New Orleans Zephyrs Will Change Their Name Next Year

Organized baseball in New Orleans pre-dates the Civil War. But the New Orleans Zephyrs have only been around since 1993 when they moved in from Denver. While in Colorado, the team had been named The Zephyrs, which was kept during the relocation based on the Zephyr roller coaster at Pontchartrain Beach.

However, with Pontchartrain Beach closing in the mid-80s, a new generation of baseball fans in New Orleans cannot make the connection between the name of the team and the amusement ride.

So the team has taken submissions for a new team name. The Louisiana Radio Network has the final 7 here:

"The New Orleans Zephyrs announce the top 7 fan-nominated new names proposed for the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. They are the New Orleans King Cakes, Po’boys, Crawfish, Baby Cakes, Night Owls, Red Eyes and Tailgators."