Five Finalists have been unveiled as possible names for an Amarillo Class AA Texas League franchise, which is set to begin play at a new downtown ballpark in 2019.
The current San Antonio Missions are moving into the new Amarillo ballpark next season, but the Amarillo club will not use the Missions name. The Missions name and brand will remain in San Antonio, as the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) will begin play there next season. This is all part of a series of franchise shifts by the Elmore Sports Group, which will also relocate the Helena Brewers (Rookie; Pioneer League) to Colorado Springs to take the place of the Sky Sox.
As part of its rebranding process, the new Amarillo club has unveiled five finalists for a team name. Fan voting is now open online.
“We were overwhelmed with the unique and incredible stories that were told by fans,” said Tony Ensor, President and General Manager of Amarillo Professional Baseball. “This process has displayed the true passion that this community has for Amarillo, the Panhandle, and the state of Texas. We inched over every word in every submission and believe these top five names encompass all that we heard and read from this community.”
Fans can access the voting page by going to the team’s website at AmarilloProBaseball.com and clicking on the “Fan Voting” graphic. The voting will run until June 13, giving fans two weeks to vote on their favorite team name.
The five finalists are presented below, in alphabetical order:
Amarillo Boot Scooters
The Boot Scooters combines Amarillo’s genuine welcoming attitude with its fun western heritage.
Amarillo Bronc Busters
Amarillo has deep cowboy roots and the Bronc Busters honors the community’s resilient, independent spirit.
Amarillo Jerky
Commemorating its famous cattle drive, there’s only one region that can lay claim to the “Beef Capital of the World.”
Amarillo Long Haulers
Long Haulers celebrates Amarillo’s famous Route 66, open roads, wind-bent trees, and the fun of Minor League Baseball.
Amarillo Sod Poodles
A pioneer’s nickname for “Prairie Dogs,” this fun-loving local animal is very aggressive in protecting its family and home.
The final judging of the winning team name will be based on originality, creativity, uniqueness, regional relevance, and appropriateness for audience. The fan whose submission leads to the team’s new name will receive the ultimate VIP Baseball Package – Four Season Tickets for the Inaugural 2019 season, a personalized Team Jersey and an opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch during the 2019 season.
The winning name will be revealed at a press conference this fall. All finalists will also be invited to the unveiling event.
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