January 29, 2018
The Philadelphia Eagles are in the Super Bowl, and the Flyers and Sixers are both hanging on to playoff spots after tearing through January on respective hot streaks.
In other words, for many of you, baseball and the upcoming Phillies season may not be the first thing on your minds right now, and that's understandable. With that being said, this needs to be addressed. What the heck is this, Atlanta Braves?
New @Braves Mascot Blooper getting formally introduced at #ChopFest #Braves pic.twitter.com/MnQOSgq3W1
— Mark Owens (@marko6262) January 27, 2018
The Phillies' NL East rivals revealed their new mascot Sunday. Its name is Blooper. Blooper is a sad, pale being who is apparently the product of some mad scientist. He also bears a striking resemblance to the best mascot in sports — the Phillie Phanatic — something many were quick to point out.
A blooper indeed. Get this Phillie Phanatic rip-off outta here. https://t.co/ObX1Pqwmgj
— Nay Electronica (@soulfauxreal) January 29, 2018
BLOOPER: (definition) an embarrassing error. At least the @Braves got the name of their underwhelming, new mascot right. A Phanatic rip-off? pic.twitter.com/83GwGMMRWS
— Jeff Chirico (@JeffChirico) January 29, 2018
If nothing else, Blooper looks like the lovechild of the Phanatic and the Houston Astros' Orbit. It certainly wouldn't be a surprise, considering the way they've flirted with each other in the past.
Phillie Phanatic + @OrbitAstros - green = #Blooper. pic.twitter.com/3XnZeBxZ8e
— Liz Accola Meunier (@laccola) January 28, 2018
Is Blooper the result of trist between the Phillie Phanatic and Orbit? pic.twitter.com/osoDlrpR6h
— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) January 27, 2018
The Braves had an obvious hurdle to clear in picking a new mascot to replace Homer, the potentially sadder Mr. Met knockoff. Many consider their team name to be offensive to Native Americans, so choosing a mascot even loosely related was not an option.
In the end, mascots are for kids. Judging from the Blooper reveal party, kids seem to love Blooper. And at least Blooper isn't the laziest mascot in sports, like the Sixers' dog. (Bring back Hip Hop!)
But geez, the team essentially went from ripping off one division rival to copying another.
