Branding has been unveiled for the Wichita Wind Surge (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), as the former New Orleans Baby Cakes establish a new identity with their move to Wichita.
Set to open in April, the new $75 million Wichita ballpark is currently being built on the former site of Lawrence-Dumont Stadium for Pacific Coast League action. The Baby Cakes franchise announced in September 2018 that it would move to Wichita in 2020 to coincide with the new ballpark’s opening, and the organization has taken the latest step in its move by announcing the Wichita Wind Surge identity.
The Wind Surge brand was unveiled to much fanfare at a public event on Wednesday. More from the Wichita Eagle:
The new team logo consists of a Pegasus leaping out of the letter W. It was designed by Todd Radom, also the creator of the current logos of the Major League Los Angeles Angels and Washington Nationals.
Lou Schwechheimer, majority owner of the Wind Surge, vowed to “make this the greatest baseball town in America.”
He drew a loud cheer from a standing-room-only crowd at the Wave for the name reveal when he said ”Are you ready for baseball? Well we’re ready for Wichita!
“We want to be here, we’re making our home here. We are now proud Wichitans. You’re stuck with us for the next 30 years.”
Via social media, the Wind Surge provided an explanation of some elements behind the brand:
Here’s the meaning behind your Wichita Wind Surge!! Here’s to a new era in this great city!! pic.twitter.com/VxMoGRGkL0
— Wichita Wind Surge (@WindSurgeIct) November 14, 2019
The Wind Surge is scheduled to play its home opener at the new Wichita ballpark on April 14 against the Memphis Redbirds. When Wind Surge debuts, it will mark the first time that Wichita has had an affiliated Minor League Baseball team of its own since the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) relocated to Springdale, AR after the 2007 season to become the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.
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