Brewers Manager Pat Murphy Brings 'Rally Tortoise' to Dugout

Syracuse native brings unique superstitions to Milwaukee clubhouse.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:03pm

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Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy, a native of Syracuse, New York, has introduced a new good luck charm to his team's dugout - a small pet turtle that the players have affectionately nicknamed the 'rally tortoise.' This comes after the team previously had 'pocket pancakes' as a superstitious ritual.

Why it matters

Superstitions and quirky team traditions are common in baseball, and can often help build camaraderie and a winning mindset among players. Murphy's embrace of these types of rituals reflects his efforts to keep the Brewers loose and focused during a long MLB season.

The details

The Brewers' new 'rally tortoise' is a small, pocket-sized turtle that Murphy keeps with him in the dugout during games. The players have taken to the turtle, often petting it or placing it on the dugout railing for good luck. This follows the team's previous 'pocket pancakes' ritual, where players would carry small pancakes in their pockets for luck.

  • The Brewers introduced the 'rally tortoise' at the start of the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Pat Murphy

The current manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, who is originally from Syracuse, New York.

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What they’re saying

“The turtle just brings a little extra energy to the dugout. We all love giving him a pat for good luck before heading up to bat.”

— Christian Yelich, Brewers Outfielder

The takeaway

Superstitions and quirky team traditions can play an important role in building team chemistry and a winning mindset in professional sports. Manager Pat Murphy's embrace of the 'rally tortoise' reflects his efforts to keep the Brewers loose and focused during the long MLB season.