HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Although Cooperstown passed over Astros legend Billy Wagner this year and Houston’s current team is struggling, there’s still something to celebrate: Orbit.
Orbit, the Astros’ beloved green alien mascot known for silently teasing the opposing dugout, has been inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. A fan vote of 90,000 secured Orbit’s place in the prestigious hall located in Whiting, Indiana.
Joining Orbit in this year’s class are the San Francisco Giants’ Lou Seal, the University of Montana’s Monte the Grizzly Bear, and the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Jaxson de Ville, who is famously known for his wild antics, including appearing in just body paint, a Speedo, and the jaguar head.
Orbit is now one of only eight Major League Baseball mascots in the hall and the second from Houston. The Rockets’ Clutch the Bear was inducted in 2006.
Orbit’s History
Orbit, the Houston Astros’ mascot, has a storied past. Originally debuting at the Astrodome from 1990 to 1999, Orbit was replaced by Junction Jack, a locomotive conductor jackrabbit, when the team moved to Minute Maid Park in 2000. However, in 2012, Orbit made a comeback when the Astros underwent significant changes, including new ownership, league, division, colors, and logo.
Orbit’s playful antics, always delivered with a smile, have included a memorable feud with former MLB pitcher Chris Archer, where Orbit once tried to offer a laxative disguised as an “electrolyte formula” as a peace offering.
