MLB Mascots as the Orioles Logo
The Baltimore Orioles, one of Major League Baseball's most storied franchises, trace their roots back to 1901 when they were originally established as the Milwaukee Brewers. After a brief stint in Milwaukee and later as the St. Louis Browns, the team moved to Baltimore in 1954, adopting the Orioles name in honor of Maryland's state bird. The Orioles quickly became known for their strong farm system, which produced a wealth of homegrown talent that would lead the team to success in the 1960s and 1970s. Under the leadership of legendary Hall of Fame figures like Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Cal Ripkin Jr, and manager Earl Weaver, the Orioles won three World Series titles in 1966, 1970, and 1983, establishing themselves as a powerhouse in baseball.
The cartoon Oriole Bird logo, first introduced in 1966, has become synonymous with the team's identity and success. Designed as a cheerful and approachable mascot, the bird reflected the team's vibrant and spirited nature during a period of great triumphs. The logo featured a black-and-orange bird, drawn with a playful expression, donning a baseball cap with the Orioles' "O" insignia. Over the years, the cartoon bird underwent several stylistic changes, but its essence remained a symbol of the team's connection to its fans and the city of Baltimore. The bird was particularly beloved by fans during the team's golden era, and its reintroduction in 2012 after a brief hiatus was met with widespread acclaim.
The Orioles' history and the cartoon bird logo are intertwined with the identity of Baltimore itself. The team's success, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, brought a sense of pride and unity to the city, with the Oriole Bird becoming an emblem of that communal spirit. The return of the cartoon bird logo in 2012 marked a resurgence for the franchise, as it coincided with the team's return to postseason contention after years of struggles. Today, the cartoon Oriole Bird is not just a logo but a beloved symbol of tradition, resilience, and the enduring bond between the team and its fans. The legacy of the Orioles and their mascot continues to resonate with generations of baseball enthusiasts in Baltimore and beyond.
The Honorable Mentions
Along with the historically documented Baltimore Orioles smiling bird logo, the team has also showcased some briefly used or entirely unused Oriole bird logos.
1. The Hartzell Bird (1954) The Orioles' original mascot as he appeared in a rough sketch by his creator, Jim Hartzell.
2. The Cuckoo Bird (1968) Also known as the Psycho Bird, told us to "Wait Til This Year".
3. The Baby Bird (1997) The Orioles created a new "fun bird" which now is used exclusively with youth-oriented programs.
3. The Walsh Bird (1966) Created by Stan Walsh, designer of many unforgettable icons like Snap, Crackle and Pop.
The Concept
With all the historical information provided above, I thought to myself - What if EVERY Major League Baseball team had their own version of the Oriole Bird Logo. Surely these beloved mascots deserve a little bit of love and appreciation. So I leapt into action and went to work designing logos similar to the famous Oriole Bird Logo.
From the Phillie Phanatic, everyones favorite green fuzzball with eyes, to Dandy the Yankees mascot, who lasted roughly 5 years & was designed to appear similar to that of former Yankee catcher Thurman Munson. Every major league mascot from every major league club is represented below in their lovable, laughable and entertaining glory. As a fan of baseball, this project was an absolute joy to design and produce. Enjoy!
30 MLB teams - 30 lovable mascots - 1 distinctly iconic style.
