We have a winner in the name-the-contest for the new Pensacola Class AA Southern League team: the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, as Quint Studer, Bruce Baldwin and crew unveiled the new moniker before a elementary-school crowd.
“From the 1,700 people who submitted team names to the pep rally here today at Cordova Park Elementary School, we have all thoroughly enjoyed this whole process,” said Studer. “Naming the team is one of many opportunities for our fans and community to really take ownership of their new team. If the energy and creativity we saw from fans during this contest is any indication, we are going to have a lot of fun when the Blue Wahoos begin playing in Pensacola.”
Named for the explosive way they pull out of the water, Wahoos are native to the area. Blue, while part of the fish’s color, also connects to Pensacola’s blue water, blue skies and the Blue Angels.
The team is playing in Zebulon as the Carolina Mudcats before moving to Maritime Park in 2012.
The finalists, in alphabetical order:
- Aviators. Home of the “The Cradle of Naval Aviation,” Pensacola is the primary training base for America’s Navy, Marine and Coast Guard aviators, as well as the Navy’s precision-flying team, the Blue Angels.
- Blue Wahoos.
- Loggerheads. Found in Pensacola’s shallow waters, the loggerhead sea turtle is a local endangered species. Known for its nesting on Pensacola beaches, the loggerhead is state saltwater reptile of Florida.
- Mullets. Double meaning here: the haircut and one of Pensacola’s most popular fish.
- Redbones. This ties into the upcoming affiliation with the Cincinnati Reds.
- Salty Dogs. Another naval reference, this time to expert sailors.
RELATED STORIES: Blue Wahoos or Redbones? Finalists announced for new Pensacola team name; New Pensacola team already has 500 season tickets in the bank; Pensacola gets early jump on ticket sales, discusses ballpark size; Carolina to Pensacola, Kinston to Zebulon in 2012
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