georgetown's blue and gray - the committee selected two Papal colors: maroon and gold. The student body unanimously approved.

The first use of the Boston College colors was in a banner sewn by women attending the New England Conservatory of Music, which was located near BC at that time - on James Street in the South End. The banner flew at every college event until its sudden and mysterious disappearance. But the Maroon and Gold continues as the rallying symbol for Boston College rooters everywhere.

Fight Song & Alma Mater

Fight Song: "For Boston"

For Boston, for Boston,
We sing our proud refrain!
For Boston, for Boston,
'Tis Wisdom's earthly fane.
For here all are one
And their hearts are true,
And the towers on the Heights
Reach to Heav'ns own blue.
For Boston, for Boston,
Till the echoes ring again!

For Boston, for Boston,
Thy glory is our own!
For Boston, for Boston,
'Tis here that Truth is known.
And ever with the Right
Shall thy heirs be found,
Till time shall be no more
And thy work is crown'd.
For Boston, for Boston,
For Thee and Thine alone.

Boston College Alma Mater

Hail! Alma Mater! Thy praise we sing.
Fondly thy mem'ries round our heart still cling.
Guide of our youth, thro' thee we shall prevail!
Hail! Alma Mater! Hail! All Hail!

Hail! Alma Mater! Lo, on the height,
Proudly thy tow'rs are raised for the Right
God is thy Master, His law thy sole avail!
Hail! Alma Mater! Hail! All Hail!

Boston College Band

The Boston College Band continues to enhance the experience of Boston College Athletics in conjunction with the dance team and the cheerleaders. From playing the legendary fight song "For Boston" to entertaining the fans during intermissions, the Boston College Band is a large part of the tradition before, during, and after athletic events.

Basketball

Sitting behind the net, the band is present for all home basketball games. Playing an assortment of songs in between whistles, the Boston College Band rallies the support of the Boston College Superfans. With the help of the band and the support of the fans, Conte Forum becomes an encouraging environment for the home Eagles to soar. Opposing players, coaches, and fans are often distracted by the atmosphere created by the band and Superfans of Boston College.

Boston College Cheerleading

Through an outstanding mix of academics and athletics, Boston College boasts a tradition of excellence through some of the top athletic teams in the country. As part of the Big East Conference, the Boston College cheerleaders are a group of energetic and athletic students, who are devoted to the traditions of BC and its school spirit. Cheerleaders not only cheer for top-caliber sports, but also enjoy travel to summer camp, football games, bowl games, post-season tournaments, and sometimes... competition! BC cheerleaders have the opportunity to experience televised appearances and huge crowds. Cheerleaders enjoy the best seats in the house while both on and off the court, for all BC home sporting events. And thanks to a sponsorship by Reebok, all cheerleaders enjoy Reebok sneakers, warm-ups, t-shirts and sweatshirts, and other Boston College gear. Boston College cheerleading offers the chance to build long-lasting friendships, team camaraderie, and the opportunity to experience BC athletics at its finest.

'Eagle' Nickname & Mascot

The Eagle nickname and mascot for Boston College's teams were born through the eloquence of Rev. Edward McLaughlin. Fr. McLaughlin, incensed at a Boston newspaper cartoon depicting the champion BC track team as a cat licking clean a plate of its rivals, penned a passionate letter to the student newspaper, The Heights, in the newspaper's first year in 1920. "It is important that we adopt a mascot to preside at our pow-wows and triumphant feats," wrote Fr. McLaughlin. "And why not the Eagle, symbolic of majesty, power, and freedom? Its natural habitat is the high places. Surely the Heights is made to order for such a selection. Proud would the B.C. man feel to see the B.C. Eagle snatching the trophy of victory from old opponents, their tattered banner clutched in his talons as he flies aloft."

And so it was. The eagle was adopted as mascot and nickname that same year. The national attention that followed brought gifts of two live mascots, from Texas and New Mexico, but neither bird found Chestnut Hill to its liking - one escaped and the other injured its beak trying.

For some 40 years, the Boston College mascot was a stuffed and mounted golden eagle that resided in the athletic department offices. But in 1961, a committee of students launched an effort to find a live Aquila chrysaetos to represent BC. Thus, the era of Margo commenced.

Margo [a combination of the first letters of the school colors] was a 10-pound, two-month old female golden eagle given to the University by a Colorado man in August 1961. For five years, the bird lived at the Franklin Park Zoo, attended every BC home contest tethered to a sizeable perch, and even made the traveling squad for games against Army, Holy Cross, and Syracuse. Its reign ended unhappily early in the 1966 season when it succumbed to a virus just before a road trip to Annapolis for a game against Navy.

By that time, the status of the eagle as an endangered species made it undesirable to replace Margo. The University soon opted to fill the void by following a national sports trend: using a costumed human mascot to roam the sidelines and exhort the Eagles faithful.

The Story of Baldwin and Baldwin Jr.

Back in August of 1961, Boston College received its first live eagle mascot. Margo, which was derived from the first few letters of the school's official colors (maroon & gold), was her name. She would appear at all home football games as well as an occasional away game. Times passed by, as did Margo. Shortly after her passing Boston College decided to adopt a new mascot. Rather than have another live eagle, which became endangered, it was decided that it would be best to replace her with a fan friendly mascot, who could roam throughout Alumni Stadium and Conte Forum attempting to gain and rally the support of the BC fans.

Throughout the years the mascot has become a big part of the Boston College athletic tradition. In the summer of 2000 the tradition expanded with the adoption of new athletic logos. With this expansion came the evolution of our mascot. Boston College now has two new mascots who go by the name of Baldwin and Baldwin Jr. Baldwin is a 6 1/2-ft. tall mascot with many new eagle like features, including feathers, wings, and a newly designed head. Baldwin Jr. on the other hand is a 9 1/2-ft. tall inflatable mascot, with capabilities of performing many exciting and entertaining feats.

The name Baldwin was derived from the ever-powerful Bald Eagle. As the national symbol of the United States the Bald Eagle is considered one of the most prestigious and revered birds in the world. The second half of the name comes from the all-familiar theme of Boston College athletics -- Win. The name Baldwin is one of power and prestige, intended to intimidate opponents while inspiring the Eagles.

Soon after Baldwin matured into a respectful mascot, BC was then blessed by the appearance of Baldwin Jr. It occurred one windy, Sunday afternoon when a blimp from near by Foxboro Stadium drifted out of control towards the Heights. As Baldwin carefully watched the stray blimp approach, it was obvious that there was going to be a collision. Baldwin instinctively exited Gasson Hall looking for help. When Baldwin returned there were signs of a collision and at the bottom of the nest an egg was deposited. Within hours the egg had hatched into a tiny inflatable eagle bearing no name. Instantly Baldwin gave this tiny mascot its' name. Baldwin declared that from that moment on this inflatable counterpart would roam the Heights and be known as Baldwin Jr. To Baldwin's surprise Baldwin Jr. has evolved into a 9 1/2-ft. tall partner.

From their cozy nest located at the top of Gasson Hall, Baldwin & Baldwin Jr. make their usual appearances to the many exciting events, which take place throughout the year at BC. Their purpose is like instinct to them, having been instilled within their mascot heritage from generation to generation. Roaming throughout Conte Forum, Alumni Stadium and parking lots before, during and after sporting events brings them tremendous amounts of satisfaction. Sometimes they are called on to generate extra enthusiasm, excitement and support during big moments of the game.

With their home perched high atop of Gasson Hall they are given a distinct advantage. They sense when their presence is needed and with one swift, gliding motion Baldwin & Baldwin Jr. appear as if having been summoned by the BC faithful. In no time at all they are able to generate excitement beyond belief. With the support and effort of Baldwin & Baldwin Jr., Boston College Athletics soar to new heights every season.

It is with great pleasure that these two new mascots have been added to the legend of Margo. It is now their duty to lead BC to victory. As the Boston College community evolves, so does the legend of the mascot. Baldwin & Baldwin Jr. will be around for years to come supporting and encouraging the Athletes and Fans of Boston College.