The blizzard-like conditions and icy roads on Saturday forced the Bowie Baysox to cancel their mascot's appearance at the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge, and the guilt apparently was just too much for Baysox communications director Tom Sedlacek.

Tom, who also was unable to make his scheduled plunge at Sandy Point State Park, decided to re-enact the plunge at Prince Georges Stadium today. He sent along these pictures to prove that he actually took a dive for Special Olympics Maryland -- sort of.

“I was really excited to participate in the 2010 Polar Bear Plunge, but unfortunately the weather kept me from attending,'' Tom told me this morning, right before they took him away. "The Baysox raised more than $400 to benefit the Special Olympics Maryland, and I felt obligated to jump into the bay for everyone who contributed. We took matters into our own hands, and created our very own bay here in Bowie.”

Clearly, Tom will do anything to promote the Baysox. He and the staff down there come up with all sorts of nutty promotions during the minor league season, so you might want to stop by there this summer.