The Masked Singer: Barry Zito revealed as ‘Rhino' during semifinals

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The worst-kept secret in reality television is out.

The "Rhino" on FOX's "The Masked Singer" was, indeed, former Giants and A's pitcher Barry Zito. Zito unmasked himself during an episode that aired Wednesday -- on his 42nd birthday, no less.

As colleague-in-content Brian Witt noted on March 25, this wasn't exactly well-hidden. Zito's name trended on Twitter that night, thanks in no small part to clues like a picture of a pitcher (get it?) of iced tea, an allusion to Zito's single "Butterflies" and the "Rhino" referring to himself as a "gentle giant."

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Zito, who emerged as an improbable hero during the Giants' 2012 World Series run, went pretty far in "The Masked Singer." He was one of four remaining costumed contestants entering Wednesday's episode, outlasting athletic peers like Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski -- perhaps the only competitor more obvious than Zito -- and skateboarder Tony Hawk.

Something tells me Zito won't be too heartbroken about the loss, as he has a 2017 EP -- "No Secrets" -- to fall back on. The championship rings probably help, too.

[GIANTS INSIDER PODCAST: Listen to the latest episode]

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