A previous version of this story incorrectly stated when the Emeralds might leave Eugene. They are set to continue through at least the 2026 season. Lookout Eugene-Springfield regrets the error.

The Eugene Emeralds were featured on the Sunday night edition of “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” during a segment about minor league baseball.

Following the episode’s main story on immigration, Oliver talked for about 10 minutes about minor league baseball teams and how some teams have rebranded, increasing interest and merchandise sales.

Enter the Eugene Emeralds or, as they have occasionally been known, the Eugene Exploding Whales.

According to the spot, the team tripled merchandise sales to nearly $1 million during the season in which the name was unveiled.

Oliver then aired the footage from KATU of the namesake incident on the Oregon Coast in 1970 when state highway used explosives to remove a whale carcass from the Lane County beach.

However, the Eugene Emeralds announced in March they would likely relocate after failing to secure money for a new stadium. The team is set to stay through at least the 2026 season.