Rockets looking for a new Clutch the Bear

Clutch, aka, Robert Boudwin, the Houston Rockets mascot, gets that nights Clutch Jr. helpers, Carol Ann Caswell, 8, and Rachael Marglous, 9, tips before a game against the Miami Heat. Clutch, aka, Robert Boudwin, the Houston Rockets mascot, gets that nights Clutch Jr. helpers, Carol Ann Caswell, 8, and Rachael Marglous, 9, tips before a game against the Miami Heat. Photo: Johnny Hanson, Chronicle Photo: Johnny Hanson, Chronicle Image 1 of / 86 Caption Close Rockets looking for a new Clutch the Bear 1 / 86 Back to Gallery

Robert Boudwin, who has played the role of Houston Rockets mascot Clutch the Bear for 21 seasons, is leaving the organization.

Boudwin has been Clutch since the mascot's inception in 1995. He's made the character extremely popular, earning it a spot in the Mascot Hall of Fame and earning more than 145,000 followers on Facebook.

On his personal Facebook page, Boudwin said: "With mixed emotions and a heavy heart, it is time for me to say goodbye to my alter ego of 21 years and 'best friend in fur' Clutch the Bear, Mascot for the Houston Rockets.

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"It has been my honor, granted to me in 1995 by Rockets ownership, to create and steward this character. I am grateful that my parents, Donna and Paul, both supported my decision to move across the country to Houston, to wear a teddy bear costume for the Rockets even though I was graduating with honors and with a double major in Marketing and Management."

The Rockets will have auditions to fill Boudwin's role as Clutch the Bear.

"I wish to thank all the AMAZINGLY PASSIONATE Rockets Fans who have laughed and cheered with me over the last 2 decades, and have helped me achieve my claim to fame... which is I've hugged more Houstonians than anyone on the planet!," Boudwin wrote on Facebook. "I will continue to cheer with you for our favorite team just not from inside the costume. I am excited to see what Clutch holds for us in the future, as he can be a bit unpredictable, as you all well know! Here's to a 3rd NBA World Championship for the Rockets in the near future! THANK YOU HOUSTON!!!"