If you have been connected to media in anyway in the past few days, you have undoubtedly heard that the Akron Aeros have officially changed their name to the RubberDucks.
Yes, you read that correctly. The Akron RubberDucks.
Akron's Double-A team unveiled their new logo and name on Oct. 29, 2013 through milb.com and the news quickly exploded on social media and many fans and locals questioned whether or not the news was serious. I had the same question and upon investigation found that yes, my beloved Orbit had been ditched for a jetpack-lacking duck of all things.
But in the administration's defense, the rational behind the change makes sense when Akron's history is taken into account. The two main goals of the new name and design are celebrating the working-class tenacity of Akron and promoting the family-friendly environment that the team is committed to.
If you don't know anything about the wonderful city that I am proud to call home, it was once home to some of the largest tire and rubber companies in the United States of America including Goodrich, General Tire, Firestone and Goodyear. This made Akron the Rubber Capitol of the World from the 1900s to the 1990s.
Although only the latter remains headquartered there and the boom created some very wicked pollution, it gave the city a population of hardworking and dedicated individuals that deserve to be celebrated as a major part of the foundation of Akron.
Therefore, the tip of the hat that the name change gave to these people was very well intentioned and I applaud the team for promoting the roots of their city. The only part that just does not make sense is the "ducks" part.
The owner of the RubberDucks (I can't even type that without smirking a little), Ken Babby, explained that one of the goals was to create a logo that emphasized that people could come and have fun as well as forget life's problems.
While this little, yellow ducky may give off that vibe, it still does not change the fact that Akron just essentially became the laughing stock of the Eastern league. I mean, how are we supposed to cheer for the Rubber Ducks? Are we supposed to quack? I think I'll pass.
All joking aside, I have to say, the new logo is pretty badass and if there is one thing us Akronites are very good at it is being quirky. We are going to be able to fully embrace this new RubberDucks thing and I hope that the administration was clued into that and took advantage of our good sense of humor.
I will say that if the players want to be taken seriously with this new name, they need to up there game a little. I am thinking that we need to at least make it to the playoffs next year (RubberDucks Dynasty anyone?). All my love to friends from Erie, but if the SeaWolves can do it, the RubberDucks sure as hell can.
I want to assure my hometown team that the name change will not affect my devotion and dedication to you in the least bit and I know that my fellow Akronites probably feel the same way. It is going to take me a while to get over losing Orbit, but I think I'll be okay.
So here's to a great 2014 season! Go RubberDucks!
Information for this article was taken from: You're the one: Akron RubberDucks
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