I originally planned to write a post about animal team names, and I’ll still get to that. But let’s focus on canis lupus familiaris. Our domesticated versions of the gray wolf. A vast majority of people like dogs, and even those who don’t are more “a-dog” rather than “anti-dog.” Popular critters.
We’re probably talking about a breed or sub-category of dogs, but there are some aspects worth considering with “dogs.” Carolina Dogs. If in Durham, you can order a Carolina Dog at a Bulls game- hot dog with pulled pork and more. Raleigh Dogs. We lose the ever-alluring alliteration but it still works… and still calls to mind hot dogs, a classic ballpark food! For me there’s a little extra connection because of a great hotdog joint in Connecticut called Rawley’s Drive-in.
Aside from the hot dog connection, I like the generic Dogs fine. We allow for species level names elsewhere in sports (Tigers, Lions, Sharks, etc) why not just Dogs? This also allows for my plans to play Dogwood trees off the main name or vice versa.
What other teams are using Dogs? Georgetown and Georgia both use Bulldogs. I’m out on Bulldogs. Respecting college sport culture in our region requires me to count a strike against Dogs due to the prevalent “Go Dawgs” from Georgia fans. I’m not interested in copying anything from Cleveland Browns fans (Dawg Pound). There are couple other uses out there, but overall plenty of open conceptual space for an MLB franchise.
Let’s get into some breed-specific options. Straight out of the gate, my favorite dog option and one of my favorite names period: Hounds. The official state dog of North Carolina is the Plott Hound. I love it. I’m not sure we need the Plott part. There are many kinds of hounds, so Hounds still scoops up many specific sub groups. Hounds hunt. Hounds howl. Hounds bother- they “hound you!” Peruse the 919 concept designs for an example of a Hounds logo.
Another breed common in NC because it’s common everywhere: Retrievers! Raleigh Retrievers? No, don’t think so. Cute though. The unofficial state dog according to shelters is the Lab-Mix. Too tongue-in-cheek/jowel for me. Mutts? I like that one, but probably a no in the end. Somewhat better: Rescues. Raleigh Rescues. Not bad. Obviously, I’m referring to dogs adopted from shelters and that could be the focus… but we can also fold in other rescue-concepts: first responders/etc.
The ballpark can incorporate dog-friendly spaces like dog parks, water features, and grooming stations on the property. The seating areas can involve purposeful bark-in-the park designs and service-animal accommodations.
For many years, the Cubs blasted Who Let the Dogs Out? over the speakers for home run celebrations. Ew. But it does get the wheels turning for the many things a ballpark can incorporate for in-game dog-themed atmosphere. So many options for mascots, too, including a tree!
