We have a name for the relocating New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) for the 2016 season: the Hartford Yard Goats, which brings a railroad theme to the team.
A yard goat, per the team, is a workhorse locomotive moving and shuffling cars from track to track in the rail yard keeping things in order. According to the team’s press release, “a Minor League Baseball player is like that humble Yard Goat, not a glamorous job but working hard day in and day out away from the big city lights to assure that the Major League affiliate is kept on track.”
“We wanted a name that would identify our organization as family friendly and appeal to kids as well as baseball fans throughout the region,” said Team Owner Josh Solomon. “The Hartford Yard Goats will create new fan experience opportunities for everyone and build a brand that embodies the fun product that minor league baseball teams are all about.”
Next up will be the team look, logo and branding from San Diego-based Brandiose.
The name was chosen by the selection committee after nearly 6,000 entries and over 35,000 ballots were submitted during the past three weeks.
The Hartford Yard Goats was submitted by Anthony Castora, who has won lifetime season tickets.
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