Rock Cats Re-Branding As Yard Goats For '16 Move To Hartford

The Double-A Eastern League New Britain Rock Cats yesterday announced that the team "will be renamed the Yard Goats" when it moves to a new ballpark for the '16 season, according to Paul Doyle of the HARTFORD COURANT. The new moniker "was chosen from a final list of five, beating out Hedgehogs, Praying Mantis, River Hogs and Whirlybirds." Team officials "picked Yard Goats over Whirlybirds," and a logo and team colors "will be unveiled in about a month, with a 'Name the Mascot' contest and uniform unveiling to follow." Although the name Yard Goats is "technically an old railroad slang term for an engine that switches a train to get it ready for another locomotive, the animal angle lends itself to logos and merchandise." Hartford's ballpark "could have a petting zoo, at least on some nights." The name "was submitted by Anthony Castora, who was awarded two season tickets for life." The four other finalists "will receive two season tickets" for the '16 season (HARTFORD COURANT, 3/19).