If there’s a silver lining to the reorganization of minor league baseball, which caused more than 40 teams to lose their affiliation with Major League parent clubs, it’s that all 10 teams in the Appalachian League will get unique nicknames. The Appy League, as it’s known to friends and family, will switch from the rookie advanced level to a collegiate wood bat league in 2021.
The 10 member teams of the league were heretofore named for their parent clubs, which regular readers of this site know I think is boring and should be made illegal through an executive order by Joe Biden in his first week in office. With no parents to be named for anymore, the teams are rebranding before their seasons begin in June.
The Appy League team in Danville, Virginia, formerly the Danville Braves, has turned to its adoring public for ideas for a new brand. Fans can propose ideas for “an identity that embraces our city, its history, and its fans” on the team’s website.
Since the city of Danville is so closely associated with the Richmond and Danville Railroad, I’m hoping for a train-themed brand, in the proud tradition of minor league baseball’s Altoona Curve, Scranton-Wilkes Barre RailRiders, and Round Rock Express.
Related stories:
Danville Otterbots unveil “cold” uniforms 
Appalachian League Rolls Out the Danville Otterbots 
Appy League unveils Bluefield Ridge Runners 
Appy League’s Kingsport Axmen pay tribute to Daniel Boone 
Appy League introduces Elizabethton River Riders 
Appy League introduces Bristol State Liners in flurry of rebrands 
Stirring Up Debate: Introducing the Burlington Sock Puppets 
Danville Braves update logos
