The future Fayetteville farm team of the Houston Astros is looking for a new name. The team launched a name the team contest in March and now the five best names have been released for fans to vote on.
After more than 1,400 suggestions, Fayetteville’s minor league baseball team has five finalists for its name.
Picking a name from 1,400 entries wasn’t easy. Fayetteville’s GM, David Lane stated they had to look if the names weren’t trademarked already. And with 1,400 entries it is not a job that is done just like that.
One of the most popular entries “Babes”, was one that was trademarked already. So was the name of various former minor league teams in Fayetteville: Generals.
The choices, Woodpeckers, Wood Dogs, Fatbacks, Fly Traps and Jumpers, were announced last Friday. Once again there are some weird names (to put it mildly) among them.
Here is the explanation:
• Fatbacks: The name is derived from the fat of pigs that is prevalent in Southern and French cuisine. Fatback is one of the delicious, delectable pork products that is the result of a hog roast that brings the community together, the release says.
• Fly Traps: The name refers to the flytrap plant native to the wetlands of the Carolinas. The name also relates to baseball and how outfielders are taught to catch fly balls.
• Jumpers: A tribute to the 82nd Airborne, based at Fort Bragg.
• Wood Dogs: Not dogwoods, but wood dogs. The intent, according to officials was to “have the name take the form of a dog, which resonates with the city’s and military’s characteristics of loyalty, compassion and protection.”
Votes can be cast online at fayettevilleastros.com or by mail to Name The Team Contest, 101 Hay St., Fayetteville, NC 28301. Voting deadline is July 3.
The winner of the five remaining names will become the team’s moniker in 2019, when the Houston Astros farm team moves from its current home in Buies Creek into a new stadium in downtown Fayetteville. The Astros want a new name, logo and uniforms for the Class A affiliate.
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