Baltimore Orioles Make Poor Decision with Social Media Graphic Regarding Felix Bautista

The Baltimore Orioles need to understand that there are some nicknames you just don't replicate!

The Baltimore Orioles made a poor decision on social media this week when they put out a graphic referring to closer Felix Bautista as "King Felix." Bautista won the American League Reliever of the Month, which prompted the graphic's existence.

Bautista is excellent and earned a trip to the All-Star Game this year also, so the issue is not with him, but with the Orioles social media team.

You can view the graphic here:

Our All-Star picked up another honor. pic.twitter.com/uLIbTkmTny

— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) July 3, 2023

First off, the Orioles need to realize that it's lame to steal nicknames. "King Felix" refers to Felix Hernandez, formerly of the Seattle Mariners. Also, Hernandez just stopped pitching a few years ago, it isn't like he's 30 years removed from playing and his nickname can be re-given. If you are the Orioles, come up with something more original...The Orioles wouldn't like someone referring to another play as "The Iron Man" when that is reserved for Cal Ripken Jr.

Hernandez wasn't any run of the mill pitcher, either. He was among the top pitchers in the sport for a decade, was a multi-time All-Star and won a Cy Young. That nickname is reserved for him. He also spent a spring training with the Orioles, so you are really disrespecting a guy that you actually know? 

Also, the All-Star Game is in Seattle this year. Are the Orioles really referring to Bautista as King Felix when sending him to the house that Hernandez starred in?

That just doesn't show very good self-awareness. Maybe it's a stupid thing to get irritated by, but it's definitely something that Mariners fans notice and don't appreciate.

Bautista is one of the best relievers in all of baseball. He's 3-1 this year with a 1.16 ERA and has 22 saves. He's struck out a whopping 79 batters in 38.2 innings.

Follow Fastball on FanNation in social media

Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.You can also subscribe to "The Payoff Pitch" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.