When Doug Rota wants his Yanks to score big in the Subway Series, he’ll whip out 2-foot-tall Andy Odi and light him up like a Christmas tree.
His buddy, Met fan Dan Duryea, will take a rubber mask that he’s fashioned into Roger Clemens’ face and he’ll stuff a baseball into its mouth – hoping for an Amazin’ run.
These two rabid baseball fans – fixtures known for their voodoo-like dolls at Yankee and Shea stadiums – will sit together with their bizarre mascots at tomorrow’s Series opener.
They’re unlikely friends who met through acquaintances years ago and discovered they have a lot in common – even if they root for opposing teams.
As they scream their unique birdcall-like cries at the games, both men begin bizarre rituals involving their dolls.
Duryea, a 34-year-old mechanic from Cortlandt Manor in Westchester, takes a paper plate and labels “The Head” with the name of the opposing team’s pitcher.
Then he takes a ball and writes on it the name of a Mets player he wants to score.
Finally, he shoves the ball in his good-luck puppet’s mouth.
Atlanta Brave bad boy John Rocker was the inspiration for the head.
“Now, my hatred is focused on the Yankees,” he said.
Rota, 35, a Teamster from Yonkers, won’t reveal what gives Andy Odi his secret powers.
“He wasn’t made – he was born,” he swears. “The doll is more equipped than a Christmas tree.”
Sixteen AA batteries fuel Andy Odi, at maximum power.
Though his owner swears Andy brings the Bronx Bombers good fortune, the players may think otherwise.
“Derek Jeter won’t even look at him,” Rota confessed. “As soon as he sees it, he turns his head. He can’t deal.”