KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Milwaukee Brewers have gone from carrying “pocket pancakes” to adopting a pocket reptile as their latest good luck charm.
The unusual story requires some background context.
Last August, Brewers manager Pat Murphy gained internet fame when he was spotted eating a pancake from his hoodie pocket during a live dugout interview against the Washington Nationals. Murphy has a reputation for keeping various snacks nearby during games, including waffles and egg rolls, but the nationally televised moment went viral instantly. The team capitalized on the attention by selling “Murph’s Pocket Pancakes” at Sunday home games.
The latest chapter unfolded before Friday’s rainout against the Kansas City Royals. During a pregame chat with Apple TV reporter Tricia Whitaker, Murphy revealed he’d been warned about his snacking habits.
“This is Bobby Jr.,” Murphy announced, producing what he called a pocket turtle after being told “under no uncertain circumstances, no pocket pancakes” during the interview. He named the creature after longtime friend Bobby Witt and his son, Royals player Bobby Witt Jr. “I didn’t want to pull out pancakes so here we are.”
After Whitaker shared the moment on social media, fans quickly corrected the identification. The reptile was actually a Sulcata tortoise, a species that can reach 100 pounds and live seven decades.
“How am I supposed to fly this home?” Whitaker wondered aloud.
That question proved prophetic. American Airlines maintains a strict policy against transporting reptiles, leaving Bobby Jr. stranded in Kansas City. Whitaker announced on social media that the Brewers would temporarily care for the tortoise.
By Saturday, the reptile had settled into the visiting clubhouse at Kauffman Stadium under a warming lamp, though team officials plan to find a permanent home soon. The tortoise won’t be joining road trips for the remainder of the season.
“It was suggested by one player,” Whitaker explained, “that they get to keep the ‘rally turtle’ if they win today. If they lose, I am hoping, consideration will be given to send me the tortoise.”
