Identity theft? Vinnie Pasquantino, Royals fans take issue with MLB Squatch idea
.jpg "A view of the MLB logo in the dugout during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park.")
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- MLB promoted a 'Dumpa Squatch' for Cal Raleigh, prompting swift Royals fan backlash online.
- Fans accused MLB of copying the Royals' Pasquatch mascot tied to Vinnie Pasquantino at Kauffman.
- Players and commenters joined criticism, raising questions about league branding and idea ownership.
There was wall to wall Major League Baseball games Wednesday, with four playoff contests being held.
It was great fun for baseball fans, but the MLB social-media team had a rough day.
For starters, the league pumped up a video clip of Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, who can do amazing things on the mound and at the plate. But MLB highlighted Ohtani’s .... flyout to left field in the Phillies’ 8-2 win at Los Angeles.
Was it really wild? Nah, but MLB trumpeted as such in this regrettable X post.
On Wednesday morning, MLB highlighted Mariners star catcher Cal Raleigh in an X post. Raleigh, whose nickname is the Big Dumper, hit 60 home runs during the regular season, so you can understand why the league would shine a light on him.
But the manner in which MLB did so was a head-scratcher. MLB oddly rolled out the “Dumpa Squatch,” which the league said was Raleigh’s postseason mascot.
It raises the question: Do you think MLB forgot about the Royals’ Pasquatch? He comes out at Kauffman Stadium when first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino gets on base. Been doing it for years.
Or did MLB simply swipe the idea?
Whatever the case, Royals fans were not happy with MLB for this Squatch. And Pasquantino commented about it, too, although he likely wasn’t very upset.
Here’s a bit of responses (none happy) from Royals fans, with some calling it “identity theft.” Oh, and catcher Carter Jensen weighed in, too.
This story was originally published October 9, 2025 at 10:21 AM.
