The Binghamton Mets have been renamed the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. The renaming of the team was part of the new affiliation agreement between the Mets and Binghamton’s new owner John Hughes.
As Hughes told WBNG, “What I’m looking to do is strengthen the ties between the team and the community. I want the community to really be able to identify with this team, as well as this team be a proud representative of the Binghamton heritage, the Binghamton name and have something the community can relate to.”
With that the soon to be former B-Mets had a contest where fans could submit suggestions for what the new team name should be. The finalists selected were not just related to the history of Binghamton, but they were also color names. The finalists were:
- Bullheads
- Gobblers
- Rocking Horses
- Rumble Ponies
- Timber Jockeys
- Stud Muffins
The Bullheads were a reference to the catfish that are in the nearby Susquehanna River, and the Gobblers were in reference to the turkey hunting that occurs in the area. The final four submissions were a nod to the fact that Binghamton considers itself the “Carousel Capital of the World.” As noted, and frankly unsurprisingly,
Accordingly, the 2017 season will be the inaugural season of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. The colors for the team will be red, blue and silver.
This reminds me that next year I need to purchase my first St Lucie Mets hat/shirt.
Minors are meant to be different and fun but the new bingo name is ridiculous.
I think getting away from the Mets name will actually be good for the franchise, always thought it was kind of boring for a minor league team.
There has never been a better name in the history of minor league baseball. The Rubberducks and the Chihuahuas come close though.
Just looking through some team names. Apparently the Miami AA team is called the Jumbo Shrimp. Interesting. And I completely forgot the Flying Squirrels. Shame on me.