How It Was Named | MLB Teams

The Atlanta Braves have a long history, originating in 1871 as the Boston Red Stockings, making them one of the oldest continuously operating professional sports teams in America. The team underwent several name changes due to various factors, including geographical moves and ownership changes. Initially named after their red socks, the team’s name evolved through incarnations such as the Red Caps, Bean Eaters, Doves, Rustlers, and eventually Braves in 1912, reflecting the owner's political ties with Tammany Hall. The name 'Braves' is a nod to the Native American warriors, a theme that brings with it a complex and controversial history. The team moved to Milwaukee in 1953, enjoying a period of success, before finally settling in Atlanta in 1966.

The Chicago Cubs started as an experimental team called the White Stockings and became professional in 1871. They were later named the Colts and then the Orphans, eventually becoming the Cubs, symbolizing a fresh start. The Cincinnati Reds’ name comes after a series of teams named the Red Stockings, with a brief name change to the Redlegs during the Red Scare. The Pittsburgh Pirates got their name from accusations of player 'pirating.' The St. Louis Cardinals were originally the Brown Stockings, changing to Cardinals in 1900 due to their red-trimmed uniforms, a name that stuck after being popularized by a sportswriter.

The Philadelphia Phillies were originally the Quakers, changing to Phillies for brevity. The New York Giants, who moved to San Francisco, were named after their perceived stature as 'giants' following a victory. The Dodgers, starting as the Brooklyn Grays, underwent multiple name changes reflecting community aspects before officially adopting 'Dodgers.' The Baltimore Orioles, named after the state bird, and the Boston Red Sox, who adopted their red socks identity post the Bean Eaters' name change, are also highlighted, showcasing the historical roots and regional connections of these iconic teams.

The Cleveland Indians were named in honor of Louis Sockalexis, though the name's appropriateness has been debated. The Detroit Tigers were inspired by a military unit, while the Minnesota Twins represent the twin cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The New York Yankees, initially the Highlanders, adopted a more American-centric name. The Athletics moved from Philadelphia to Oakland, maintaining their historical name, while the Los Angeles Angels’ name reflects the city’s translation and prior baseball history. The script explores how team names often derive from local culture, historical figures, or regional characteristics.

From the Texas Rangers, named after the law enforcement agency, to the Houston Astros, celebrating the city's space exploration heritage, this section explores the origins of newer MLB teams. The Miami Marlins and Colorado Rockies' names reflect local fauna and geography, respectively. The Tampa Bay Rays initially used 'Devil Rays,' later simplifying the name. The Arizona Diamondbacks’ name comes from a local snake species, emphasizing the connection between team identities and their local context or aspirations.

This paragraph covers the establishment of the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays in 1977, with names reflecting local culture and fauna. It also discusses the introduction of the Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins in the 1993 expansion, emphasizing geographical and cultural ties in team naming. The narrative showcases MLB's strategy of blending regional identity with team branding to foster local support and national interest.

The complex journey of team relocations and name origins concludes with the San Diego Padres, named after Franciscan friars, and the Montreal Expos moving to become the Washington Nationals, avoiding 'Senators' due to D.C.'s lack of congressional representation. The story of the Seattle Mariners’ formation following a lawsuit highlights the legal and logistical challenges in team relocations. The saga of the Milwaukee Brewers, who started as the Seattle Pilots, illustrates financial struggles and last-minute decisions in the MLB.

The final expansions introduced the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1998, each reflecting local elements—the Diamondbacks for the rattlesnake prevalent in Arizona, and the Rays for aquatic life in Tampa Bay. These names, chosen through fan contests or strategic branding, highlight the MLB’s continued effort to forge strong local and regional identities through team names, colors, and mascots.