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RICHMOND -
There is still a lot of heated debate about the name of Richmond's new baseball team.
The "Richmond Flying Squirrels" has a lot of naysayers but there are also those embracing the new name.
But just where did the name come from and how did the man who submitted it, decide that's the one?
Brad Mead says it's simple, he knows minor league baseball teams like crazy names and zany mascots. He also knows the team owners like to merchandise the logo and mascots for added income.
So, after ditching "Richmond Roos" because of a lack of kangaroos in the Capital City, he sent in "Flying Squirrels."
"I was kind of bored, so I decided what the heck; I'll send something in," said Mead, who never thought his entry would be picked to be the winner.
But he believes it shows the new owners are taking a progressive, modern approach and breaking away from Richmond's more traditional and conservative past when it comes to team names.
"It's like I said, about a show, it's about fun. I mean, you take it seriously but at the same time, you can be a little bit more easy going and relaxed when it comes to that. It's more Jimmy Buffett than Warren Buffett," said Mead.
As for the naysayers, Brad Mead is taking that in stride saying, "Everybody's got their opinion and they are justified in having it. I just think its great people actually care that much, that they are getting, you know, that hot about it."
While Mead sports a Boston Red Sox hat, he prefers football and is more of a Jets' fan.
He says he does understand what minor league baseball is trying to accomplish compared to the professional league.
While Flying Squirrels are indeed zany, for AA baseball, he thinks it fits the bill.
Mead also believes the logo and mascot needs to send a strong message, taking a cue from a favorite flying ace might be the key.
"I just think it would be neat to go with a more of a fighter pilot theme. Take a squirrel with a flight jacket, you know, stand him beside a P-51 Mustang. Go with more of a top gun type theme put him in the jump suit with a helmet and oxygen mask," said Mead.
The "Richmond Flying Squirrels" has a lot of naysayers but there are also those embracing the new name.
But just where did the name come from and how did the man who submitted it, decide that's the one?
Brad Mead says it's simple, he knows minor league baseball teams like crazy names and zany mascots. He also knows the team owners like to merchandise the logo and mascots for added income.
So, after ditching "Richmond Roos" because of a lack of kangaroos in the Capital City, he sent in "Flying Squirrels."
"I was kind of bored, so I decided what the heck; I'll send something in," said Mead, who never thought his entry would be picked to be the winner.
But he believes it shows the new owners are taking a progressive, modern approach and breaking away from Richmond's more traditional and conservative past when it comes to team names.
"It's like I said, about a show, it's about fun. I mean, you take it seriously but at the same time, you can be a little bit more easy going and relaxed when it comes to that. It's more Jimmy Buffett than Warren Buffett," said Mead.
As for the naysayers, Brad Mead is taking that in stride saying, "Everybody's got their opinion and they are justified in having it. I just think its great people actually care that much, that they are getting, you know, that hot about it."
While Mead sports a Boston Red Sox hat, he prefers football and is more of a Jets' fan.
He says he does understand what minor league baseball is trying to accomplish compared to the professional league.
While Flying Squirrels are indeed zany, for AA baseball, he thinks it fits the bill.
Mead also believes the logo and mascot needs to send a strong message, taking a cue from a favorite flying ace might be the key.
"I just think it would be neat to go with a more of a fighter pilot theme. Take a squirrel with a flight jacket, you know, stand him beside a P-51 Mustang. Go with more of a top gun type theme put him in the jump suit with a helmet and oxygen mask," said Mead.
