Even though there’s one new ballpark in Utica, the new United Shore Professional Baseball League has three teams that will play out of it, and those teams and names were unveiled today. Earlier, we showed you a drone video of the under construction $12 million Jimmy John’s field where they will play.
The names below were chosen in a fan vote competition:
Utica Unicorns
One of the league’s two home teams to play at Jimmy John’s Field, the Utica Unicorns were developed to be “lovable yet fierce.”
Eastside Diamond Hoppers
Named to represent a “fly” ball catching frog one might see capturing fish flies along Lake St. Clair, the league’s other home team playing at Jimmy John’s Field features the first-ever use of an orange and green color scheme in professional sports.
Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers
The Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers were conceived to be the cross-town rival to the league’s two home teams, also to play at Jimmy John’s Field.
“This league and these teams will bring a professional baseball experience like no other to this region,” said Andy Appleby, league founder, president and chief executive officer of Rochester, Michigan-based General Sports and Entertainment. “The USPBL will be competitive, affordable, community-focused and tremendous fun for fans of every age.”
The new league also presented a check for $1,000 at the event to the Utica Community Schools Superintendent’s Scholarship fund, awarded each year to approximately 40 graduating seniors.