Orbit earns MLB's first nod as top sports mascot

HOUSTON -- Astros mascot Orbit has been named the 2014 Best Mascot by GameOps.com, which is considered the No. 1 resource website for the sports operations and entertainment industry. Orbit beat nominees from all sports and leagues, including the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, Minor League affiliates and the NCAA.

GameOps.com has been handing out its 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).

This award caps off an impressive year for Orbit, who recently appeared in an ESPN SportsCenter commercial and was the only mascot to represent Major League Baseball in MLB's All-Star Japan Series last month. Orbit also represented the Astros at the 2014 MLB All-Star Game and was nominated for a GIBBY Award.

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