Baseball By Design: Stories of Minor League Logos and Nicknames

It took until the 257th episode of Baseball By Design for us to feature an affiliated team named for its parent club—this week we discuss the South Bend Cubs. While most minor league teams are moving toward unique monikers, why does it work for the Cubs in South Bend to have the same name as their Major League parent club?

Guests this week include:

• Joe Hart, President, South Bend Cubs
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon: https://www.studiosimon.net/, Insta @studio_simon

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
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• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

The Long Island Ducks have been a stalwart in the Atlantic League for more than a quarter century. The team reprised the name of a minor league hockey team of the same name and has carried the moniker with distinction.

Guests this week include:

• Michael Pfaff, President and Chief Business Officer
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon: https://www.studiosimon.net/, Insta @studio_simon
• Ranger Amy Burnett, Insta @therealrangeramy

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• TikTok @baseballbydesign
• YouTube @baseballbydesign
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

The Ogden Raptors debuted at a time when our collective imaginations were captivated by Jurassic Park, but their logo is actually based on a local dinosaur discovery called the the Utahraptor. Guests include:

• Dave Baggott, Founder and Owner, Ogden Raptors
• Jim Christopher, Ballpark Nation, YouTube @ballparknation
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon: https://www.studiosimon.net/, Insta @studio_simon

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• TikTok @baseballbydesign
• YouTube @baseballbydesign
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

Email questions and comments for the podcast to pauljcaputo@gmail.com.

Baseball By Design is a member of the Curved Brim Media Network.

Hot off the presses, the Springfield Cardinals rebranded as the Ozarks Springbirds, staying close to their parent club's brand while creating something unique to the community. Guests include:

• Dan Reiter, General Manager, Springfield Cardinals
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon: https://www.studiosimon.net/, Insta @studio_simon

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• TikTok @baseballbydesign
• YouTube @baseballbydesign
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

Email questions and comments for the podcast to pauljcaputo@gmail.com.

Baseball By Design is a member of the Curved Brim Media Network.

The collegiate summer level Martha's Vineyard Sharks play in a town made famous by an iconic movie. The Jaws-themed team takes a kid-friendly approach to nature's greatest predator. Guests include:

• Russ Curran, President & GM, Martha's Vineyard Sharks
• Todd Malhoit, Creative Director, https://www.toddmalhoit.com/
• Jim Christopher, Ballpark Nation, YouTube @ballparknation
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon: https://www.studiosimon.net/, Insta @studio_simon

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• TikTok @baseballbydesign
• YouTube @baseballbydesign
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

Email questions and comments for the podcast to pauljcaputo@gmail.com.

Baseball By Design is a member of the Curved Brim Media Network.

The Tri-City ValleyCats, based in Troy, New York, have been around for a quarter century and play with one of independent baseball's most enduring brands. Guests this week include:

• Rick Murphy, President/Owner, Tri-City ValleyCats
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon: https://www.studiosimon.net/, Insta @studio_simon
• Ranger Amy Burnett, Insta @therealrangeramy

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• TikTok @baseballbydesign
• YouTube @baseballbydesign
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

In an unprecedented follow-up to a previous episode, Jeopardy contestant Lauren Vincent joins the podcast to discuss her role in the existence of the Columbia Synchronized Hippos. Plus, hear Lauren's appearance on the Columbia Fireflies broadcast with John Kocsis! Guests include:

• Lauren Vincent, Jeopardy Contestant
• Donnie Wise, DHC Sports Show, Insta @wisedrjr
• John Kocsis, Jr., Broadcaster, Columbia Fireflies
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon: https://www.studiosimon.net/, Insta @studio_simon

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• TikTok @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

Baseball By Design is a member of the Curved Brim Media Network.

It's the 250th episode of Baseball By Design—the semiquincentepisode—and we're marking the occasion with the Somerset Patriots, who played as the Semiquincentennials in July.

This week on the podcast:

• Hal Hansen, Senior Director, Sales & Marketing, Somerset Patriots
• Ryan Foose, Fooser Sports Design, Insta @foosersports
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon: https://www.studiosimon.net/, Insta @studio_simon

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• TikTok @baseballbydesign
• YouTube @baseballbydesign
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

The Gateway Grizzlies, an independent team in the Frontier League, play in Sauget, Illinois, a small town in the shadow of St. Louis's Gateway Arch just across the river in Missouri. Neither state has ever been part of the grizzly bear's habitat, so why is this team called the Grizzlies? Listen and learn! Guests this week include:

• Jason Guerette, Broadcaster, Gateway Grizzlies
• Ranger Amy Burnett, Insta @therealrangeramy
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon: https://www.studiosimon.net/, Insta @studio_simon

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• TikTok @baseballbydesign
• YouTube @baseballbydesign
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

When the Appalachian League lost its affiliated status in 2020, all 10 teams were forced to rebrand. The Bluefield Ridge Runners adopted a train-themed brand that celebrates the Blue Ridge mountains, the coal mining industry, and a beloved toy train character. Guests this week include:

• Garrett Schilling, General Manager, Bluefield Ridge Runners
• Ranger Amy Burnett, Insta @therealrangeramy
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon: https://www.studiosimon.net/, Insta @studio_simon

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• TikTok @baseballbydesign
• YouTube @baseballbydesign
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

The Montreal Expos logo has been the subject of debate, conversation, and even conspiracy theories over the years. Author, baseball historian, and sports design royalty Todd Radom discusses the history of the Expos and their iconic brand.

Guests include:

• Todd Radom, Todd Radom Design https://www.toddradom.com/
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon, https://www.studiosimon.net/

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• YouTube @baseballbydesign
• TikTok @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

Baseball By Design is a member of the Curved Brim Media Network.

An incorrect answer on the TV game show Jeopardy led to one of Minor League Baseball's funniest theme nights. This Thursday, the Columbia Fireflies will take the field as the Synchronized Hippos. Guests include:

• John Kocsis, Jr., Broadcaster, Columbia Fireflies
• Donnie Wise, DHC Sports Show, Insta @wisedrjr
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon: https://www.studiosimon.net/, Insta @studio_simon

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

Baseball By Design is a member of the Curved Brim Media Network.

It's the 10th iteration of the Baseballpalooza road trip, and it's the biggest one yet! The guys guide you through the Northeast and talk about the magic of a road trip with old friends.

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

Baseball By Design is a member of the Curved Brim Media Network.

The Reno Aces dig deep into their hometown's heritage with two of their identities: The "Biggest Little City" alternate identity plays on the city's slogan, found on an iconic arch on the edge of town, and a Reno Silver Sox brand honors the town's baseball past.

Guests this week include:

• Blake O'Brien, Senior Director of Creative Services, Reno Aces
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon: https://www.studiosimon.net/, Insta @studio_simon

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

Baseball By Design is a member of the Curved Brim Media Network.

The Augusta GreenJackets are a rare baseball team whose logo is based on another sport. The team leans into its hometown's claim to fame, the iconic Augusta National golf course. Guests this week include:

• Brandon Greene, General Manager, Augusta GreenJackets
• Jason Klein, Brandiose, https://www.brandiose.com/
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon: https://www.studiosimon.net/, Insta @studio_simon

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

Baseball By Design is a member of the Curved Brim Media Network.

The identity for the Charleston RiverDogs, Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, has a surprising back story—it's not based on dogs at all, but rather rats. Guests this week:

• Ben Abzug, Senior Vice President, Charleston RiverDogs
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon: https://www.studiosimon.net/, Insta @studio_simon

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

Baseball By Design is a member of the Curved Brim Media Network.

Major League Baseball's All Star Game takes place today and Skye Dillon joins to talk about developing the logo for the event. Guests this week:

• Skye Dillon, SKYE, https://www.skye.design/
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon: https://www.studiosimon.net/, Insta @studio_simon

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

Baseball By Design is a member of the Curved Brim Media Network.

The Eugene Emeralds for many years had a brand that featured an idyllic natural scene—but then they made a dramatic switch and adopted a brand that features a snarling sasquatch. We talk about this and the team's hilarious Exploding Whales alternate identity. Guests this week include:

• Matt Dompe, Assistant GM & Broadcaster, Eugene Emeralds
• Jason Klein, Brandiose, https://www.brandiose.com/
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon: https://www.studiosimon.net/, Insta @studio_simon

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

Baseball By Design is a member of the Curved Brim Media Network.

The Double-A Springfield Cardinals have only had two alternate identities in their team history, including the Ozarks Snipe Hunters, unveiled this season. The brand plays on the storied tradition of sending newbie campers into the woods on wild goose chases for mythical furry critters.

This week on the podcast:

• Dan Reiter, General Manager, Springfield Cardinals
• Ranger Amy Burnett, Insta @therealrangeramy
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon: https://www.studiosimon.net/, Insta @studio_simon

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

Before they were the Aviators, the Triple-A baseball team in Las Vegas played as the Las Vegas 51s from 2001 to 2018. The team's alien-themed brand played on their proximity to noted government facility Area 51. Guests include:

• Tom Brazile, Director of Retail Operations, Las Vegas Aviators
• Valerie Ruiz, Stadium Food Girl, Insta @stadiumfoodgirl
• Dan Simon, Studio Simon: https://www.studiosimon.net/, Insta @studio_simon

Find the Baseball By Design podcast online:

• Instagram @baseballbydesign
• Threads @baseballbydesign
• Bluesky @baseballbydesign.bsky.social
• Facebook @baseballbydesignpodcast
• https://linktr.ee/BaseballByDesign

Baseball By Design is a member of the Curved Brim Media Network.