Appy League introduces Pulaski River Turtles

Just as the world of baseball branding is set to lose one turtle-themed brand, another is introduced. We know that the Single-A Beloit Snappers will have a new name in 2021, but as of this morning, the collegiate level Appalachian League gives us the Pulaski River Turtles, formerly the Pulaski Yankees.

“When considering the name, we weighed feedback from the local baseball community, Calfee Park’s history, and our location in the New River Valley,” says general manager JW Martin on the team’s website. “After thoughtful consideration, we wanted a brand that represents what our ballpark is really all about. We have a welcoming, fun, family environment that puts smiles on faces. We think this brand captures that.”

The Virginia Herpetological Society lists 21 species of turtles in the state, and the New River Valley, where Pulaski is located, is home to many of them, including stinkpot and snapping turtles. (The Pulaski Stinkpots definitely would have been a sillier approach to a new nickname—it makes you wonder what the name would have been if this brand had been created by an outside firm and not Major League Baseball.)

The Appalachian League’s first season as a collegiate summer level league after decades at the affiliated rookie level begins June 3.