Long Beach’s new minor league baseball team wants your help coming up with its name.
Through 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 12, the team is asking fans to submit a video or written entry here with their suggestion, along with their case for why it’s the perfect fit for Long Beach baseball.
“We’ve spent months doing market research and generating name options that reflect the Long Beach community and its values. We have some options we like, and others that couldn’t work,” the team said in a statement announcing the contest. “Now, we want your input. This is your chance to leave a legacy in Long Beach sports history.”
Submissions in the announcement video included:
- Lobsters
- Strawberries
- Spotties
- Groove
- Pharaohs
Our suggestions
Here at the Post, we’ve got some experience in this realm. Back in 2019, when Long Beach State retired its Prospector Pete mascot, we held a competition trying to come up with a replacement.
We’re still impressed by the Stingray that won our readers’ choice vote.
The Hammerheads, the Pelicans, the Long Beach Long Necks (giraffes) and Long Beach Brain Cells, designed by local muralist Dave Van Patten, were also strong contenders.
Alas, the university spurned us and went with Elbee the shark as its mascot. Maybe we’ll get a second chance now.
History as a guide
Three minor league baseball teams have previously played ball in the city. The most recent team, Long Beach Armada, folded in 2009 after its league disbanded. The Long Beach Breakers last played in 2002.
The city’s first minor league team played under three names – the Long Beach Barracuda, the Long Beach Franchise and Long Beach Riptide – before folding in 1996.
How this selection process will work
Entrants will be eligible for prizes including gear, season tickets, player meet and greets and more. Submissions must not already be used by any pro or college team in any sport.
After the submission window closes, a panel of judges will select up to three finalists based on criteria that include originality and creativity, availability, inspiration, brand alignment and cultural sensitivity.
Once those three are selected, the team will release a poll for the public to vote on their favorite name. After that poll concludes, the judges will select a winner based on the same criteria while factoring in the public vote.
“This city has such a rich history in sports, arts, music, and culture and we want the team to reflect that,” team president Ena Patel said in a statement. “What better way to ensure that than to have the people of Long Beach build this team with us? We’re excited to see what you all come up with.”
How we got here
In July, the team received unanimous approval from the City Council to pursue a deal in which it would play its three-month spring season at Cal State Long Beach’s Blair Field.
Negotiations among the city, the club and CSULB have already begun, spanning potential investments into the ballpark’s field and facility, as well as commitments that prioritize the schedule of the university’s baseball team and public access.
The Long Beach Baseball Club — as it’s temporarily named for now — would be the 13th team in the Pioneer Baseball League, an independent league not affiliated with Major League Baseball.