The Staten Island Yankees (Short Season A; NY-Penn League) are the latest Minor League Baseball team to announce a rebranding for the 2017 season, as the front office reaches out to fans for suggestions in a name-the-team contest.
Next season should be a big one for the SI Yankees. While there’s plenty of construction now, next season will see Richmond County Bank Ballpark flanked by two totally opened attractions — NY Wheel and Empire Outlets. Combine that increased traffic with an upgraded fan experience, and there will be a lot of new life at the ballpark.
“This ballpark is a jewel located in a passionate community in the best setting in sports,” said Team President/Operating Partner Will Smith. “The Staten Island community is proud to have our team here, and we believe rebranding the team to something more specific will make this local brand become more popular here, and ultimately internationally. We are very proud to be Yankees, but equally proud to be part of this community. What moniker best represents this city, borough, and team? You tell us! We want to encompass the passion, cultures, tradition and pride of Staten Island, New York.”
The team currently relies heavy on Yankees branding: besides the team name, the logo is based on the iconic Yankees top-hat logo (created by either Lon Keller or Sam Friedman, depending on who you ask), and the team plays in pinstripes.
The SI Yankees join the New Orleans Zephyrs, Lynchburg Hillcats and Binghamton Mets as MiLB announcing extreme makeovers for the 2017 season.
As noted, the team is looking for fan input into potential team names. The submission form is at the Staten Island Yankees website; it contains the rules and deadlines for the contest.