DETROIT -- Contrary to expectations, Brad Ausmus has no ill will toward the praying mantis, the rally mascot of the defending World Series champion Kansas City Royals.
"In Connecticut, it's the state insect," the New Haven native explained. "I don't think you can touch them. You definitely can't hit them with a fly swatter."
Ausmus is not kidding; the European praying mantis became the official state insect of the Nutmeg State in 1977, long before it became a good-luck charm for baseball teams. Technically, that affords it no protection from humans, certainly not in Michigan.
"Ironically, we've had praying mantises in our dugout this homestand twice," Ausmus said Wednesday.