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How well do YOU
know sports teams?
This
is the place for the nicknames and origins of many professional sports
teams.
This Web Site includes the professional leagues of baseball,
football,
hockey, basketball, soccer, and more!
In
addition, you'll find a little bit of history of where the sports teams
have stopped and called home.
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All Starr Sports Zone Blog All Starr Sports Zone Videos |
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www.flickr.com
This is a Flickr badge showing public photos
from matt_starr_2000.
Make your own badge here.
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Major League Baseball Hall of Fame World Series Tickets MLB Scoreboard & GameCast |
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Named after Los Angeles, the "City of Angels", where the team started. Changed from Los Angeles Angels (from 1961-1965) Named Angels because Los Angeles is Spanish for "The Angels". The Angels was the nickname of a former minor league team in Los Angles. Name changed from Los Angeles to California Angels 9/2/65, then to Anaheim Angels in 1997. Changed from Anaheim Angels to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2005. Mascot: Clutch and Scoop the Bears. Stadium: Edison International Field- since 1966. |
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Since 1998, named from the Diamondback Rattlesnakes that are in the Arizona desert. Mascot: D.Baxter the Bobcat. Stadium: Bank One Ballpark- since 1998. |
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Named for James Gaffney, a Tammany Hall "Brave", who bought the team in 1911. The OLDEST continuously operating professional sports franchise in America, with the team's birth in 1871 as the Boston Red Stockings, and follows them to Milwaukee in 1953 and to Atlanta in 1966, playing under such a variety of names as Beaneaters and Doves through 1908, Rustlers, Braves, Bees (from 1936-1940), and back to the Braves. Mascot: Rally. Stadium: Turner Field- since 1997. Turner Sports Web Cam |
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Named for the State bird of Maryland, the Baltimore Oriole. Orioles was the nickname of a former minor league team. The franchise from from Milwaukee as the Brewers in 1901 to St. Louis, in 1902-1953 as the Browns, then in 1954 to Baltimore to become the Orioles. Mascot: The Bird. Stadium: Oriole Park at Camden Field- since 1992. |
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Since 1901, named for the famous Red Stockings of the 1870's. Other nicknames: Pilgrims, Puritans, Plymouth Rocks, and Somersets through 1906. Mascot: Wally the Green Monster. Stadium: Fenway Park- since 1912. The #15 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $111 Million. Red Sox Players |
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Since 1901, originally the team was called the Invaders because they invaded Chicago before the opening of the 1900 season. The team adopted the Chicago White Stockings name used by the National League team in the late 1880s. Sportswriters shortened the name to White Sox when writing headlines Stadium: Comiskey Park- since 1991. |
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Since 1876. Named for the Chicago Orphans who promote their rebuilding with youth. Wrigley Field Web cam Also known as the White Stockings, Colts, Orphans. Stadium: Wrigley Field- since 1914. |
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1st professional baseball club, formed 3/15/1869. Originally named the Red Legs from 1944-1945, then Redlegs from 1954-1960, then the Red's since 1961. Called the Red Legs briefly in the 1940s during the time of the Communist scare. Stadium: Cinergy Field- since 1970. Stadium Cam |
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Since 1901, they were named after Louis Frances Sockalexis, who is believed to be the first Native American major leaguer. Sockalexis was a Penobscot Indian (a tribe from Maine) who played for the Cleveland Spiders in the 1880s. Other nicknames: Broncos, Blues (uniform color too), Naps and from 1912 to 1915 was called the Molly McGuires because of the large number of Irish players it had. Mascot: Slider. Stadium: Jacobs Field- since 1994. |
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Since 1993, named after the Rocky Mountains in the area. Mascot: Dinger. Stadium: Coors Field- since 1995. |
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Since 1901, named after the striped stockings used. The team was originally known as the Wolverines -- named after the former Detroit team in the old National League. Sportswriter Phil Reid of the Detroit Free Press thought that the team's black and yellow stripes looked like the uniforms looked like those of the Princeton Tigers and he started to call them the Tigers. The name stuck. Mascot: Paws. Stadium: Comerica Park- since 2000. |
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Since 1993, named after the large fish, found off the coast and name of a minor league AAA team, the Miami Marlins. Mascot: Billy Marlin. Stadium: Pro Player Stadium- since 1987. |
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Since 1962, originally named the Colt .45's, then renamed for the famous NASA Space Center in 1965. Mascot: Junction Jack. Stadium: Enron Field- since 2000. |
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Since 1969, named after the home of the "American Royal", one of the largest livestock shows and parades in the USA. The name also in honor of the old Negro League team in Kansas City the Monarchs. See the Kansas City Teams History Museum Mascot: Sluggerrr (Lion) Stadium: Kauffman Stadium: since 1973. Stadium was originally named Royals Stadium, but changed to Kauffman Stadium after original owner, Ewing Kauffman. Buy KC Royals Tickets |
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Named "Trolley Dodgers" for the wild maze of trolley lines near the Brooklyn Bridge. The name came from a team originally located in Brooklyn, (from 1890 to 1957) as the Superbas through 1926, then Robins from 1927-1931, then for the Dodgers (from 1932-1957) which is short for Trolley-Dodgers, then moved to Los Angeles in 1958. Also known as the Brooklyn Bridegrooms, Brooklyn Superbas. Stadium: Dodger Stadium- since 1962. The #16 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $96 Million. |
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Named for the famous Brewery's in the City. Started in Seattle in 1969 as the Pilots, then moved to Milwaukee in 1970. Stadium: Miller Park- since 2001. |
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Named for the "Twin Cities" where the team is located, Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. The franchise moved from Washington (DC) as the Senators (from 1901-1960), then to Bloomington, Minnesota as the Twins (1961-81) then to Minneapolis, MN in 1982. Stadium: Metrodome- since 1982. |
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Originally called the Highlanders, because the site is one of the highest spots in Manhattan, Later they were referred to as the Yankees, by a sportswriter, and officially changed in 1913. Called Highlanders both after a famous British Army regiment named Gordon's Highlanders, and because Hilltop Park was their home ballpark and was located on a hilltop overlooking Washington Heights. In 1912, pinstripes first appear on Highlanders' uniforms, creating a look that would become the most famous uniform design in sports. Called Yankees first by sportswriters Mark Roth of the New York Globe and Sam Crane of the New York Journal, the name appearing in print for the first time on June 21, 1904 in the Boston Herald. Officially renamed the Yankees in 1913 after moving to the Polo Grounds, home of the National Leagues New York Giants. In 1923, Yankee Stadium opened. Started in Baltimore as the Orioles in 1901-02, moved to New York in 1903, as the Highlanders. Stadium: Yankee Stadium- since 1923. Yankee Stadium 360o VR The #1 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $334 Million. |
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Since 1962, the name is short for Metropolitans, located in the New York Metropolitan area. Mascot: Mr. Met. Stadium: Shea Stadium- since 1964. The team also selected its team colors of blue and orange as a tribute to the Giants and Dodgers, two teams that had left New York for the West Coast. The #12 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $135 Million. |
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Franchise moved from Philadelphia (from 1901-1954) to Kansas City as the Athletics (from 1955-1967), then to Oakland in 1968 as the A's, then changed to the Athletics in 1987. Mascot: Stomper the Elephant. Stadium: Network Associates Coliseum- since 1966. |
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Since 1883, named for a "Philly, which is an inhabitant of the city. Also spelled Fillies in the early days. Owner Bob Carpenter held a contest in 1944 to change his team's name. From 5,064 entries, the Blue Jays was chosen, but didn't catch on and was later changed back to the Phillies. Called the Blue Jays from 1943-1944. Also known as the Quakers. Mascot: The Phanatic Stadium: Veterans Stadium- since 1971. |
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Since 1887, named for the Pittsburgh Innocents until 1891, where they lured Lou Bierbauer from Philadelphia, lead to the name, Pirates. Also known as the Alleghenys. Mascot: Parrot. Stadium: PNC Park- since 2001. |
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Since 1969, named for the Spanish word for priest, and was inspired by the padres of the Roman Catholic Mission San Diego de Alcala. Padres was the nickname of a former minor league team. Mascot: The San Diego Chicken. Stadium: Qualcomm Stadium- since 1968. |
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Named when manager Mutrie stood up in the dugout after an important victory in 1885 and stated that he was very proud of "My big fellows! My giants!" The franchise moved from New York (1883-1957) to San Francisco in 1958. Also known as the New York Gothams. Mascot: Lou Seal Stadium: Pacific Bell Park- since 2000. |
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Since 1977, named for the maritime industry and history of area. Mascot: The Moose. Stadium: Safeco Field- since 1999. The #19 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $86 Million. |
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From 1882-1891 called the Browns, in the American Association, 1892-1898- Browns- National League , 1899- Perfectos- National League, 1900-current- Cardinals- National League. Named by new owners and their appropriately colored uniforms, of the Maroons, thus the name is used to refer to the color, not the bird. Also known as the Brown Stockings. Mascot: Fredbird Stadium: Busch Stadium- since 1966. The #36 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $59 Million. |
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Since 1998, named after the devil and manta rays in the bay area. Mascot: Raymond. Stadium: Tropicana Field- since 1998. |
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Named after the famous Texas State Police. Moved from Washington DC (from 1961-1971) to Arlington, TX in 1972. Stadium: The Ballpark in Arlington- since 1994. |
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Since 1977, named in a contest because the teams colors are blue. Mascot: B.J. Birdy. Stadium: SkyDome- since 1989. |
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The Montreal Expos moved to Washington, D.C. in 2005. Other names considered with Nationals: Senators and Grays (Homestead Grays, a Negro League team who played games in Washington in the 1930-40's.) The Nationals was the official name of the longtime American League franchise more popularly known as the Senators. The team played in Washington during 1901-1960, with both names used for several decades. Officially changed to the Senators in 1957. That team later moved to Minnesota and became the Twins. The expansion Senators called Washington home from 1961-1971 before moving to Texas and becoming the Rangers. Prior Names: Washington Senators 1901-1971 |
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Pro Football Hall of Fame |
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The NFL's oldest franchise and both team and nickname date back to Chicago in 1901. Originally located in Chicago, IL from 1920-1959, then moved to St. Louis from 1960-1987, then to Phoenix in 1988. Changed from Phoenix to Arizona Cardinals in 1994. The team was not named for the cardinal bird. The team name was from the maroon colored jerseys they bought from the University of Chicago. Note: Chicago Cardinals and Pittsburgh also MERGED for one season and became Card-Pitt in 1944. |
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The name chosen from a contest. The falcon is proud and dignified, with great courage and fight. It never drops prey. It is deadly and has a great sporting tradition said the contest winner. Since 1966. Mascot: Freddie Falcon. |
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Home of the famous, Edgar Allan Poe, author of "The Raven". The franchise began in Cleveland as the Browns, moved to Baltimore, in 1996 and became the Ravens. Other nicknames: Colts 1950-19XX. Mascot: Allan and Poe. |
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Since October 28, 1959. 1960-1972 in Buffalo, then to Orchard Park, NY in 1973, named for the famous American, Buffalo Bill Cody. Other nicknames: All-Americans 1921-1923, Bisons 1924-1925, Rangers 1926, Bisons 1927 & 1929. Stadium: Rich Stadium |
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Since 1995. Team owner Jerry Richardson’s son Mark chose the name of Panthers as the team name. Mascot: Sir Purr. |
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Began in Decatur, IL in 1920 as the Decatur Staleys, named as the company football team of the A.E. Staley Corn Products Company. Then Chicago from 1921, the Staley's were renamed as the Bears in 1922. Owner-Manager, George Halas reasoned that because football players were generally bigger than baseball players, and the city’s baseball team was the Cubs, he felt it was only logical the football team be called the Bears. Other nicknames: Tigers in 1920, Hornets in 1949. The Cardinals and Tigers apparently were too close to each other for both to survive financially, so they decided to play a game for the 'rights' to Chicago; the loser would drop out of the league! The Cardinals went on to win 6-3, and the Tigers disbanded as agreed. Note: Chicago Cardinals and Pittsburgh also MERGE for one season and become Card-Pitt in 1944. The #20 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $86 Million. |
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Since 1968. Paul Brown selected the name because there had once been a pro football team in Cincinnati named the Bengals. Other nicknames: Celts in 1921, Reds in 1933-1934. Mascot: Who Dey. |
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Since 1950, named from the teams first coach, the Legendary,... Paul Brown. The franchise moved to Baltimore as the Ravens, then started over as the Browns in 1999. Other nicknames: Tigers in 1920, Indians in 1921, 1923 & 1931, Bulldogs in 1924-25 and 1927. The #18 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $93 Million. |
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Since 1960. In the initial months following the its formation, the Dallas team was known as the “Steers.” After a few weeks, however, the name was changed to “Rangers.” At the same time, a baseball team operated in Dallas under that name, but was scheduled to fold before the 1960 football season. However, when the baseball team decided to play one more season, The two owners of the new NFL team, selected the name of Cowboys to avoid confusion. The #2 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $300 Million. Other nicknames: Steers, Rangers, Texans in 1952. |
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Since 1960, named from a fan contest and from Denver's 1921 Midwest Baseball Team. Original Uniform Colors: Seal brown and light gold. Mascot: Arabian Horse, Thunder. Denver has a sculpture of 7 horses, "The Broncos", that represent the symbolism of legendary Quarterback, number "seven", John Elway. They are displayed as driving forward toward Invesco Field at Mile High (Web Cam), with victory awaiting inside the stadium, and the concepts of family and teamwork are depicted by the size and gender variations of the horses, from the leader to the mare and foal. The fountain surrounding the horses also represents the Rocky Mountain West, as they are displayed running through the water. |
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Began in Portsmouth, OH as the Spartans from 1930-1933, then to Detroit from 1934-1974, then to Pontiac, MI since 1975. The Lions name was chosen by George A. Richards, the Detroit radio executive who purchased the Portsmouth Spartans and moved the team to Detroit in 1934. Other nicknames: Heralds 1920-1921, Panthers 1925-1926, Wolverines 1928. Mascot: Roary. |
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Team name came from the type of sponsors. America's first pro football dynasty was also the first franchise to utilize corporate sponsorship. In 1919, the Indian Packing Company gave the team $500 for uniforms and equipment. From then on they were called the Packers. The Indian Packing Company and later Acme Packing Company sponsored this team. Since 1921. The #9 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $153 Million. Lambeau Field Webcam |
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Since 2002. Team colors are Battle red, Steel blue and Liberty white with a bulls head logo and a Texas lone star as an eye. Other names considered: Apollos, Stallions, Wildcatters, or Bobcats. Formerly Houston Oilers (1960-1998), but the franchise moved to Tennessee. |
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The name came from a team originally located in Baltimore, MD from 1946-1949, and again 1953-1983, then moved to Indianapolis in 1984. The Baltimore area is rich in history of horse racing and breeding. Mascot: Spike and Spirit. |
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Since 1995. The Jaguar is a rare, but powerful large cat in the U.S. The Jaguars name was selected through a fan contest. Other finalists for the name: Sharks, Stingrays and even Panthers. Mascot: Jaxson De Ville. |
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The name was chosen, partly to honor Native Americans who had lived in the area and partly to honor, H. Roe Bartle, Mayor of Kansas City at the time, Boy Scout Executive and founder of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. His nickname was "Chief". The winner of the name the team contest was E.L. Diemier, came up with the name, as a warehouse manager, making out a bill of lading, came across the name "Chief Freight Lines". Started in Dallas as the Texan's from 1960-1962, moved to Kansas City in 1963. Other nicknames: Blues in 1924, Cowboys 1925-1926. Mascot: KC Wolf. Stadium: Arrowhead Stadium. See the Kansas City Teams History Museum Arrowhead Stadium Webcam The #27 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports and 12th among NFL teams as of 7/02 valued at $72 Million. Get the hottest Chief Tickets from www.TicketsNow.com and cheer them on as they make a run for the Super Bowl. |
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Since 1966, named in a fan contest, for the popular mammal of the coastal area. Mascot: T. D. Stadium: Pro Player Stadium The #17 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $94 Million. |
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From 1961-1981 in Bloomington, MN to Minneapolis, MN in 1982. Vikings name was chosen because so many people in the surrounding area trace their heritage to Scandinavia. Mascot: Ragnar the Viking. |
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Named for the Patriots of the American Revolution, which is historic to the area. From 1960-1970 as the Boston Patriots, then to Foxboro, MA, as the New England Patriots in 1971. For more Information about all the patriots players, useful information about New england city, sports in new england city, Gillette Stadium and patriots history, click here. Mascot: Pat. |
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Since 1967, named for the famous song, "When the Saints Go Marching" |
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From 1960-1983 in New York, then moved to East Rutherford, NJ in 1984. In 1963 the team owner changed from New York Titans to the Jets to reflect a modern approach to the team. |
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From 1925-1973 and 1975 in New York, then New Haven, CT 1973-74, and East Rutherford, NJ since 1976. Owner Tim Mara “borrowed” the Giants name from the city’s Major League Baseball team of the same name. This was not unusual among early day pro football franchises. At one time or another there were NFL franchises named the New York Yankees, Brooklyn Dodgers, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, and Detroit Tigers. Other nicknames: Giants 1921, Yankees 1927-1928 and 1950-1951, Bulldogs in 1949. Newark NJ Tornadoes in 1930. The #6 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $167 Million. |
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Started in Oakland in 1960-1981, moved to Los Angeles in 1982, then back to Oakland. For a brief period of time the team was known as the Senors, but before the 1960 season started, they were the Raiders. |
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Since 1933. When Bert Bell established his NFL franchise in Philadelphia in 1933, the country was struggling to recover from the Great Depression. New president Franklin D. Roosevelt had introduced his “New Deal” program through the National Recovery Administration, which had the Eagle as its symbol. Since Bell hoped his franchise also was headed for a new deal, he picked Eagles as the team name. The Eagles nickname and logo were based on the Blue Eagle symbol, an emblem created for business participating in President Franklin Roosevelt's new National Recovery Administration. Note: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh MERGED for one season and became Phil-Pitt or the "Steagles" in 1943. Mascot: Swoop. Philadelphia Eagles Fan Page |
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Since 1933. The original 1933 team was named the Pirates after the city’s major league baseball team. In 1940, Owner Art Rooney Sr. changed the team name to Steelers after the city’s steel industry. Began in Philadelphia as the Eagles, then in Pittsburgh as the Pirates, changed to the Steelers in 1941. Note: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh MERGE for one season and become Phil-Pitt or the "Steagles" in 1943. Note: Chicago Cardinals and Pittsburgh also MERGE for one season and become Card-Pitt in 1944. Mascot: The Terrible Fan. |
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From 1960 in Los Angeles, then to San Diego in 1961. The team general manager said about the name Chargers, “I liked it because they were yelling ‘charge’ and sounding the bugle at Dodgers Stadium and at USC games.” |
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Since 1950, named for the Gold Rush to California in 1849. Mascot: Sourdough Sam. The #13 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $113 Million. |
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Since 1976, named in a fan contest, for the birds and totem poles native to the area. Mascot: Blitz. |
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The name came from a team originally located in Cleveland, OH from 1937-1945, then to Los Angeles 1946-1979, then to Anaheim in 1980-1995. Moved to St. Louis in 1995. Principal owner Homer Marshman and his general manager, Damon “Buzz” Wetzel picked the Rams name because Wetzel had said his favorite football team had always been the Fordham Rams and Marshman liked the sound of the name. Other nicknames: All-Stars in 1923, Gunners in 1934. Mascot: Ramster. The #25 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $76 Million. Mark Bulger Fan Site |
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Since 1976, named for the pirates and buccaneer history of the area. Mascot: Skully. |
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The Titans name ties in with Nashville's designation as "the Athens of the South". A committee selected Titans citing the desire to have a nickname that reflected “strength, leadership and other heroic qualities.” The franchise moved from Houston as the Oilers (from 1959) to Memphis in 1997, then to Nashville in 1998. In Tennessee as the Oilers until changed to the Titans in 1999. |
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From 1932-1936 in Boston as the Braves, then moved to Washington, DC in 1937. George Preston Marshall acquired an NFL franchise in 1932 and named it the Boston Braves after the city’s Major League Baseball team. After poor finances and attendance in 1932, the name was changed to the Redskins. The Redskins name was retained when the team was moved to Washington in 1937. Other nicknames: Senators in 1921. The #5 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $191 Million. |
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Including the former American Basketball Association Teams |
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The franchise started as the Waterloo Hawks, then from 1946-1951 at Tri-Cities, as the Blackhawks who shared the home games between Moline, IL Rock Island, IL and Davenport, IA. To Milwaukee, from 1951-1955, as the Hawks, then moved to St. Louis, from 1955-1968, as the Hawks, then moved to Atlanta in 1968. Chief Black Hawks tribe had been located in Rock Island and a major part of the 1832 Black Hawk War took place in the area. Shortened to Hawks when the franchise moved to St. Louis in 1955-56. Mascot: Harry. Turner Sports Web Cam |
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Since 1946, The City famous for its great Irish heritage, and the legendary original, Celtics, who played as a barnstorming team, and the ABL in the 1920-30's. Celtic means family of languages that include modern Welsh, Irish, and Scottish. The #11 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $136 Million. |
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Starting play in 2004-2005 season. Other nicknames considered: Dragons and Flight. Mascot: Rufus |
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Since 1966, originally named the Packers (now Washington Wizards), then renamed the Bulls, by the owner Dick Klein, in reference to the city's livestock industry. Other nicknames: Bullets 1961-1963, Packers 1961-1966. Other nicknames: Stags 1946-1950. Mascot: Da Bull. |
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Named by a contest. Other entries were Jays, Foresters, Towers, and Presidents. From 1970-1974 in Cleveland, OH, moved to Richfield, OH in 1974. Other nicknames: Rebels 1946-1947. Mascot: Whammer the Polar Bear. |
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Since 1980, named in a contest. An American pioneer Samuel A. Maverick, a Texan who neglected to brand his cattle. Other entries were Wranglers and Express. Other nicknames: Chaparrals 1967-1973, called Texas Chaparrals in 1970-71, moved to San Antonio. Mascot: Mavs Man. |
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Since 1967, formerly the Rockets, renamed Nuggets, the name of the previous Denver AAU/NBL/NBA team, in the event of an ABA/NBA merger. Team officials chose the Nuggets because it paid tribute to the 19th century mining boom in Colorado. Other Nicknames: Rockets 1967-1976. Mascot: Rocky the Cougar. |
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Named Zollner Pistons due to Fred Zollner's ownership of a Zolner Machine Works, a piston plant. Renamed the Pistons upon entry to the NBA. Originally from Ft. Wayne from 1941-1957, moved to Detroit from 1957-1978, then to Pontiac, MI 1978-1988, then to Auburn Hills, MI in 1988. Other nicknames: Falcons 1946-1947. The #14 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $112 Million. |
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Named after the Philadelphia Warriors, a former ABA team, 1946-1962, then moved to San Francisco from 1962-1971, moved to Oakland in 1971. Mascot: Thunder. |
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Originally, the San Diego Rockets (1967-1971) from a contest. Moved to Houston in 1971, for a city famous for the NASA Space program. The city theme is "A City in Motion", since it is the site for the manufacturing of Atlas Rockets. Other nicknames: Mavericks 1967-1969, moved to North Carolina. Mascot: Clutch. |
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Since 1967, named for the famous Indianapolis 500 Raceway, and to signify their intent of setting the pace in basketball. Other nicknames: Indianapolis Jets 1948-1949, Indianapolis Olympians 1949-1953. Mascot: Boomer. |
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Renamed Minneapolis Lakers, after moving from Detroit (Gems) in reference to the large cargo carrying ships on the Great Lakes. From 1947-1960 in Minneapolis to Los Angeles in 1960-1967 then to Inglewood, CA in 1967. The #3 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $272 Million Other nicknames: Stars from 1968-1970, moved to Utah. |
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The franchise was originally the Buffalo Braves, from 1970-1978, then changed to the San Diego Clippers from 1978-1984 for the cities history as a harbor for clipper ships and the Star of India which was still harbored in San Diego. Moved to Los Angeles in 1984. |
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The franchise originally started as an expansion team in 1995, as the Vancouver Grizzlies. Moved to Memphis in 2001. Names of the former Memphis ABA teams: Pros, Tams, and Sounds. Home Arena: The Pyramid. |
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Since 1988, named from a contest. Other entries were Flamingos and Waves. Other nicknames: Floridians 1968-1972, called simply Floridians from 1970-1972. Mascot: Burnie. |
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Since 1968, named from a contest. Other entries were Skunks, Beavers, Stags, Hornets, Stallions, Ponies, Badgers, Packers and Braves. Other nicknames: As the Tri-Cities Blackhawks, moved to Milwaukee as the Hawks in 1951. Milwaukee Hawks moved to St. Louis in 1955. Muskies 1967-1968, moved to Miami, and Pipers 1968-1969, moved back to Pittsburgh. Mascot: Bango. |
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Since 1989, named from a contest. The other finalist entry was Polars. Mascot: Crunch. |
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Originally the New Jersey Americans, renamed to the New York Nets, which rhymed with the other two city teams the Mets (baseball) and Jets (football). in Teaneck , JY 1967-68, Commack, NY 1968-69, W. Hempstead, NY 1969-71, Uniondale, NY 1971-77, Piscataway, NJ 1977-81, E. Rutherford, NJ 1981. Mascot: Sly the Fox. |
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Since 1988, originally located in Charlotte, where the team nickname got the meaning of it's name, which has been continued in New Orleans. During the Revolutionary War, General Cornwallis remarked about the resistance met in North Carolina, "Theres a rebel behind every bush, it's a veritable nest of Hornets!" Moved to New Orleans in 2002. |
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Since 1946, the name is short for the name Knickerbockers, for the decedents of the Dutch settlers of New York. (when New York was known as New Amsterdam) The term "Knickerbockers" traces its origin back to the Dutch settlers who came to the New World. It refers to the style of pants the settlers wore- pants that rolled up just below the knee, which became known as "Knickerbockers", or "knickers". The Knickerbocker name had its first use in the world of sports in 1845, the Alexander Cartwright's Manhattan-based baseball team (the first organized team in baseball history) was named the "New York Knickerbockers". It soon was shortened to Knicks. The #4 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $236 Million. |
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Since 1989, named from a contest. The City is famous for Disney World and its"Magic" Kingdom. Other finalists were Juice, Heat and Tropics. Mascot: Stuff the Magic Dragon. |
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In 1963, renamed the 76'ers from a contest, after moving from Syracuse from 1949-1963 as the Nationals. Named for the cities famous Declaration of Independence Heritage of 1776. Mascot: Hip Hop. |
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Since 1968, named from a contest. Named for the hot Sun that shines on Phoenix. Other entries were Scorpions, Rattlers, Thunderbirds, Wranglers, Mavericks, Mustangs, Cougars. Mascot: Go-Rilla. |
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Since 1970, named from a contest, from all other entries, the name Chinooks was considered, but Trailblazers chosen in the end. |
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The franchise began as the Rochester Royals from 1945-1958, then moved to Cincinnati as the Royals in 1958-1972, then changed to the Kings ( to avoid confusion with the baseball team the KC Royals and minor league Omaha Royals), for a team dividing home games between Kansas City, MO and Omaha, NE from 1972-1975, then located only in Kansas City, MO from 1975-1985. Moved to Sacramento in 1985. Other Kansas City name entries were Steers, River Kings, Tornadoes, Plainsmen, Barons, Regals, Scouts, Crowns and Stars. Mascot: Samson The Lion. See the Kansas City Teams History Museum |
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Renamed the Gunslingers after moving from Dallas as the Chaparrals from 1967-1973, and later renaming the San Antonio Spurs, 1973. Other entries were Stampede, Armadillos, Defenders, and Texans. |
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Since 1967, named from a contest, to represent the areas aerospace industry and the Boeing SuperSonic Transport (SST). Mascot: Squatch. |
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Named from a contest. Other finalists were Beavers, Bobcats, Dragons, Grizzlies, Hogs, Scorpions, Tarantulas, Terriers, Towers, T-Rex. Other nicknames: Huskies 1946-1947. Mascot: The Raptor. |
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Named from a contest. The name came from a team originally located in New Orleans from 1974-1979, famous for Jazz Music. Moved to Salt Lake City in 1979. Other New Orleans entries were Dukes, Cajuns, Pilots, Crescents, Deltas, Knights. Other nicknames: Stars from 1970-1975. Mascot: Bear. |
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Started in 1995 as an expansion franchise. Originally to be named the Mounties, but changed after objections of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Will MOVE to Memphis in 2001. |
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The franchise started in Chicago from 1961-1963, first as the Packers, then as the Zephyrs in 1962, then moved to Baltimore from 1963-1973, to become the Bullets, which was the name of the previous Baltimore NBA team (which played in an armory) , moved to Landover, MD in 1973 and changed to Capital Bullets, then in 1974 to the Washington Bullets before changing to the Wizards. Other Washington DC finalists to the Wizards were Dragon, Express, Seadogs and Stallions. Other nicknames: Capitols 1946-1951, Caps 1969-1970, moved to Virginia. Mascot: G.Wiz. |
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Including the
former World
Hockey Assn. Teams |
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Since 1993, named from the famous "Mighty Ducks" Disney Movie, owned by Disney, and Disney World located there. Changed name from "Mighty Ducks" to "Ducks" in 2006. Mascot: Wild Wing. |
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Named after the state bird of Georgia, the Brown Thrasher. Mascot: Thrash. |
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Since 1924, named in a contest. The owners wanted the new team to have brown and yellow team colors to match his stores as well as a name equated with strength and power. |
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Since 1970, named in a contest, with the owners looking for a new name, other than a buffalo/bison variation. Mascot: Sabretooth the Tiger. |
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Originally located in Atlanta from 1972-1980, also called "Hot Lanta" for the historic burning of Atlanta during the Civil War. Then, as the team moved to frozen lands of Calgary, Alberta, in 1980, the name took on a new meaning from the 1988 Calgary Olympics Flames. WHA team name: Cowboys 1975-1977. Mascot: Harvey the Hound. |
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Named for the hurricanes that often hit the Carolinas. Started as the Hartford Whalers in the WHA in 1972, then NHL in 1979. Moved to North Carolina in 1997. Mascot: Stormy the Ice Hog. |
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Since 1926, named for the Army Regiment of the owner and the historical, Chief Black Hawk. In 1986 Black Hawks changed to Blackhawks. WHA team name: Cougars 1972-1975. |
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Named for the snow avalanches that come out of the Colorado Mountains. Started in 1972 as the Quebec Nordiques, moved to Colorado in 1995. Other nicknames: Rockies 1976-1982, Denver Spurs 1975-1976. Mascot: Howler the Abominable Snowman. |
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The name is based on Ohio's pride and patriotism during the Civil War as both the state of Ohio and the city of Columbus were significantly influential on the Union Army. Ohio contributed more of its population to the Union Army than any other state, while many of the uniforms worn by the Union soldiers were manufactured in Columbus. Mascot: Stinger |
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From 1967-1993 in Bloomington, MN as the Minnesota North Stars, moved to Dallas in 1993, as the Stars. In 1978 the Cleveland Barons merge with the Minnesota North Stars and team remains in Minnesota. |
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Since 1926, originally the Cougars, changed to the Falcons in 1929, then changed to the Red Wings. The #10 most valuable brand name in ALL US Pro Sports as of 7/02 valued at $152 Million. |
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Since 1972, named for the once flourishing oil industry in Alberta, originally named the Alberta Oilers of the WHA. |
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Since 1993, named after the Florida Panthere in the State. Mascot: Stanley C. Panther. |
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Since 1967, named from a contest. WHA team name: Sharks 1972-1974. |
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Other nicknames: North Stars 1967-1993, then moved to Dallas. Fighting Saints 1972-1976, New Fighting Saints 1976-1977. |
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Since 1909, named for the team location in Canada, and Canadiens is french for Canadians. The team was born 8 years before the NHL began in 1917. The "C" and "H" in the logo represent the name "Club de Hockey Canadien." The club was originally known as Club Canadien. Other nicknames: Maroons in 1924-1938 and Wanderers 1917-1918. |
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Since 1999. Named by the fans for the fang and bones of a saber-toothed tiger found in a cave just below the new hockey arena. Mascot: Gnash. |
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As legend has it, the "Jersey Devil" is a half-man, half-beast who has roamed New Jersey's Pine Barrens for over 250 years. Started in Kansas City as the Scouts in 1974-1976, See the Kansas City Teams History Museum to Denver in 1976-1982 as the Colorado Rockies, then to East Rutherford, NJ as the Devils in 1982. Other nicknames: Knights 1973-1974, Golden Blades 1973. |
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Since 1926. The team's first owner in 1926 was Madison Square Garden president G. L. "Tex" Rickard. Fans and sportswriters referred to the new squad as "Tex's Rangers," and the name eventually stuck. Other nicknames: Americans in 1925, renamed the Brooklyn Americans in 1941, and later fold in 1942. Raiders 1972-1973 but renamed the Golden Blades in 1973 moved to New Jerse |
