Billy Hamilton #4 of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos rounds third while playing against the Montgomery Biscuits at Community Maritime Park Stadium on August 19, 2012 in Pensacola, Florida. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
Minor League Baseball is always looking for ways to put fans in the stands. From fun promotions during the game, to discount nights. For instance, the Sioux City Iowa Explorers do a 'Pack The Park Night' where everyone gets in free. The Dayton Ohio Dragons let scouts camp out on the field after some games. Our very own Fort Myers Mighty Mussels have a special promotion just about every single game. The big one is the July 3rd fireworks show after the game. This looks to be the biggest fireworks show ever held at Hammond Stadium with a 12 minute display. But the Explorers and Dragons lack what Fort Myers has. A name on this list.
Having a truly unique Minor League Baseball team name makes them more memorable. Which can attract crowds. And sell more merchandise. It's why Florida's very own Fort Myers Miracle changed their name to the Mighty Mussels. They can name the team anything they want as long as we can do the Festival Of Beers and I can bring my pretzel necklace. But this isn't a ranking of promotions, it's about team names.
Since I'm a Fort Myers resident and totally biased, we need to keep this impartial. Casino.org surveyed 4,000 baseball fans across the nation to find out the ranking for the most outrageous Minor League Baseball team name and here’s what they decided.
15. Toledo Mud Hens
Toledo's team name became nationally famous due the tv "MASH". The character "Klinger" in the show mentioned the Mud Hens quite often. The name dates back to 1896.
14. Beloit Sky Carp
This Wisconsin team is the High-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. According to their website, a Sky Carp is "A slang term for a goose that does not migrate in the winter, instead preferring to stay in its home city, "
13. El Paso Chihuahuas
The have the cutest little mascot!
12. Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
There's our Fort Myers team coming in at number 12. You didn't honestly think I'd do this list if we weren't on it?
11. Montgomery Biscuits
This is a weird one. Their mascots are "Big Mo", an orange beast that loves biscuits, and "Monty", an anthropomorphized buttermilk biscuit. The 'Butter and Blue' beat the Trash Pandas last night. We'll get to them, later.
10. Biloxi Shuckers
Getting into the top 10, this team is all about the experience. Casinos and seafood. And baseball.
9. Hartford Yard Goats
Lol. Yard Goat.
8. Lansing Lugnuts
Their logo appears to be a distressed bolt. And their mascot - a big purple dinosaur. It doesn't have to make sense to be fun.
7. Sugar Land Space Cowboys
In to the top part of the list is the Space Cowboys. The Triple A affiliate of the Astros is based in Sugar Land Texas. And now that old song is stuck in my head.
6. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
Certainly an odd animal to name your team after. I do love that they have a Hawaiian Shirt Night.
5. Albuquerque Isotopes
Yes, they are named after radioactive material. But they do have great merch. And the name does indeed come from the Simpsons "Springfield Isotopes."
4. Akron Rubber Ducks
A fun name, and the 'rubber' part ties into their hometown of Akron. I get it!
3. Binghamton Rumble Ponies
According to their website, Rumble Ponies are a "fierce horse that no carousel can contain." K. It must be weird for the players trying to explain to their families. A what? They actually let the fans choose the name. 'Stud Muffins" came in second.
2. Amarillo Sod Poodles
A sod poodle is essentially a prairie dog. But sod poodle sounds a lot more fun. And it looks good on the uniform.
1. Rocket City Trash Pandas
This Madison, Alabama team name is the one everyone has heard about. It takes the number one spot. Who wouldn't want to play for the Trash Pandas?
Thanks to Casino.org for their help on this list.
