Yeah, it was a mere formality, but it’s still a reason to celebrate: the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Class AA; Southern League) were officially approved to play in 2012 by MLB Commissioner Bud Selig.
The approval, which was expected after approval from the Southern League and Minor League Baseball, means the Blue Wahoos front office can officially begin doing things like unveiling a logo and selling merchandise.
“Because the Blue Wahoos are a franchise of the Major League Baseball Cincinnati Reds, we have to comply with many of the same branding, marketing, and legal standards as Major League teams do,” said team president Bruce Baldwin. “Major League Baseball is rightfully very protective of their product, and so this final approval gives the Blue Wahoos the green light to start doing some of the things that people associate with team sports.
“Over the next few months, we will be rolling out a new website, unveiling our logo, releasing all sorts of great merchandise for the fans, and our season ticket holders will be picking their seats — all before the end of the year,” he added.
The team is a result of a two-franchise shift for 2012. The Blue Wahoo are the former Carolina Mudcats (Class AA; Southern League). The Class A Kinston Indians will be moving to Zebulon for play in 2012.
RELATED STORIES: Blue Wahoos rework lease for new Pensacola ballpark; Blue Wahoos hit milestone: 1,000 season-tickets sold; New for 2012: Pensacola Blue Wahoos; 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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