The Baltimore Orioles just laid off more than a dozen employees, and even the team's mascot got a pink slip.
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The Baltimore Orioles Layoffs Were a "Bloodbath"
The MLB may be in playoff mode, but it's the offseason for the Orioles. As PEOPLE reports, the American League team didn't make the postseason and recently laid off workers across several departments, including ticket sales and graphic design. The team even let go of its photographer.
A source described the firings as a 'bloodbath." Among those getting fired was the person who portrayed the team's mascot, the Oriole Bird. The worker also played Mr. Splash, who sprayed fans with water in a section at Camden Yards known as the "Bird Bath."
Mr. Splash debuted in May 2023, while the Oriole Bird has been around since 1979. The Bird Bath will go on without Mr. Splash.
Can an MLB Team Go Without a Mascot?
A spokesperson for the Baltimore Orioles said that their mascot will be around to cheer on the team next season.
"While we cannot comment about specific employees, fans will continue to see the Oriole Bird regularly, on the dugout in the middle of 7th inning, on the field after an Orioles win, and at events across our community both during and outside of our season," it read.
In an internal memo sent to employees, business operations president Catie Griggs told employees the layoffs were "not about reducing headcount." Rather, they were about "making sure our teams are built and staffed for the work ahead."
"Some of the people leaving have been here for more than a decade, others for a much shorter time, and every one of them was part of our team," it read. "To many of you, they are friends as well as coworkers."
It continued, "For those of you who have been here a long time, today may also feel like losing part of what this place has been. That history matters, and it remains part of who we are. We're grateful for what each of them gave this organization."
