Bmac 892 Posted September 26, 2018 While doing research lately for a somewhat unrelated project, I noticed there aren't many train-related team names in sports. This surprises me because the train industry is such a large part of US history and was very relevant at the time many sports teams were formed. The name "Trains" hasn't been used and seems like an odd name for some reason. Yet there don't seem to be common alternate options. Off the top of my head: Las Vegas Locos (Locomotives) - UFL Purdue Boilermakers - NCAA Round Rock Express - MiLB Denver/New Orleans Zephyrs - MiLB (branding ignored the train-inspired name) Bloomington Thunder - USHL (branding was train-themed despite the name not necessarily being train-related) Omaha Golden Spikes - MiLB Hartford Yard Goats - MiLB We supposedly almost had the Houston Railmen at one point. Others? All of the names listed seem fairly unique. Why isn't there more common train-themed branding? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pianoknight 2,991 Posted September 26, 2018 The UT-Chattanooga "Mocs" nickname is short for Mockingbirds, but they use train imagery in their branding. They used to use (shock!) Native American imagery, but then they (more shock!) got away from it as schools are prone to do these days. 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Derek 228 Posted September 26, 2018 They used native imagery until ‘96 or so, when they were known as the Moccasins. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Derek 228 Posted September 26, 2018 1 hour ago, Bmac said: While doing research lately for a somewhat unrelated project, I noticed there aren't many train-related team names in sports. This surprises me because the train industry is such a large part of US history and was very relevant at the time many sports teams were formed. The name "Trains" hasn't been used and seems like an odd name for some reason. Yet there don't seem to be common alternate options. Off the top of my head: Las Vegas Locos (Locomotives) - UFL Purdue Boilermakers - NCAA Round Rock Express - MiLB Denver/New Orleans Zephyrs - MiLB (branding ignored the train-inspired name) Bloomington Thunder - USHL (branding was train-themed despite the name not necessarily being train-related) Omaha Golden Spikes - MiLB Hartford Yard Goats - MiLB We supposedly almost had the Houston Railmen at one point. Others? All of the names listed seem fairly unique. Why isn't there more common train-themed branding? Altoona Curve Gary Rail Cats Fullerton Flyers SWB Railriders Syracuse Chiefs Spokane Empire 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MDGP 2,795 Posted September 26, 2018 The Reading Phillies logo featured one until 2007 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leopard88 3,175 Posted September 26, 2018 Lehigh Engineers (complete with a train logo in the 80s). Lehigh Valley Black Diamonds (Atlantic League baseball) -- never actually took the field if memory serves me). 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pianoknight 2,991 Posted September 26, 2018 5 minutes ago, AgentColon2 said: Purdue theft... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monkeypower 3,024 Posted September 26, 2018 I've always liked the idea and usages of train team names. I think it offers a lot of options for really good branding and in-arena/stadium theming. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popmart 194 Posted September 26, 2018 Forgot Cluj: 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pharos04 1,177 Posted September 26, 2018 FC Lokomotiv Moscow Montpelier (OH) Locomotives Bloomington Thunder (SPHL) (2011-2014) Fullerton Flyers Macon Trax (SPHL) (2002-2005) Bethesda Big Train (CRCBL) Reading Express (AIFL/IFL) (2006-2012) Coquitlam Express (BCHL) Jacksonville Express (WFL) Evansville Express (NWFA) Southern Minnesota Express Owatonna Express Jersey Express (ABA) Jersey Express (PDL/USL League 2) Eau Claire Express I have to EXPRESS that there seems to certainly be some common naming theme with some teams 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
msu 271 Posted September 26, 2018 1 hour ago, monkeypower said: I've always liked the idea and usages of train team names. I think it offers a lot of options for really good branding and in-arena/stadium theming. Or you can be named the Astros and still use in-stadium train branding. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sc49erfan15 2,374 Posted September 26, 2018 Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs, SPHL Carolina RailHawks (now North Carolina FC) Roanoke Dazzle (NBDL) 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mingjai 1,062 Posted September 26, 2018 Anyone know if any of the teams named “Barons”—e.g., Cleveland or Birmingham—have any relation to railroads? For some reason baron always makes me think of railroad barons. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TBGKon 2,655 Posted September 26, 2018 There was talk back when the Astros moved to now-Minute Maid Park that they considered a rebrand to the South Texas Railmen but they decided against it (thankfully) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ben in LA 1,271 Posted September 26, 2018 7 hours ago, pianoknight said: The UT-Chattanooga "Mocs" nickname is short for Mockingbirds, but they use train imagery in their branding. They used to use (shock!) Native American imagery, but then they (more shock!) got away from it as schools are prone to do these days. Chattanooga Choo-Choo 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TShaw528 28 Posted September 27, 2018 Scranton Rail Riders 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NicDB 2,983 Posted September 27, 2018 La Crosse Night Train. Indoor football team in the early 2000s. 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leopard88 3,175 Posted September 27, 2018 20 hours ago, leopard88 said: Lehigh Valley Black Diamonds (Atlantic League baseball) -- never actually took the field if memory serves me). Yes, I quoted myself . . . to post a logo and to correct my earlier post. The Black Diamonds played at least one season as an all-road team. They just never took the field in Easton, PA as planned. 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
