Some fans commented that McBeam resembles former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher, but the Steelers state that the resembalence was unintentional. The mascot is a modern version of a logo that the Steelers used during the 1950s and early 1960s, just before the team adopted the now-famous Steelmark logo, which is still used today. Steely's autograph is known to be drawn with an oversized S, and the L is drawn to look like a beam of steel. Diane Roles of Middlesex Township, submitted the winning name which was 'meant to represent steel for Pittsburgh's industrial heritage, 'Mc' for the Rooney family's Irish roots, and Beam for the steel beams produced in Pittsburgh, as well as for Jim Beam, her husband's favorite alcoholic beverage.' Steely McBeam is visible at all home games and participates in the team's charitable programs and other club-sponsored events.
As part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the team, his name was selected from a pool of 70,000 suggestions submitted by fans of the team. Prior to the 2007 season, the Steelers introduced Steely McBeam as their official mascot.
Steely McBeam signing autographs for fans at Steelers training camp on August 2, 2007
