The Milwaukee Brewers are no strangers to dugout oddities, but their latest addition might be the slowest—and sturdiest—member of the roster. In a bizarre turn of events during a road trip to Kansas City, the club has officially inherited a Milwaukee Brewers rally tortoise named "Bobby Jr." after manager Pat Murphy was forced to retire his signature "pocket pancakes" for a national television broadcast.
The Ban on Pocket Pancakes
The saga began on Friday, April 3, 2026, ahead of the Brewers' scheduled matchup against the Kansas City Royals. During a pregame interview with Apple TV reporter Tricia Whitaker, Murphy revealed that he had been given strict instructions regarding his attire and accessories. According to Murphy, he was told "under no uncertain circumstances" that he could not bring his famous pocket pancakes into the interview.
The "pocket pancake" phenomenon became a viral sensation last August when Murphy was caught on camera pulling a flapjack out of his hoodie pocket and taking a bite mid-game. The moment was so popular that the Brewers eventually introduced "Murph's Pocket Pancakes" as a concession item at American Family Field, offering a four-pack for $4.99 and a chicken-stuffed version for $7.99. However, with the pancakes nixed for the Apple TV broadcast, Murphy decided to pivot to a different kind of pocket companion.
The Rise of the Milwaukee Brewers Rally Tortoise
In place of the banned breakfast food, Murphy reached into his pocket and produced a small reptile. "This is Bobby Jr.," Murphy announced to a stunned Whitaker. The manager explained that he didn't want to show up empty-handed after the pancake ban, so he opted for a "pocket turtle"—which fans on social media quickly identified as a Sulcata tortoise.
The name "Bobby Jr." is a direct nod to Murphy’s long-standing friendship with former MLB pitcher Bobby Witt and his son, the Royals' superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. By naming the creature after one of the most electric players in the game, Murphy seemingly hoped to capture some of that Kansas City speed for his own club, even if the tortoise itself moves at a much more deliberate pace.
Logistical Hurdles and the 'Inherited' Mascot
While the tortoise was initially intended as a lighthearted joke for the interview, it soon created a logistical headache for the broadcast crew. Whitaker, who was the recipient of the gift, discovered that American Airlines has a strict "no reptiles" policy for passengers. With no way to fly the creature home, the responsibility fell back to the team.
Whitaker confirmed via social media that the Brewers have agreed to keep the tortoise for the time being, effectively making "Bobby Jr." the official Milwaukee Brewers rally tortoise. The Sulcata species is known for its longevity, often living up to 70 years and growing to weights exceeding 100 pounds, meaning the Brewers may have just committed to a mascot that will outlast several generations of ballplayers.
A New Tradition in Milwaukee?
The Brewers have a history of embracing the unusual, from the "Sausage Race" to the viral "Bernie Brewer" slides. Whether Bobby Jr. becomes a permanent fixture at American Family Field remains to be seen, but the clubhouse has already taken a liking to the resilient reptile. In a sport built on superstitions and "rally" charms, a tortoise that can withstand the rigors of a 162-game season might be exactly what Milwaukee needs to push for a deep postseason run.
For now, fans can expect to see less of the pocket pancakes and perhaps more of the slow-and-steady Bobby Jr. as the Brewers continue their 2026 campaign. Just don't expect him to beat the sausages in a footrace anytime soon.
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