Burmy

Say hello to the Traverse City Pit Spitters:

Traverse City's Northwoods League team is unveiling its identity later today...when I tried typing in web addresses, TraverseCityTreeShakers.com was the only one which had a GoDaddy reservation. Let's hope Brandiose isn't handling the branding, otherwise we're gonna have the logo be a bunch of cherry trees with branches locked together singing "'Tis a gift to be simple..."

I submitted the Wichita Channel Cats. The channel catfish is the bread and butter of Kansas' fishing industry and about to be named the state fish...also, the team's the Marlins' affiliate, so it makes sense to keep the fish theme. Of course, if Brandiose designs the logos, we could end up with a regular housecat swinging a universal TV remote control...

A Denver-BYU rivalry could be the one we never realized we needed until it begins. As for Seattle, it'll be years (maybe decades) before they get as competitive as the Zags, but once they do, it may be to basketball what the Apple Cup is to football...

I just wish UW-Whitewater would move up to at LEAST D2...

At this rate, I'm just hoping for anything which can get UAB, Buffalo & NIU to the American, Louisiana & Georgia State to Conference USA, and New Mexico State to any conference which is actually competitive.

Stretching the definition of "uniform" here (and sorry if it was posted before). Some think of Hall of Famer Goose Gossage as a White Sox guy (a White Sock?)...some think of him as a Yankee...some think of him as a Padre, a Pirate, a Cub, a Giant, a Ranger, an Athletic, a Mariner... Few think of him as a man who would look good in a pair of Bermuda shorts (The Sox wore it on Game 1 of their August 8, 1976 doubleheader). He famously joked about how he wish he'd had more prep time so he could Nair his legs for the occasion...but he got the save in the Sox's 5-2 win over the Royals. (I think the Sox won because the Royals were trying so hard to keep from laughing that they couldn't focus on the game)

I hate trademark squatters...

And the winner is...NONE OF THE ABOVE! Say hello to the Rocky Mountain Vibes:

Today's the day that Colorado Springs' PL team unveils its name & logos...after looking at their TL, I predict that it's gonna be the Lamb Chops. How did I guess? Much as I correctly predicted Sod Poodles for Amarillo's team name...because when one of the finalist names is teased in days leading up to the announcement, it usually means that it's not going to be the winning name. November 15 post (Happy Campers) November 16 post (Throttle Jockeys): November 17 post (Rocky Mountain Oysters): November 18 post (Punchy Pikas): As you can see "Lamb Chops" was the only finalist not depicted...so that's what my pick is.

The name-the-team contest was won by yours truly...as I said, I am ready for EVERY fantastic possibility the name inspires to come to fruition!

Meanwhile, on some ship in the galaxy: Rocket: "Quill, who do these Earthlings think they are profiting off my likeness? Granted, I am a very handsome sort, but they're called the name I HATE!" Star-Lord: "It's a hip trend they hop on to make the extra money...it's a gravy train!" Drax: "With my appetite, I'd probably USE the whole train of gravy for one meal." Gamora: "Just as long as I'm not the one who has to swab the ship bathroom that night..." Rocket: "Whatever...this is worthy of my newest, MOST upgraded baby yet!" Star-Lord: "That wouldn't be necessary...you could just sue them, and either get them to change the name, or get some of the profits." Rocket: "You got a good point, Quill...always wanted to collect a bounty of Earth dollars!" Groot: "I am Groot?" Rocket: "You probably wouldn't want any...they'd be like a graveyard to you."

Right now, I just feel sorry for poor Mobile...I wonder if either the Sally League or possibly the Coastal Plain League would open their doors to them...

The Lugnuts have chosen a winner in their Backyard Baseball contest...on August 18, say hello to the Mighty Wombats.

Green Bay Bullfrogs (Northwoods League, summer-collegiate) holding a rename-the-team contest to coincide with new ballpark in 2019. I have confirmed with ownership that they WILL be accepting votes for "Keep them the Bullfrogs," and if it's the most popular name, it'll stay.

Nice modernization...a shame the team's future is uncertain with the AtL's Rockers arriving next year.

Ah yes...I have SUCH fond memories of that game! The key to winning the Ultra Grand Championship of the Universe:

All of a sudden Peppermint Patty's team name doesn't sound so unusual:

Metro Milwaukee's AA name-the-team contest is down to three names...and my nickname's still in it! BaseballWI.com lists the final three as the Wisconsin Haymakers Dairyland Milk Men Wisconsin's Crop Dusters (I swear, my submission was Milwaukee Milk Men...missed opportunity for the "MMM" letter logo there.)

Announced they're going out of business, taking so many beloved department store brands they bought (Carson's, Boston Store, Bergner's, Herberger's, Younkers and Elder-Beerman) down with them.

First round is over...and my name's still in it! Milk Men, Barn Owls, Crop Dusters, War Pigs and Haymakers are the finalists...Cheesers, Farmhands, Broilers, Cow Tippers and Bovines are eliminated.

I don't know how War Pigs even made the list...the league already has a team called the Texas AirHogs, and any War Pigs concept would look FAR too similar to that. Then again, the AA also has both the Chicago Dogs and the Lincoln Saltdogs...

Name-the-team contest in MKE down to final 10: Crop Dusters Cheesers Farmhands Haymakers Broilers Barn Owls Cow Tippers Bovines Milk Men War Pigs Milk Men was actually the name I submitted...because of all the logo, mascot, uniform and promo possibilities.

And Gonzaga's staying put in the WCC. I imagine some of the teams which don't stand a chance long as the Zags are in there are gonna head to the Big West...

So, does the WCC now become "Saint Mary's and seven other guys," or do the Gaels look to join a bigger conference too? And what schools do you see them targeting in expansion? (I know Seattle's probably #1 on the list) EDIT: New Mexico State should be in the top of the Mountain West's targets too...after all, the Aggies are just as dominant in the WAC as the Zags are in the WCC.