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Orbit named 2014 Best Mascot by GameOps.com

Astros mascot becomes first MLB mascot to win industry award

HOUSTON, TX - Houston Astros mascot Orbit has been named the 2014 Best Mascot by GameOps.com, which is considered the number one resource website for the sports operations and entertainment industry. The GameOps.com Best Mascot Award includes nominees from all sports and leagues, including the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, minor league affiliates for all major sports and the NCAA.

GameOps.com has been handing out their Best Mascot Award for 14 years and Orbit is the first MLB mascot to win the award. Previous winners include Benny the Bull from the Chicago Bulls (2012-13), Rocky from the Denver Nuggets (2001-02, 2011) and Clutch from the Houston Rockets (2003), among others.

This award caps off an incredible year for Orbit, who has entertained the masses with impressive skits, ESPN SportsCenter moments, player interactions and community appearances.

Orbit was a regular on SportsCenter and was recently cast on a "This is SportsCenter" commercial along with Houston Rockets All-Star James Harden. "This is SportsCenter" has been an award-winning series of comedic commercials featuring various athletes from several different sports teamed with ESPN's on-air talent. On the field, Orbit's humorous routines included interaction with several of MLB's top players, including All-Stars Jose Bautista, Adrian Beltre and Mike Trout and other Major Leaguers Coco Crisp and J.P. Arencibia.

Orbit was an All-Star in his own right, representing the Astros at the 2014 MLB All-Star Game and being selected to represent all Major League Baseball mascots in MLB's All-Star Japan series, a seven-game, 12-day trip to Japan in November which stopped in Osaka, Tokyo, Sapporo and Okinawa.

Off the field, Orbit was a fixture in the community, making over 250 appearances, which was highlighted by his 180-mile bike ride in the 30th Annual BP MS 150 in April.

Orbit is currently at work at Minute Maid Park, gearing up for the Holiday Season, the Astros Winter Caravan and the 2015 regular season.

-ASTROS-

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