UPDATE: Hartford decided on the Yard Goats and unveiled the decision at a news conference Wednesday. They’ve hired a firm to come up with a logo and design, the same firm that handled the Richmond Flying Squirrels and Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.
“Winning time for the Whirlybirds!” … “Welcome your Yard Goats!” … “Here come the Hedgehogs!”
The Rockies’ Double-A affiliate, the New Haven Rock Cats in Connecticut, will move to a new stadium next season in Hartford. And they’re using the opportunity to find a new nickname.
The Hartford somethings will announce their new name Wednesday after narrowing the options from 10 to five and hosting an online vote of fans. The finalists:
** Hedgehogs
** Praying Mantis
** River Hogs
** Whirlybirds
** Yard Goats
Couple quick thoughts.
1. I really appreciate this opportunity given to us by the fine folks in Hartford, educating us on obscure Connecticut history. A yard goat, I now know, is “railroad slang for an engine that switches a train to get it ready for another locomotive to take over.” That’s awesome.
2. Hartford, too, is a hub for helicopter manufacturing apparently. Thus, “Whirlybirds.” That’d whork.
3. I’m praying that Praying Mantis isn’t chosen. Let’s cut off the singulars.
Also, I’m really sorry, old-timey hockey fans: The Hartford Whalers were never an option. Here are the five that didn’t’ make the cut:
** Screech Owls
** Hound Dogs
** Honey Badgers
** Blue Frogs
** Choppers
Check back in this space tomorrow for the winner. And check out and
Tags: Double-A, Hartford, minor league, New Haven Rock Cats
