The curious case of Dillon the Pickle gets even curiouser

By Kristian Foden-Vencil (OPB)
Feb. 9, 2022 10:34 p.m.

The team says Delta Air Lines found the mascot costume... but then it was stolen.

The 7-foot-tall Pickles mascot, Dillon.

Have you seen this pickle?

Cheyenne Thorpe / OPB

After getting lost on his way back from a baseball series in the Dominican Republic, the mascot for the Portland Pickles has been taken by a porch pirate.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

That is, at least, what the team says.

Dillon the Pickle has a reputation for high jinx. But the large bag in which he travels was misplaced by baggage handlers last week. The team says Delta Air Lines found Dillon on Tuesday and took the bag to the Pickles’ global headquarters – a house in Southeast Portland.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

The costume was left outside on a step.

Assistant general manager Parker Huffman said Delta did not notify him about the delivery, and Dillon was taken by a porch pirate at about 5 a.m. on Wednesday. On Twitter, the team posted a video from a doorbell camera showing a man in a ski mask and headphones taking a bag from a front porch.

“We’re definitely known for being funny and joking around a lot of social media. So we understand the kind of ‘boy who cried wolf’ scenario,” Huffman said. “But this is definitely not a joke.”

Huffman said he’s filed a police report, and the Portland Police Bureau confirmed that a report was filed on Wednesday.

Huffman said Dillon has undergone some improvements over the years, so there are pieces of him at the team’s offices that could come in useful if the costume isn’t recovered.

Huffman also described Dillon as priceless, while he estimates it would cost $1,000 or more to replace the mascot costume.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

Become a Sustainer now at opb.org and help ensure OPB’s fact-based reporting, in-depth news and engaging programs thrive in 2025 and beyond.
We’ve gone to incredible places together this year. Support OPB’s essential coverage and exploration in 2025 and beyond. Join as a monthly Sustainer now or with a special year-end contribution. 
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: