Are you f*^%ing kidding me - Jacksonville Suns change name to Jumbo Shrimp

[KenFSU]

As someone pointed out, the other team names in our division are pretty ridiculous, but this makes me wonder if we've outgrown our minor league roots. Is there a next level up in the minors like AAA, international league Jacksonville could get into? I know we're not a baseball town but this makes me wish we had the population to support a major league team. The over the top team names just seem like a fad that will look even more absurd in the future than they already do today.

The problem is that it is hard to get a AAA franchise. Basically impossible while the Bragans owned the team.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's a locational issue as well, right?

I think travel logistics make AAA baseball in Jacksonville prohibitive.

[Tacachale]

As someone pointed out, the other team names in our division are pretty ridiculous, but this makes me wonder if we've outgrown our minor league roots. Is there a next level up in the minors like AAA, international league Jacksonville could get into? I know we're not a baseball town but this makes me wish we had the population to support a major league team. The over the top team names just seem like a fad that will look even more absurd in the future than they already do today.

The problem is that it is hard to get a AAA franchise. Basically impossible while the Bragans owned the team.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's a locational issue as well, right?

I think travel logistics make AAA baseball in Jacksonville prohibitive.

No, not really. There have been AAA teams in Florida (including Jax) in the past. It's only a matter of owners not making it happen.

[jaxjaguar]

If I remember correctly AAA has more strict attendance policies and revenue sharing. I believe we never moved up because we consistently dominate the AA in attendance figures. I know I've heard stories that the other teams wanted us to move up when we were constructing our new stadium.

[Tacachale]

If I remember correctly AAA has more strict attendance policies and revenue sharing. I believe we never moved up because we consistently dominate the AA in attendance figures. I know I've heard stories that the other teams wanted us to move up when we were constructing our new stadium.

The last owners just never wanted to invest in moving up to AAA. They were never big on carrying their own weight; with everything the city gave them they knew they'd be successful without it.

[Adam White]

As someone pointed out, the other team names in our division are pretty ridiculous, but this makes me wonder if we've outgrown our minor league roots. Is there a next level up in the minors like AAA, international league Jacksonville could get into? I know we're not a baseball town but this makes me wish we had the population to support a major league team. The over the top team names just seem like a fad that will look even more absurd in the future than they already do today.

I think the Suns started out in AAA. According to Wikipedia, they won the International League championship in 1968.

[Steve]

It's really about getting an affiliate agreement with a AAA club. There's only 30 AAA teams, and those don't change every day.

[KenFSU]

If I remember correctly AAA has more strict attendance policies and revenue sharing. I believe we never moved up because we consistently dominate the AA in attendance figures. I know I've heard stories that the other teams wanted us to move up when we were constructing our new stadium.

I hadn't yet moved to Jacksonville when the Baseball Grounds was built, but from what I understand, there was a lot of talk that the Dodgers wanted us to move up to AAA to replace their Las Vegas squad. I also know that the Baseball Grounds was built with AAA baseball in mind, not AA, as evidenced by the capacity (10,000+, reflective of AAA minimum capacity requirements, and still the largest AA ballpark in the country). In fact, I believe we're one of only three or four AAA squads who could hypothetically move into AA tomorrow without stadium expansion.

As much as I dislike the Jumbo Shrimp move (I will admit, I'm warming to it ever so slightly as the realization sets in that it's not changing), who knows, Ken Babby pumped a lot of private money into the Akron team and facilities, maybe he'll be the one who is finally able to push Jacksonville into AAA territory.

We'd need to up attendance by 2,500 a game to hit AAA average.

You guys think that's realistic?

Long term, I'd say sure, but short-term, I do worry about whether we'd start to see cannibalization with other sports franchises in Jax.

[TimmyB]

My brother was a radio play-by-play man for a VERY successful Class A team in Michigan.  When I asked him if he thought they should go AAA, his response was immediate, and negative.  The reason?  In A and AA, everyone is on the way up.  In AAA, half the players on the team don't want to be there.  They are either there on a rehab assignment, or because they are sent down from the bigs, never to return.  In A and AA, players have that carrot out in front of them, and they're all hungry.

[MEGATRON]

Yeah, the best talent in minor league baseball is located in AA not AAA.

[Snaketoz]

If I remember correctly, the Suns were once in AAA.  I think they moved the AAA team here from Jersey City.  There was definitely a better grade of ball over AA.  I remember seeing players who made it big later, and many others who were almost to the major league talent level, but for whatever reason hadn't been called-up.  There were a lot of talented players in AA, but more in AAA.  My first reaction to the name change was I thought it was a joke.  It's growing on me though.  I think there are too many people in Jacksonville who feel that everybody is trying to hose the city.  Let's see what happens.  This could be a good thing for the owner AND the city.

[Rynjny]

  My first reaction to the name change was I thought it was a joke.  It's growing on me though.  I think there are too many people in Jacksonville who feel that everybody is trying to hose the city.  Let's see what happens.  This could be a good thing for the owner AND the city.

+10000000

[pierre]

It's really about getting an affiliate agreement with a AAA club. There's only 30 AAA teams, and those don't change every day.

Exactly. The only recent opportunity that would have remotely been possible is when the Braves moved their AAA franchise from Richmond to Gwinnett.

I doubt the Braves would have moved here in the first place.

And second, the Suns would have basically been forced to move to another city as the Braves own their AAA franchise. And I don't think the Bragans were interested in not having a team at that time.

[TPC]

Only humbly submitted if you are Chad, who I am pretty sure designed that...

Yup, it's me.

I have a few issues with the new ownership/name change. To me Babby has no respect for the tradition and history of the team and Jacksonville itself. The new name totally disregards the long standing name and replaces it with what is already considered a joke. Yes, there has been a trend to rename teams something goofy, but to me it's shortsighted.

I also don't like the fact that he farmed out new logo design to a company in San Diego. Why? We have award winning agencies and freelancers here that could, pun intended, knock a logo out of the park.

Babby seems like a guy who gives two craps about Jacksonville.

[Coolyfett]

I think there are too many people in Jacksonville who feel that everybody is trying to hose the city.  Let's see what happens.  This could be a good thing for the owner AND the city.

The city does not trust Ken Babby. He is young, not from Jax, no connection to Jax. He is a Baltimore-DC guy. That is where his roots and family is. Things take time. People didnt trust Khan when he first got to Jax and many still do not trust him. Why change the name? Why change the culture if its not for the better? Only time will tell if the Jumbo Shrimps are forever or if the Suns name returns. Just honor the history. All 7 Pennants need to be visible at the park.  The team should wear SUNS Throwback jerseys sometimes. From what I remember the Suns was the top of Attendance in the Southern League and top 5 in all AA ball for some time. Not sure what the average attendance was last year, but I dont see why it would be lower than the past 10 year average. 1962-2016 thats a lot of seasons and people are just supposed to get over that? The Barons and the Suns were the top of the Southern League. At least when the other teams changed to the wacky daffy names it was after a move or relocation. The Suns are still in Jax. RED WHITE and Blue?? Every baseball team has those colors. Navy Blue and Sun Gold should have stayed. AHH this guy Ken Babby man....

[DrQue]

I don't love the re-branding, but then again, I don't really care. Going to a Suns game was never about the Suns or the product on the field. It has always been a way to enjoy time with friends with some extra entertainment.

My guess is that this is also the case for the majority of spectators. So, if nobody takes the baseball seriously, then I think this the owner just doubling down on the entertainment factor.