8 of the Most Bizarre Minor League Baseball Mascots

With over 100 Minor League baseball teams spanning 43 states in the U.S., nearly every team reflects the distinct cultural identity of its region and community. One of the most effective ways to showcase this local charm—while boosting merchandise sales and ticket purchases—is through the creation of an eccentric mascot.

These vibrant, larger-than-life characters aren’t just entertainment for young fans at the stadium; they play a crucial role in the operations of a Minor League team. John Traub, general manager of the Albuquerque Isotopes, explains to Mytour, “In Minor League baseball, we don’t have control over our rosters, as players move based on the needs of Major League teams. This makes the mascot the true face of the franchise. Mascots can make appearances year-round, whereas player appearances are limited for various reasons. The mascot is always there, representing the team and connecting with the community.”

When it comes to choosing a mascot, standing out is key. Grab some peanuts and join us as we explore some of the most peculiar and unforgettable mascots in Minor League baseball.

1. Big Mo // Montgomery Biscuits

The Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays in Montgomery, Alabama, is called the Biscuits. When you visit Riverwalk Stadium for a game, you’ll encounter Big Mo, a colossal anteater renowned for his passion for devouring the team’s signature baked goods.

Big Mo has gained fame in recent years. He’s been seen mingling with musicians and earned Sports Illustrated's "Mascot of the Year" title in 2016, which he acknowledged in a video alongside his translator, former Biscuits general manager Scott Trible. Mo is also likely the first mascot to publicly embark on a diet, partnering with Scale Back Alabama. He now limits himself to one biscuit daily.

2. Barley // Hillsboro Hops

Hillsboro, a small city near Portland, Oregon, lies in a state famous for its craft breweries and hop fields. It’s fitting that Hillsboro’s High-A baseball team is named the Hops, paying homage to the essential ingredient in beer. The team’s mascot, Barley (full name Barley T. Hop), is a cheerful, human-like hops flower with a knack for tweeting.

3. Mudonna // St. Paul Saints

St. Paul, Minnesota’s Triple-A affiliate for the Minnesota Twins, the Saints, is a historic franchise with roots tracing back to 1884. Over the past 137 years, the team has undergone significant transformations.

Since 1993, the Saints have introduced a new pig mascot each season, with fans voting on its name. Notable past porkers include Stephen Colboar, Brat Favre, and Boarack Ohama. In 2003, Mudonna joined the lineup—a vibrant pink pig described as “the divine swine, the diva of the diamond, the duchess of pork.” And yes, Mudonna is even available for birthday celebrations.

4. Mussel Man // Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

In 2019, the Fort Myers Miracles, a Single-A affiliate for the Minnesota Twins, rebranded as the Mighty Mussels, paying homage to a beloved local seafood dish. Their mascot, Mussel Man, is a caped, cartoonish superhero mollusk with an unforgettable grin. Unfortunately, the 2020 Minor League season was canceled, delaying the Mighty Mussels’ debut until 2021.

5. Dusty // Tri-City Dust Devils

The Tri-City area, comprising Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, lies in southern Washington state. Since 2001, this region has hosted the Dust Devils, the Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels.

While Washington is known for Seattle’s rainy weather, the southern part of the state enjoys a milder climate with vast farmlands that receive less rainfall. During dry spells, dust from these fields swirls into whirlwinds. Celebrating this unique phenomenon, the team created Dusty, a whimsical dust devil mascot dressed in a baseball uniform. Dusty’s cheerful grin now adorns merchandise like hats and plush toys.

6. Scampi // Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

The Jumbo Shrimp of Jacksonville, Florida, advanced to Triple-A in 2021 as a Minor League affiliate of the Miami Marlins. Their devoted fans, dubbed the "Crustacean Nation," proudly sport shrimp-themed fanny packs and embrace their unique identity. In April 2017, the team introduced a fluffy pink shrimp mascot, named Scampi by fan vote, beating out contenders like Jumbo, Rocky, and Shelley. A gender reveal party for Scampi was planned for 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving plans for 2021 uncertain.

7. Loco // Altoona Curve

The Altoona Curve, Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, takes its name from the Horseshoe Curve, a historic three-track railroad in Blair County, Pennsylvania. Their mascot, Loco, appears to be a typical furry yellow creature with a baseball nose and oversized eyes. However, his detailed backstory sets him apart.

Legend has it that J. Edgar Thompson, the engineer behind the Horseshoe Curve, enlisted the help of mythical creatures called Golden Locotami in the 1840s to construct the railroad. Loco is said to be a modern embodiment of these legendary beings. Kudos to the Altoona Curve for weaving such rich folklore around their mascot.

8. Orbit // Albuquerque Isotopes

The Albuquerque Isotopes, named after a 2001 episode of The Simpsons, serve as the Triple-A affiliate for the Colorado Rockies. Their mascot, Orbit, is a high-energy alien who performs cartwheels and energizes ‘Topes fans during games.

“Orbit is a large, fuzzy orange alien—adorable and endearing to fans of all ages,” Traub explains. “He’s a unique blend of a space-bear-dog, and he prefers not to be confined to a single description.”