Evelyn GeorgeFLOYD COUNTY, Ga. – On Friday, August 11, 2023, the Rome Professional Baseball Club, formerly known as the Rome Braves, announced plans for a team name change for the 2024 season. Officials said, “With our deep ties to the Rome community, it is imperative to let their voice be heard,” and revealed that fans can submit name ideas until August 18 by completing an online form via the team’s website.
In a press release, the team expressed, “As we look to the future, we recognize the importance of a team name that resonates with our diverse fanbase and embodies the spirit of Rome. We believe that the power of our community lies in its unity and shared values, and we want our team’s name to reflect these ideals.”
Along with its name, the High-A minor league affiliate team will also veer away from its tomahawk logo. Although no direct reason has been shared, some believe that the team wishes to separate themselves from their parent organization, while others wonder if the changes are related to a shared movement by numerous teams to step away from terms that may offend Native Americans.
The former Washington Redskins changed their name to the Commanders in 2020, and the former Cleveland Indians switched to the Guardians in 2022. The Atlanta Braves, however, declared they have no intentions of changing their name but showed some effort in reducing Native American images.
They still play a drumbeat over the PA during games and engage in the chop but often do not include accompanying videos. Fans also can no longer obtain the popular foam tomahawks at the stadium.
Officials said they have a good relationship and ongoing dialogue with the Eastern Band of the Cherokees in North Carolina to help with their decisions. The former Rome Braves originated in Greenwood, South Carolina, in 1968 and moved to Macon until 2003, when they relocated to Rome.
The team stated, “A new era of baseball in Rome is on the way. After 20 proud years as the Rome Braves, the time has come to usher in a new era of Minor League Baseball in Rome, Georgia.
In 2024, the Rome Professional Baseball Club will take the field under a new name. Our mission is to give the Rome community a brand as unique and special as the area itself is.
For Braves fans, our long-standing affiliation with the Atlanta Braves will continue for years to come; however, we want to create an identity that fans across the region can proudly claim and call their own.”
The Atlanta Braves Triple-A minor league affiliate changed its name to the Gwinnett Stripers in 2018, reflecting the abundance of nearby Lake Lanier’s striped bass. Known for their quick wit and quirky presence on social media, the team offered the following suggestions for the upcoming change: the Rome Remus, Rome Built in a Days, Rome O’s and Juliets, Rome Roy, Rome and Michele’s High School Reunion, Rome When in Romes, Rome Italys, and Rome Romans.
