In late September word “leaked” that the Toronto Blue Jays would be returning to the wonderful logo we became so accustomed back when the Jays were selling out games at the Sky Dome as frequently as they were winning them. Well today I’m happy to report that fellow inhabitants of the AL East cellar, the Baltimore Orioles, will be following Toronto’s lead. Yes, the cartoon bird is back and plumper than ever.

The jovial fellow will be making his heroic return as the centerpiece of the team’s hats beginning next season under the following two color schemes: a black hat with an orange bill and, my favorite, the timeless white front and black back with an orange bill.

The only games during the 2012 season in which the popular bird won’t be seen will be on Fridays where he’ll be given the night off in favor of the far less inviting “O’s” cap.

While this decision is sure to make fans of the Orioles experience an unusual sensation of giddiness, it’s also somewhat depressing that this piece of news will likely end up being the most uplifting story of the offseason.

[Via Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sports Report]