The Triple-A Salt Lake Bees have an adorable logo and a classic, simple nickname that pay homage to their Utah's nickname the beehive state, which is a reflection of the predominant faith in the area. This episode features voice of the Bees for all 28 years of the team's existence, Steve Klauke, Baseball By Design Wildlife Consultant Ranger Amy Burnett, and minor league fan and member of the Church of Latter Day Saints Zach Beeson.  Salt Lake Bees website / Twitter @SaltLakeBees Steve Klauke Twitter @slbeesradio Wildlife Consultant Ranger Amy Burnett Twitter @RangerAmy Zach Beeson Twitter @zachbeeson22 Baseball By Design Twitter @Count2Baseball / Instagram @baseballbydesign / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter @Curved Brim

The Fredericksburg Nationals—FredNats to friends—highlight the history of George Washington and his mother Mary with their brand. Team owner Seth Silber, designer Dan Simon, and historian Phillip Greenwalt talk about the team and the history it celebrates. Fredericksburg Nationals Website / Twitter Dan Simon, Studio Simon website / Instagram Phillip Greenwalt Twitter @ParkRanger86 Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter  

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies are one of the signature new brands of the wacky era of minor league baseball logos. They play in the carousel capital of the world, the source of their equine name. This episode features John Hughes, who was integral in the naming of the team, Jason Klein of Brandiose, and Visit Binghamton's Judi Hess. Binghamton Rumble Ponies Website / Twitter Brandiose Website / Twitter Visit Binghamton Website Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter

The Greensboro Grasshoppers logo is an insect and their nickname derives from a weapon used in the Revolutionary War. This episode features longtime team president and general manager Donald Moore, historian Phillip Greenwalt, and Baseball By Design Wildlife Consultant Ranger Amy Burnett Greensboro Grasshoppers Website / Twitter @GSOHoppers  Phillip Greenwalt Twitter @ParkRanger86 Wildlife Consultant Ranger Amy Burnett Twitter @RangerAmy Baseball By Design Twitter @Count2Baseball / Instagram @baseballbydesign / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter @Curved Brim  

The Double-A Erie SeaWolves pay tribute to the extensive maritime history in Erie, Pennsylvania, on the shores of Lake Erie. This episode features general manager Greg Coleman, the great designer Dan Simon of Studio Simon, and Chuck Johnson of the Erie Maritime Museum. Erie SeaWolves website / Twitter / Greg Coleman Twitter Dan Simon, Studio Simon website / Instagram Erie Maritime Museum website / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Chuck Johnson Facebook Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter  

Who loves round numbers more than baseball fans? Nobody! Baseball By Design commemorates episode number 50 with a visit from the show's first-ever guest, Chris Creamer, founder of the website SportsLogos.net. Chris discusses the home runs as well as the swings and misses of the baseball branding world. There's also discussion of cauliflower-based poutine that you can get at Toronto Blue Jays games. Follow Chris on Twitter at @sportslogosnet and Instagram at @sportslogosnet. Baseball By Design: Twitter | Instagram | Website

It's baseball branding breaking news! At long last, the Grand Junction Rockies have ditched their former parent club's name, and adopted a new, unique one—the team is now the Grand Junction Jackalopes. On this episode, Nathan Martinez, graphic design manager for the Future Legends Complex, which owns the team, talks about his process in creating the logo. And Baseball By Design Wildlife Consultant and Resident Cryptozoologist Ranger Amy Burnett returns the discuss the origins of the mashed up mammal. Grand Junction Jackalopes Website / Twitter @GJJackalopes Nathan Martinez Twitter @n8martinez89 Wildlife Consultant Ranger Amy Burnett Twitter @RangerAmy Baseball By Design Twitter @Count2Baseball / Instagram @baseballbydesign / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter @Curved Brim  

The High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps are named for John Chapman, who you might know as Johnny Appleseed. Team president Michael Limmer tells the story of the nickname, Sky Design's Tiffany Chen talks about the creation of the logo, Logan Wiening of the Old Fort Baseball Company talks about his childhood affinity for the Fort Wayne Wizards, and historian Bob Dispenza of Allen County Parks fills in the details of John Chapman's story. Fort Wayne TinCaps Website / Twitter Sky Design Graphics Website / Instagram Old Fort Baseball Co. Website / Twitter Allen County Parks Website Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter  

The Columbia Fireflies, Single-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, are named for a natural phenomenon that takes place in Congaree National Park in South Carolina. Team broadcaster John Kocsis, Jr., talks about the origin of the nickname, Tiffany Chen and Rick Daniel of the design firm Sky Design join the podcast for the first time, and Baseball By Design Wildlife Correspondent Ranger Amy Burnett returns to talk about synchronous fireflies. Columbia Fireflies Website / Twitter  Sky Design Graphics Website / Instagram Wildlife Consultant Ranger Amy Burnett Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter  

Skye Dillon of Skye Design Studios has been working in the field of sports branding for more than two decades. We talk about his process and work on brands like the Staten Island Ferry Hawks, Ashboro ZooKeepers, Tri-Cities Chili Peppers, New Britain Bees, and (outside the world of minor league baseball) the UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs. Skye Design Studios Website / Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter

The High A Brooklyn Cyclones play against the iconic backdrop of Coney Island. Visitors to the area can catch a game after a visit to America's most famous boardwalk, where they can grab a hot dog and ride the tooth-rattling roller coaster, which has been around for almost a century. On the episode, noted designer Todd Radom talks about one of his favorite creations, Cyclones broadcaster Keith Raad stops by to discuss the team's role in contemporary Brooklyn, and Coaster101 contributor Andrew Stilwell expounds on the parallels between roller coaster enthusiasts and minor league baseball fans.  Todd Radom Website / Twitter Brooklyn Cyclones Website / Twitter / Keith Raad Twitter Coaster 101 Website / Twitter / Andrew Stilwell Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter

The High-A Everett AquaSox have had a brand based on a groovy frog since 1995, but the team's branding goes a lot deeper than that. Playing less than 30 miles from their parent club in Seattle, the AquaSox's identity delves deep into winks and nods to the Mariners. The team's owner at the time of the AquaSox debut, Bob Bavasi, talks about the creation of the brand; General Manager Danny Tetzlaff talks about the team's ties to the Mariners; and Baseball By Design Wildlife Consultant Ranger Amy Burnett is live at Funko Field to talk about frogs. Everett AquaSox Website / Twitter / Danny Tetzlaff Twitter Bob Bavasi Bavasi Sports website Wildlife Consultant Ranger Amy Burnett Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter  

The High-A Hillsboro Hops are named for an important crop in Oregon, but more than that, they're a celebration of the magical association of beer and baseball. The team's president, general manager, and 2021 MiLB executive of the year K.L. Wombacher talks about the origins of the nickname, designer Dan Simon talks about the creation of the logo—and his adventures joining a game during Baseballpalooza—and Ira Bletz, head of the Historic Eating and Drinking Society (HEADS), talks about how beer is responsible for the existence of all of civilization. Hillsboro Hops website / Twitter Dan Simon, Studio Simon website / Instagram Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter

The Midland RockHounds are named for the geologists who work in Texas's oil industry but since 1999 their logo has been a literal hound. The team's Assistant GM Jeff VonHolle talks about the origins of the nickname, Torch Creative's Brad Bishop and Mike Thurman talk about a 2021 rebrand, and in a Baseball By Design exclusive (!) McGruff the Crime Dog joins to clear the air about his suspicious resemblance to Rocky the RockHound. Midland RockHounds Website / Twitter / Jeff VonHolle Twitter Torch Creative Website / Twitter / Instagram MacGruff the Crime Dog National Crime Prevention Council / McGruff on Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter

Paul Lukas has been covering sports branding for nearly a quarter century through his popular online platform, UniWatch. Paul joins the show to talk about trends in the field, and how they influence (or are influenced by) minor league baseball. And for dessert, the godfather of helmet sundae collecting, Eric Lichtenberg, talks about that hobby, and how it has inspired by his own work in graphic design. Paul Lukas, UniWatch Website / Twitter Eric Lichtenberg Website / Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter

The Saint Paul Saints made a name for themselves as an independent franchise with wacky promotions, pig-themed branding, and a heavy-hitting ownership group that includes Bill Murray and Mike Veeck. Now as a Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, the team is carrying on its tradition of fun with wacky branding but a classic brand. The team's executive vice president Derek Sharrer discusses the team, its promos, and the relationship between Saint Paul and pigs. Plus, stay tuned for surprise guest, accomplished philosophy and religion academic Dr. John D. Caputo (Paul's dad!), who discusses why a team of Saints would be unbeatable. Saint Paul Saints Website / Twitter  Derek Sharrer Twitter John D. Caputo Facebook Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter

The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, pay tribute to the nearby Chesapeake Bay with their time-honored brand. GM Brian Shallcross talks about the history of the brand, Curved Brim Media Month rounds out with Patrick Noote of the invaluable resource Baseball Mapper dot com, and Baseball By Design's newest contributor, Wildlife Consultant Ranger Amy, stops by to talk about the Baysox's alternate Copa brand, the Cangrejos Fantasmas de Chesapeake, or Ghost Crabs. Bowie Baysox Website / Twitter / Brian Shallcross Twitter Baseball Mapper Website / Twitter Wildlife Consultant Ranger Amy Burnett Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter

The Gwinnett Stripers pulled a bait and switch when they announced a name that was not one of the five finalists in their name-the-team contest. Find out how that went down from the team's GM at the time, North Johnson, and Brandiose's Jason Klein. And on week four of Curved Brim Media month on Baseball By Design, Pat Larson of the MiLB Hat History Series talks about singing the National Anthem at a Stripers game (and performs a rendition for us!), and walks us through his 15 (!) Stripers caps. Gwinnett Striper Website / Twitter Brandiose Website / Twitter Pat Larson, MiLB Hat History Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter

The Corpus Christi Hooks are named for the fishing industry in the Gulf of Mexico and for the curve ball of one of Texas's most famous native sons (OR ARE THEY?!). This week, CEO of Ryan Sanders Sports & Entertainment (and son of Nolan Ryan) Reid Ryan and designer Dan Simon talk about the napkin sketch that led to the Hooks' logo. And on week three of Curved Brim Media month on Baseball By Design, James Christopher of the Let's Get Two show stops by to talk about the Hooks' Blue Ghosts alternate identity. Reid Ryan Twitter Dan Simon, Studio Simon website / Instagram James Christopher, Let's Get Two YouTube / Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter

The Durham Bulls went from being the very image of the gritty, no-frills minor league experience, as seen in the classic movie Bull Durham, to being one of the iconic brands with one of the most recognized logos in the minors—thanks in no small part to that movie. The team's production designer Paxton Rembis discusses the team's history and the work he's doing with the brand today. And on week two of Curved Brim Media month on Baseball By Design, Anna DiTommaso, host of the Baseball Bucket List podcast and website, stops by to talk about the Bulls and their parent club, her favorite MLB team, the Rays. Finally, Paul's brother Dave stops by in-person from the Jersey Shore to talk about his experience as a Duke undergrad attending ballgames at the old Durham Athletic Park in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Durham Bulls Website / Twitter Paxton Rembis Twitter Anna DiTommaso, Baseball Bucket List Website / Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter

The Akron RubberDucks are named for the long history of the tire industry in Akron, not to mention the city's longstanding association with the team's eponymous bath toy. Akron GM Jim Pfander and Brandiose's Jason Klein stop by to talk about the team. Plus, it's Curved Brim Media month in August—each week Baseball By Design will highlight a content creator from the network, starting this week with CBM co-founder Ed Rivera of the Dad Hat Chronicles. Akron RubberDucks Website / Twitter Brandiose Website / Twitter Dad Hat Chronicles Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter

The Charleston Dirty Birds pay homage to the tiniest heroes of local industry with their brand—the literal canaries in the coal mine. The Godfather of Minor League Baseball Branding, Chuck Domino, stops by to talk about his philosophy of naming teams; designer Carolina Buchas talks about the development of the logo; and Jordan Bennett, curator of the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, educates us on the history of the use of canaries in the mining industry. Charleston Dirty Birds website / Twitter Caroline Buchas website National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum website / Facebook Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter

The Single-A Kannapolis Cannon Ballers have one of the most popular brands in the minors, but they had a unique challenge in replacing a brand based on beloved native son Dale Earnhardt. Alicia Amling of Temerity Baseball, designer Dan Simon of Studio Simon, and six-time Guinness Record holder and human cannon baller himself David "The Bullet" Smith tell the story of this unique brand on this episode. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers website / Twitter / Alicia Amling Instagram Dan Simon, Studio Simon website / Instagram David "The Bullet" Smith website / Facebook  Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter

The High-A Bowling Green Hot Rods are more than just a cool minor league team with a great logo—they're an integral part of their community. On this episode of Baseball By Design, the team's award-winning general manager Eric Leach stops by to talk about not just the team's brand, but the role they play in being good neighbors; home-grown designer Brandon Lamarche of 3-2 Designs talks about his work on all of the team's brands; and Mariah Hughes of the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green joins to discuss car culture, sink holes, and the museum experience. Bowling Green Hot Rods Website / Twitter Eric Leach Twitter Brandon Lamarche, 3-2 Designs Website / Instagram National Corvette Museum Website Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter

In Baseball By Design's first ever Tampa Bay Rays-style opener, Sofie Dill joins to tell the story of how she ordered a pizza for Mariners player Jesse Winker. Then, we're joined by Tyler Maun and Josh Jackson, who cover Minor League Baseball in lots of ways, including writing for MiLB's website and on the Show Before the Show podcast. Most importantly for the purposes of this podcast, Tyler Maun writes in-depth stories about teams' logos, nicknames, and uniforms, and Josh Jackson hosts a podcast segment called "Ghosts of the Minors," which delves into some of the quirkiest team names in early days of the sport.  Sofie Dill Twitter Tyler Maun MiLB.com author page / Twitter Josh Jackson MiLB.com author page / Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter

For two decades, the Pioneer League team in Missoula, Montana, was called the Osprey before they rebranded as the PaddleHeads—a nickname that describes both moose and people who love being on the river. The team survived a season cancelled by COVID and losing their Major League affiliation when the minors were reorganized in 2020, and now have a popular brand new in an idyllic setting. On this episode, team president Matt Ellis, Brandiose partner Jason Klein, and Pioneer League Vice President Henry Hunter discuss the unique identity. Missoula PaddleHeads Website / Twitter Brandiose Website / Twitter Pioneer League Website / Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter

The Burlington Sock Puppets are the only team in the new-look Appalachian League whose logo was not created by Major League Baseball. In the first-ever group interview on Baseball By Design, designer Dan Simon of Studio Simon is joined by Sock Puppets Owner/Team President Ryan Keur, General Manager Anderson Rathbun, and Assistant General Manager Thomas Vickers to discuss the disagreements and discussions that led to the groundbreaking identity. Burlington Sock Puppets website | Twitter Dan Simon, Studio Simon website | Instagram Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website Curved Brim Media Network Website | Twitter

Designer extraordinaire Todd Radom is back on Baseball By Design, this time to discuss his work on the Wichita Wind Surge's Pegasus-based brand and what the nickname Wind Surge means to the up-and-coming city of Wichita, Kansas—not to mention the alternate Turbo Tubs brand that he created. The team's director of fan experience Bob Moullette also joins, offering his perspective on the transition from the notably wacky New Orleans Baby Cakes brand to the  more austere Wind Surge identity. Todd Radom Website / Twitter Wichita Wind Surge Website / Twitter / Bob Moullette Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter

The Triple-A Worcester Red Sox—or WooSox to friends—have a brand built around the iconic yellow smiley face created by commercial artist and Worcester native Harvey Ball. This episode features the team's director of productions Tim Quitadamo, Brandiose designer Jason Klein, baseball media member and Red Sox fan Gabrielle Starr, and Harvey Ball's son Charles. WooSox Website / Twitter / Tim Quitadamo on Twitter Brandiose website | Twitter Gabrielle Starr Twitter / Girl at the Game Baseball By Design Twitter / Instagram / Website Curved Brim Media Network Website / Twitter  

It's opening day for the collegiate summer level West Coast League, owner of a brand new logo that highlights the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, where the league operates. The 16-team league features such wacky teams as the Portland Pickles, Walla Walla Sweets, and Nanaimo Night Owls/Bars (who play by different names according to the time of day), but the new logo is understated and subtle. The league's commissioner Rob Neyer, TV commentator and author or co-author of eight books on baseball, joins the podcast to talk about the league, the logo, some of the teams, and his latest book, The Umpire Is OUT, about openly gay umpire MLB umpire Dale Scott. Rob Neyer website | Twitter West Coast League website | Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website Curved Brim Media Network Website | Twitter

The collegiate summer level Danville Otterbots made a splash with their aquatic robot mammal logo. Otterbots general manager Austin Scher stops by to discuss the many layers of significance to the team's brand—along with his own extensive knowledge of minor league baseball branding. Plus, Otterbots Ambassadors Tim Stoops of Montana and Johnny Bowlin of Mississippi discuss the team's ground-breaking ambassador program. Danville Otterbots website | Twitter Ambassadors on Twitter Tim Stoops: @timmer82 | Johnny Bowlin: @johnnymilbfan Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website Curved Brim Media Network Website | Twitter

The Rocket City Trash Pandas made a splash with their new brand right before the 2020 season, then had to keep the momentum going in spite of a year lost to COVID. The team still set merchandise sales records with their patriotic astronaut raccoon logo and are now one of the best known in the minors. Trash Pandas Vice President Lindsey Knupp and Brandiose's Jason Klein join the podcast to talk about the ground-breaking brand. And stay tuned for real live NASA engineer and actual rocket scientist Jay Hollenbeck of the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, who is a former college baseball player and an avid fan of minor league baseball. Jay weighs in on the Trash Pandas brand. Rocket City Trash Pandas website | Twitter Brandiose website | Twitter Marshall Space Flight Center website / Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website Curved Brim Media Network Website | Twitter

The Idaho Falls Chukars base their identity on a bird that can best be described as a small, husky turkey. This week, Chukars Assistant GM Chris Hall, Pioneer League Vice President Henry Hunter, and Arkansas State Parks Director Shea Lewis (formerly of Idaho State Parks) stop by Baseball By Design to talk about what makes this bird the perfect foundation for a baseball team in southeast Idaho—plus we discuss exciting innovations in the Pioneer League at large. Idaho Falls Chukars Website | Twitter Pioneer League Website | Twitter Arkansas State Parks Website Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website Curved Brim Media Network Website | Twitter

The collegiate summer level Carolina Disco Turkeys have only played one full season, but they've taken the world of baseball branding by storm. Team president Greg Sullivan, artist Brittain Peck, and Matt Strangewayes of the Phoenix Zoo talk about what makes disco turkeys—or peacocks—an appropriate mascot for a team in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Carolina Disco Turkeys website | Twitter | Instagram Brittain Peck website | Twitter | Instagram Phoenix Zoo website | Twitter | Instagram Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website Curved Brim Media Network Website | Twitter

The iconic prison in Joliet, Illinois, opened in 1858 and has been highlighted in countless pieces of pop culture, from The Blues Brothers to Prison Break to songs by Bob Dylan and Memphis Minnie—and since 2011, the nickname of the Joliet Slammers baseball team, which plays in the independent Frontier League. In this episode of Baseball By Design, guests include Bill Waliewski, who was the Slammers' president when the team was founded; Dan Simon of Studio Simon, who created the identity; and Steven Wright, Curator of the Joliet Area Historical Museum and Old Joliet Prison Historic Site. Joliet Slammers Website | Twitter Bill Waliewski Twitter Dan Simon, Studio Simon website | Instagram Joliet Area Historical Museum Website Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website Curved Brim Media Network Website | Twitter  

The Hartford Yard Goats are one of the most popular brands in Minor League Baseball. They're named for locomotive switchers in rail yards—appropriate to Hartford because the rail industry features prominently in the city's history. But the team's identity extends well beyond trains. General Manager Tim Restall, Brandiose designer Jason Klein, and sports journalist Suzie Hunter join Baseball By Design this week to talk about this little engine that could. Hartford Yard Goats website | Twitter | Tim Restall Twitter Jason Klein, Brandiose website | Twitter Suzie Hunter website | Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website Curved Brim Media Network Website | Twitter

The erstwhile Bakersfield Blaze were not the most glamorous of franchises, but before they were contracted by Minor League Baseball, their backwards-facing ballpark was home to stories that feel like they're right out of a Hollywood movie—games that had to be paused as the sun set over the center field wall, the time they intentionally set the field on fire, a game played with a 12-man roster and a 44-year-old coach pitching. Longtime Blaze employees Philip Guiry and Tim Wheeler share these stories in inimitable fashion, and discuss the somewhat ignominious branding history of the long gone franchise. Philip Guiry: Twitter The defunct Bakersfield Blaze: Tweeting from Baseball Hell, to which they are banished Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website  

It's opening day for Triple-A baseball and other affiliated and independent leagues are getting underway soon! We can start taking those baseball road trips we've been planning all offseason! Guests this week include Benjamin Hill of MiLB.com, who has been to 182 minor league ballparks; Jeremy Soule, who in 2014 co-founded the annual Baseballpalooza road trip that Paul talks about all the time; and Patrick Noote of the website BaseballMapper.com, an invaluable tool for planning road trips.  Ben Hill Ben's Biz on MiLB | Twitter Jeremy Soule Twitter Patrick Noote BaseballMapper.com | Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website  

The Savannah Bananas have become a phenomenon in the world of baseball branding. Their popular logo represents more than just a baseball team, but rather an entirely new version of the sport. As the Banana Ball World Tour takes the country by storm, this episode visits with team owner Jesse Cole, designer Dan Simon of Studio Simon, and the Young Professor, who is providing entertainment to fans at sold-out stadiums where the Bananas are playing. The Savannah Bananas website | Twitter | Instagram Dan Simon, Studio Simon website | Instagram The Young Professor Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website

The Beloit Snappers are no more, but their legend lives on, as told by Chris Kretz, the designer who created the logo in 1995, and Bobby Coon, the team's media director for five years in the 2010s. Find out how Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe, and Ken Griffey Jr. factor into the turtle-based logo. Plus, stay tuned for a surprise post-credit sequence with Howard Aprill, a Wisconsin-based naturalist who is not only an expert on turtles, but who has been to multiple Snappers games, including opening day in the new ballpark, and who had lunch with Charlie Sheen on the set of Major League. Chris Kretz Twitter Bobby Coon Pulling Tarp Podcast | Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, tells the incredibly important story of the baseball teams and players who endured unspeakable hardships to succeed, against all odds, in the face of a segregated America. Similarly, the museum itself has overcome obstacles—most notably a global pandemic that shut their doors for the better part of a year—to succeed when the odds were stacked against them. The museum's digital marketing strategist Kiona Sinks kept the story of the Negro Leagues alive and in the forefront of the minds of baseball fans in spite of the shuttered gates—with assists from museum president Bob Kendrick, actor Taye Diggs, and Barack Obama, to name a few. Kiona shares the stories and strategies that have launched the museum to national prominence in recent years. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Website | Twitter Kiona Sinks Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website

The collegiate summer level Dub Sea Fish Sticks were the darlings of the offseason with their hotly contested online vote to determine a new name. The team's general manager comes on the show to break down the Fish Sticks/Seal Slingers electoral map, to track live polls on whether fish sticks are junk food, and react in real time to rival minor league social media accounts still bitter about how the online vote turned out. Jason Klein from Brandiose joins the podcast again to talk about the unique idea to have two fully fleshed out brands go head to head in an online vote, and the process of designing a logo that looked just the right amount of fish stick crunchy.  And Ed Rivera from the Dad Hat Chronicles stops by to discuss his process in developing a new dad hat for the Fish Sticks (even though he was team Seal Slingers). Dub Sea Fish Sticks Website | Twitter | Instagram Brandiose Website | Twitter | Instagram Dad Hat Chronicles Podcast | Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website

The Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels were one of the original wacky minor league brands, but now in their 13th season, they're one of the game's classic brands. On this episode, Flying Squirrels CEO "Parney" Parnell talks about the origin of the nickname and logo, Creative Services & Production Director Nick Elder talks about his work creating the team's Copa brand, the Ardillas Voladoras, and Marketing & Social Media Manager Samantha McCloskey discusses the responsibility of reflecting the team's persona on social media. Plus, be sure to stay through the end credits for that surprise scene! On this episode, Christen Miller of Virginia State Parks joins the podcast to talk about what makes actual flying squirrels so great. Richmond Flying Squirrels website | Twitter | Instagram Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website

In many ways, the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas are the poster team for the era of wacky logos in minor league baseball. Lifelong El Paso resident and Chihuahuas Senior Director of Marketing & Communications Angela Olivas joins the podcast to talk about what the team's identity means to the community, and Brandiose's Jason Klein stops by again to share the thinking behind the development of the brand. El Paso Chihuahuas Website | Twitter | Instagram Brandiose Website | Twitter | Instagram Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website

The reason for the Tri-City Dust Devils' identity becomes apparent when you learn that they have had just one single rainout in more than two decades of playing baseball in Pasco, Washington. But their brand is about so much more than their logo—it's about their place in the community. This week, Erik "The Peanut Guy" Mertens, who has been the face of the team for its entire existence, and who was recently commemorated by the team with a life-size bobblehead outside the stadium, joins Baseball By Design to talk Dusty, the Viñeros, and the sure to be future food-based brand, the Tri City Tres Leches! Tri-City Dust Devils Website | Twitter Erik the Peanut Guy Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are, by design, a Triple-A team with a Single-A approach, which has led to one of the most fun brands in the minors—and lots of bacon! The team's general manager Kurt Landes stops by to talk about the logo, as well as the team's Salute to Philly alternate brands, and we settle once and for all which team started the food-based logo trend. Plus, for the first time, Jason Klein of Brandiose stops by to talk about the work his firm did in creating this suite of logos. Lehigh Valley IronPigs Website | Twitter | Instagram Brandiose Website | Twitter | Instagram Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website

Reno Aces general manager Emily Jaenson talks about the unique challenges of branding the Triple-A team that plays in the Biggest Little City in the World. The Reno Aces, who have been an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks since their inception have a fun but grownup identity that has undergone subtle shifts over the years—with more coming soon! At the time of her hiring, Emily Jaenson was the only female general manager in Triple-A Minor League Baseball, and is now one of four. She hosts the Leadership is Female podcast, which highlights women in leadership positions in sports. Also, Ed Rivera from the Dad Hat Chronicles stops by again to discuss the Aces' cap offerings! Reno Aces Website | Twitter | Instagram Emily Jaenson Instagram Leadership is Female Podcast Podcast | Instagram Dad Hat Chronicles Podcast Podcast | Twitter Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website

Dan Simon is one of the most prolific and influential graphic designers in sports, and especially in minor league baseball at all levels. In two and a half decades, he has created hundreds of brands, including Super Bowl logos, identities for major league teams in multiple sports, and nearly 100 minor league baseball team logos. On this episode, we discuss the impact Dan's work has had on minor league baseball, with some great stories about teams like the Savannah Bananas, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, Memphis Redbirds, Great Falls Voyagers, and Idaho Falls Chukars. Find Studio Simon online at studiosimon.net and on Instagram at @studio_simon. And stay tuned for the surprise post-credit sequence with Zack Gold, the mind behind the hit @mlb_paint accounts on Twitter and Instagram! Baseball By Design Twitter | Instagram | Website