We have (probably) the first team in baseball to be named after a stew on a full-time basis, as the Green Bay Booyah (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) name replaces the Bullfrogs as the team’s moniker.
A booyah is a communal stew originally based on fall vegetables and less desirable cuts of meat, including oxtail, cooked in large kettles. It’s still seen often in the rural Midwest. Legend has it booyah was invented by a Green Bay resident, Andrew Rentmeester, who created a bouillon as part of a fundraiser for school supplies, and ended up misspelling bouillon when contacted by a local reporter. Other cultures feature booyah or bouja feeds, as do communities and churches across Minnesota, Wisconsin and the UP, so it’s hard to say whether Rentmeester actually invented it. But it really doesn’t matter: it does make for a nice backstory that’s certainly promoted in Green Bay.
“We’re extremely excited to unveil a brand that is not only fun but has a meaningful connection to the community we call home,” said John Fanta, the team’s vice president. “The name speaks to the rich tradition in Northeast Wisconsin and fans will really enjoy how we plan to integrate the Booyah theme at the ballpark. I can’t wait to shout the phrase after our first home run at Capital Credit Union Park!”
No oxtail for the Green Bay Booyah: the theme, as designed and conceived by Brandiose, is based on the chicken found at most modern booyah feeds. The team introduced team colors including royal blue, sky blue, gold, orange and gray. The Booyah also unveiled a variety of alternative logos that will be featured on merchandise and branding around the team’s new ballpark, set to open in 2019. In a nice touch, the team also debuted the World’s Largest Booyah Kettle. The kettle features hand-painted versions of the team logos. The 2,000 gallon kettle will be installed at Capital Credit Union Park in time for the 2019 season.
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