Blooper, New Braves Mascot, Makes Debut On Opening Day

ATLANTA, GA — Thursday was opening day 2018 for the Braves and their new mascot, Blooper. The Braves are facing the Philadelphia Phillies again Friday evening at SunTrust Park after starting the season 1-0 due to Nick Markakis' clutch walk-off three-run jack in the bottom of the ninth. Blooper is facing lots of first impressions and criticism for looking a lot like the Phillie Fanatic.

The Atlanta Braves unveiled their new mascot to fans during Chop Fest and boy did they deliver. Blooper, yes its name is Blooper, exited a "time machine" to a cheering crowd amidst streamers and smoke. But after the smoke cleared, many have mixed feelings about Blooper, saying it is a mix between the Phillie Phanatic and a shaggy space alien.

Thursday was Blooper's Major League Baseball debut. Blooper, the Home Depot Tools, and other street performers will entertain fans before Friday's game. Blooper posed for photos with fans Thursday and seemed to excite the crowd.

Only 41 people have signed the change.org petition to change the mascot, started by Cody McKinney of Stockbridge, Ga. "Change the braves mascot from Blooper!" reads the petition. "The new braves mascot Blooper is horrible. Its a copy of the division rivals, Phillies. Please let's get this changed immediately."

As of Friday, 497 people like Blooper's Facebook page. Prior toe Thursday's opening day, Blooper has been seen around town chumming around with other Atlanta mascots like Harry the Hawk. He was also at St. Baldrick's at Live!, went rafting at Stone Mountain Park, made a video of his Valentine's Day road trip and generally Bloopered his way all over town.

Will Blooper catch on? It remains to be seen but he's brought the Braves good luck so far, as they start the season 1-0.

RELATED:

Opening Day At Sun Trust Park: Parking, Festivities, Chop On!
Braves New Mascot Called Phillie Fanatic Ripoff By Critics

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