No one likes to hear the word “layoffs” because it’s always terrible when someone loses their job.
But in the world of sports, if there was one gig that was bulletproof on this front, I always thought that would be the mascot.
However, according to a new report on the Baltimore Orioles situation, I appear to have been mistaken.
Multiple outlets reported Tuesday that the Orioles went through a round of layoffs, and one casualty was the performer who plays the team’s mascot, the “Oriole Bird.”
The Athletic’s Brittany Ghiroli reported that the cuts affected not only the mascot, but also the team’s photographer and staff in the ticket sales and graphic design departments.
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Another gameday character, Mr. Splash — who would spray water on people when the Orioles delivered an extra-base hit — was also reportedly laid off.
The team spokesperson confirmed to the outlet that the cuts were made to the organization’s business department, but said that they would not comment on employee matters.
As you might have expected, the news was not well-received by fans.
However, despite the layoff news, it does not sound like the characters themselves are going anywhere.
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According to The Baltimore Sun, the team plans to backfill both roles with employees already on staff.
So, no, the t-shirt cannon will not be silenced.
It’s great to hear that the characters will still be around, but a huge shame that the folks who have put in time as those characters and helped make them as popular as they are won’t be.
The O’s finished this season fourth in the AL East with a record just a shade under .500 at 79-83.
