What are MLB mascots, and what purpose do they serve?
MLB mascots are team characters found at baseball games entertaining crowds and generally making sure everyone has a good time at the stadium. Major League Baseball (MLB) differs from other popular sports leagues (e.g., National Basketball Association and National Football League) in that those sports often do not have mascots roaming the stadium or arena. Perhaps baseball cares more about keeping the entire family entertained? Or perhaps the slower pace of baseball compared to the other sports necessitates entertainment in addition to the game?
Do all teams have a mascot?
No, but most do: 27 out of 30 teams have a mascot. The three teams without a mascot are Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
List of MLB mascots
Team Name | Mascot Name | Year Established |
---|---|---|
Houston Astros | Orbit | 1990 – originally 2013 – 2nd iteration |
Oakland Athletics | Stomper | 1997 |
Toronto Blue Jays | Ace | 2000 |
Atlanta Braves | Blooper | 2018 |
Milwaukee Brewers | Bernie Brewer | 1973 |
St. Louis Cardinals | Fredbird | 1979 |
Chicago Cubs | Clark | 2014 |
Arizona Diamondbacks | D. Baxter the Bobcat | 2000 |
San Francisco Giants | Lou Seal | 1996 |
Cleveland Indians | Slider | 1990 |
Seatle Mariners | Mariner Moose | 1990 |
Miami Marlins | Billy the Marlin | 1993 |
New York Mets | Mr. Met | 1964 |
Washington Nationals | Screech | 2005 |
Baltimore Orioles | The Oriole Bird | 1979 |
San Diego Padres | Swinging Friar | 1958 |
Philadelphia Phillies | Phillie Phanatic | 1978 |
Pittsburgh Pirates | Pirate Parrot | 1979 |
Texas Rangers | Rangers Captain | 2002 |
Tampa Bay Rays | Raymond | 1998 |
Cincinatti Reds | Mr. Redlegs | 1973 – originally (with moustache) 1997 – 2nd iteration (no moustache) 2007 – 3rd iteration (with moustache) 2012 – 4th iterations (both versions) |
Boston Red Sox | Wally the Green Monster | 1997 |
Colorado Rockies | Dinger | 1994 |
Kansas City Royals | Sluggerrr | 1996 |
Detroit Tigers | Paws | 1995 |
Minnesota Twins | T.C. Bear | 2000 |
Chicago White Sox | Southpaw | 2004 |