If Vancouver gets an MLB team, what should they call it?
It’s the dream that could actually turn into a reality.
While Vancouver still has some major hurdles to overcome before landing an MLB team, there’s now an official ownership group spearheading the movement.
Two weeks ago, The Show Vancouver (TSV) was revealed as the group that will attempt to bring an MLB franchise to the city.
Of course, if Vancouver does land a team, it would need a name.
So, what should they name it?
The most natural fit for a Vancouver-based baseball team would be the Canadians. It would allow Vancouver’s new franchise to showcase proudly that they’re one of only two Canadian teams in baseball’s most prestigious league.
Should Vancouver promote the name ‘Canadians’ to the MLB if they get a team? (@vancanadians/Instagram)
Of course, that would mean that Vancouver’s High-A baseball team would need a new name.
It’s fair to wonder what exactly would happen to the existing Canadians if Vancouver were to land an MLB team. Although it is uncommon for minor-league teams to exist that close to an MLB stadium, it’s unfathomable that the MLB would do away with such a successful High-A franchise in the Canadians.
Vancouver does have two other name options that offer an ode to previous baseball teams in the city.
Before the Canadians, there were the Vancouver Mounties, who played in the Pacific Coast League during various stints between 1956 and 1968.
A local fan even went as far as creating modern templates for Vancouver’s potential Mounties-named MLB team.
Vancouver has had baseball teams dating back to 1905. The first team in the city was the Veterans, which lasted only one year after running into financial issues. They were then named the Canucks for one season, before returning as the Beavers in 1908.
There’s a plethora of fun logo ideas with a baseball team named the Beavers. Who doesn’t love the idea of a beaver holding a baseball bat?
If whimsical team names and logos are your thing, the Sasquatch is another one that could be considered. It would bear a resemblance to what played out with Seattle’s NHL franchise, where the name Metropolitans was bandied about as an option, with an ode to a former hockey franchise in the city.
They chose to go the whimsical, ferocious mythical animal route instead with the Kraken. While the team hasn’t been good, at least the logo and jerseys don’t suck.
The name Rainmakers would definitely have a place in Vancouver. One, obviously, because of the rain. But secondly, it ties into the baseball lingo as well. The term rainmaker often applies to a home run that’s hit so high it could bring rain from the clouds.
Seattle once had a minor-league baseball team called the Rainmakers back in 1896. There’s also a B.C. connection, as Prince Rupert had a legendary high-school basketball team called the Rainmakers as well.
We had our followers on social media and they name up with some good suggestions, with Canadians and Mounties both being reference. One user came up with the name Steelheads, a nod to the majestic salmon swimming in our provincial waters.
Another option with B.C. ties is the Cascades, which has obvious B.C. ties and connects nicely to both the Canucks (under the blue and green colours with the orca logo) and the Whitecaps.
What do you think? What should Vancouver call their team if they emerge victorious in MLB expansion?