A nine-year-old fourth grade student in Washington D.C., Glenda Gutierrez, designed the mascot and won a contest sponsored by the team and explained that it was "strong and eats almost everything."

[1] The 2012 Topps Opening Day card described Screech as a dazzling dancer, full of loyal shenanigans directed at the opposing team.

In subsequent years, the team created built a number of in-stadium traditions around the mascot.

Screech became the official judge of the team's Presidents Race, and carries a flag around the field after victories.

An annual "Kids Opening Day" event, held on a Sunday home game each April, was expanded to include a celebration of Screech's birthday.