Highlights of 2025’s Alternate Identities

As teams revamp their appearances, the emphasis is on celebrating local heritage with a lighthearted touch. Notably, the Tulsa Drillers recently introduced their “Tulsa Chicken Dancers,” honoring a popular dance event originating in the region. This fun twist showcases how minor league teams creatively engage with their communities.

Portland Sea Dogs: Maine Candlepins

The Portland Sea Dogs, affiliated with the Boston Red Sox, will embrace the “Maine Candlepins” identity this season, highlighting a local variant of bowling characterized by smaller balls and tall pins.

Jersey Shore BlueClaws: Shine Barons

On June 14, the Jersey Shore BlueClaws will return as the “Jersey Shore Shine Barons.” This name revives an earlier proposal from 2000 when the team was established, linking back to New Jersey’s Pine Barrens region.

Binghamton Rumble Ponies: Southern Tier Spicy Meatballs

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies will transform into the “Southern Tier Spicy Meatballs,” a nod to the Italian heritage prevalent in Binghamton and its neighboring areas. This identity will be featured during a special series against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats in August.

Arkansas Travelers: Barkansas Dizzys

Playing homage to their beloved mascot, the Arkansas Travelers will become the “Barkansas Dizzys” for six games in June, celebrating the team’s ballpark dog, Dizzy.

Wisconsin Timber Rattlers: Frozen Pizzas

For one game on July 12, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers will take on the identity of “Wisconsin Frozen Pizzas,” linking to the state’s title as the frozen pizza capital of the world. Fans will be treated to a unique giveaway of pizza oven bobbleheads.

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp: Honey Drippers

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp will don the “Jacksonville Honey Drippers” title for two weekends, reflecting a classic local summer treat with vibrant colors and a playful elephantine design.

Fresno Grizzlies: Tacos

The Fresno Grizzlies have a long-standing tradition of playing as the “Fresno Tacos,” celebrating the region’s taco truck culture with special event games since 2015.

Akron RubberDucks: Cheese Salads

The Akron RubberDucks will temporarily adopt the “Akron Cheese Salads” identity to honor a local dish featuring mozzarella, lettuce, and tomatoes. This creative name is slated for a one-night event on July 11.

New Hampshire Fisher Cats: Space Potatoes

In a unique blend of local lore, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats will operate under the “New Hampshire Space Potatoes” name, combining the state’s recognized vegetable and a nod to a peculiar 1960s UFO incident.

Winston-Salem Dash: Hooch Pooches

On June 20, the Winston-Salem Dash will embrace their alter ego, the “Winston-Salem Hooch Pooches,” linking back to the history of stock car racing and prohibition, with a playful and thematic presentation.

Toledo Mud Hens: Mud Crawlers

Lastly, the Toledo Mud Hens will switch to the “Toledo Mud Crawlers” identity, keeping close to their established theme while introducing a fun logo featuring a duck in an off-road vehicle.