# What is the worst team nickname in pro sports? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 9, 2003, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196 "2003-11-09T06:11:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![dantheman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dantheman/32/9421_2.png) [@dantheman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dantheman)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/41 "2003-11-10T10:56:14Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by RealityChuck \* > \*\*1. The Mighty Ducks are not the first hockey team to have that name; in the 60s, the Long Island Ducks played in the EHL. > \*\* 😕 Were they the Mighty Ducks of Long Island? If not, then the comparison isn’t apt. The problem with the NHL Ducks’ name is the “Mighty” part. ---
**Author:** ![Hyperelastic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Hyperelastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hyperelastic)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/42 "2003-11-10T15:57:44Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by woolly \* > \*\* the “Bluebags”_\* I think we all know how painful that can be. ---
**Author:** ![Dizzy\_Fingers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@Dizzy\_Fingers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dizzy_Fingers)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/43 "2003-11-10T16:31:29Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Weirddave \* > \*\*#2 AFAIK, it’s the only team name based upon a literary work, which makes it just a bit classier than Titans or Jaguars or Texans or Panthers, for example. \*\* I guess you’re not familiar with that classic children’s book, Karla Kuskin’s “The Dallas Titans Get Ready for Bed.” ---
**Author:** ![RAWDuke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/71e660/32.png) [@RAWDuke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RAWDuke)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/44 "2003-11-10T16:34:31Z")
Oakland Athletics What is an “athletic?” Is it possible to field a team of “athletics?” ---
**Author:** ![Intaglio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/71e660/32.png) [@Intaglio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intaglio)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/45 "2003-11-10T16:43:39Z")
Philadelphia Soul - The Arena Football Team that is owned by Jon BonJovi, Ritchie Sambora and Heather Locklear. I am sorry that is a Lame Name, they couldn’t find a better name. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/46 "2003-11-10T16:56:10Z")
How about the Indiana Pacers? A basketball team named after another completely different sport (racing)? ---
**Author:** ![NYR407](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/bbe5ce/32.png) [@NYR407](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NYR407)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/47 "2003-11-10T17:01:02Z")
Just a few nit picks: Colorado Rockies was the name of an NHL team (became the NJ Devils) so no credit to the baseball team should be given. The “Ducks” while not sounding very intimidating does at least have a history on LI. The not so famous LI Duck is still on display between Hampton Bays and Riverhead. The Mighty Ducks of Aneheim is just pathetic. The original Titans are now the NY Jets. Just to clarify RealityChuck’s post. ---
**Author:** ![Bruce\_Daddy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/85f322/32.png) [@Bruce\_Daddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bruce_Daddy)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/48 "2003-11-10T17:04:43Z")
Did everybody have fun? Good, cause I’ve got the winner. I present: The [Presbertian College Blue Hose](http://www.presby.edu/bluehose/default.htm) ---
**Author:** ![dantheman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dantheman/32/9421_2.png) [@dantheman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dantheman)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/49 "2003-11-10T17:07:04Z")
Well, the OP _did_ specify pro sports… ---
**Author:** ![Neurotik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/91b2a8/32.png) [@Neurotik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neurotik)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/50 "2003-11-10T17:09:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Munch \* > \*\*How about the Indiana Pacers? A basketball team named after another completely different sport (racing)? \*\* Actually, the origin of the team name is a lot lamer than that. It’s not a reference to a category of horse, but so named because the original owners wanted them to “set the pace” in the ABA. > [@](#): > > _Originally posted by NYR407_ > \*\* Colorado Rockies was the name of an NHL team (became the NJ Devils) so no credit to the baseball team should be given.\*\* Nonsense. First off, we aren’t giving franchises points, we’re giving actually nicknames points. And whether or not the baseball franchise came up with it or not, the Colorado Rockies is a clever nickname and they should get credit for not just going with some generic animal name like the Diamondbacks or Marlins or Raptors or Panthers or something. ---
**Author:** ![greck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7ab992/32.png) [@greck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greck)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/51 "2003-11-10T17:13:45Z")
I got no problem with a team name being a lame one (Jazz, Heat, Lakers, packers,) as long as they are representative of their home. Packers: good name, they have meat packers in green bay. Jazz: originally good name for a New Orleans team, they should now be the Utah Polygamists, or something relatied to the mountains. \*\* Albuquerque\*\* has a minor league baseball team called “the albuquerque Isotopes” after an episode of the simpsons. I say that beats out “mighty Ducks.” I liked them as “the albuquerque Dukes” because it is the duke city (after a duke in spain). But are we really to believe that there are Lions in Detroit? Cubs and Bears in chicago? Arizona does in fact have alot of Diamondbacks (I’ve seen some up close), lots of coyotes, and they happen to have some cardinals (just plain luck). I think the Lakers should now change their name to “the silicone” or something else that is fearsome about that town. Maybe “gangbangers” or “rioters” Either way, I think you should have to name the team after something prevalent in the state/region. I don’t think it has to strike fear in the heart of the enemy. Otherwise, Chicago would have to rename their football team “the Urlachers” and basketball “the Jordans” (which is definitely more prevalent than bulls in the city). BUT MY LAME AWARD GOES TO: an indoor soccer team called “the san Jose ‘sockers’” ---
**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/52 "2003-11-10T17:14:46Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by dantheman \* > \*\*Is it really based on a literary work, or did people vote for it because of its ornithological association? \*\* Yes, it is. The ornithological association is just a happy coincidence. The team’s 3 mascots are Edgar, Allen and Poe. ---
**Author:** ![dantheman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dantheman/32/9421_2.png) [@dantheman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dantheman)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/53 "2003-11-10T17:18:59Z")
I was about to say, “ **Dave** , you’re pulling my leg! No way they have those mascots! Ha, ha, very funny.” But then I thought better of it! I figured I would look wise and all-knowing if I checked to see who the mascots really were before I posted! And then I found this: [http://www.ravenszone.net/template.php?subsection=mascots](http://www.ravenszone.net/template.php?subsection=mascots) ---
**Author:** ![NYR407](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/bbe5ce/32.png) [@NYR407](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NYR407)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/54 "2003-11-10T17:26:29Z")
Where did I ever mention anything about awarding points? Anyway, naming your baseball team the Colorado Rockies is not very clever if they didn’t come up with the name. The name was already used for a sports franchise in that city. Had that not been the case it would hafe been clever. I was only pointing out that the credit for being clever should go to the hockey team not the baseball team. ---
**Author:** ![Bruce\_Daddy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/85f322/32.png) [@Bruce\_Daddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bruce_Daddy)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/55 "2003-11-10T17:47:42Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by dantheman \* > \*\*Well, the OP _did_ specify pro sports… \*\* :smack: I’ll try to save myself with this one then: The [Macon Whoopie.](http://www.angelfire.com/sd2/realdeal2/whoopie.html) ---
**Author:** ![dantheman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dantheman/32/9421_2.png) [@dantheman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dantheman)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/56 "2003-11-10T17:52:04Z")
Er… I could be wrong, but that looks like a fantasy baseball team… 🙂 Still, I think “Macon Whoopie” is a cool name! ---
**Author:** ![SrA\_Joe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/53a042/32.png) [@SrA\_Joe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SrA_Joe)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/57 "2003-11-10T18:16:41Z")
Still there is the Heat, Magic, Avalanche, Wild, and Lightning. \*\* [/QUOTE] They sound like deodorant fragrences. ---
**Author:** ![ElwoodCuse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/edb3f5/32.png) [@ElwoodCuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElwoodCuse)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/58 "2003-11-10T18:21:49Z")
I was utterly dismayed to find out that the Nippon Ham Fighters in the Japanese League were simply sponsored by Nippon Ham. That would have been the greatest hat ever–picture a samurai or maybe even a sumo wrestler swinging a giant ham like a baseball bat. ---
**Author:** ![NoGoodNamesLeft](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8797f3/32.png) [@NoGoodNamesLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NoGoodNamesLeft)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/59 "2003-11-10T18:34:52Z")
My stock answer: “The New York Rangers” …I believe were only named that because their original owner also owned the Texas Rangers. “Mighty Ducks” takes the cake, especially since it’s the only name I’ve seen were the Nickname comes first (“Mighty Ducks of Anahiem”, not the “Anahiem Mighty Ducks”.) Also dumb: “Washington Capitals” “Ottawa Senators” …Ok, they’re the political center of Canada, but it’s still a dumb name for a team. “Toronto Maple Leafs”…somebody please explain to these guys that the plural of “Leaf” is “Leaves”, not “Leafs”. “Philadelphia Flyers” was picked from a name-the-team contest cause it sounded “cool”. ---
**Author:** ![Neurotik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/91b2a8/32.png) [@Neurotik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neurotik)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196/60 "2003-11-10T19:08:32Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by NoGoodNamesLeft \* > **My stock answer: “The New York Rangers” …I believe were only named that because their original owner also owned the Texas Rangers.** And the survey says…bzzzzzt. The NY Rangers were around long before the Texas version. The story of how the NY club got its name is that it was a play on the Garden president Tex Rickard. They were nicknamed Tex’s Rangers (a play on Texas), but was shortened to just Rangers and made official. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-team-nickname-in-pro-sports/212196.md?page=4)