To bean or not to bean

Move over, Wally.

Comic Tom Hayes is betting his retirement money that he's found the lead character for the next "Make Way for Ducklings," the beloved children's book.

Hayes helped dream up an idea for a Boston Baked Bean character that could double as a Beantown mascot -- and as his personal cottage industry, one that sells bean-inspired toys, books, and other products. Think Wally the Green Monster, the official mascot of the Red Sox, without the fuzz.

Last year, Hayes paid $1,500 to have a larger-than-life bean outfit created by a haberdasher. With an actor inside, the bean debuted at a city parade in 2005, said Hayes, who hopes Mayor Thomas M. Menino will elevate the bean to official city mascot status.

"The city does not have an official mascot," said a Menino spokeswoman but she added the mayor is always appreciative of anyone who promotes civic pride and good works.

Hayes has hired a PR firm to get exposure by booking appearances for the bean at charity events, and he's about to open a Newbury Street boutique selling $6-and-up plush toys. A children's book is also being explored.

If the bean's a cash cow, Hayes envisions a Big Apple mascot for New York.

"I foresee epic battles, the bean versus the apple," he said. "But I've got to let the bean make me a little money first."
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)

The Bean greets fans downtown on July 4.