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Cal League's Modesto team now the Nuts
By: The Californian | ∞
After existing without a nickname for the past three months, the California League team in Modesto finally has a new moniker ---- the Nuts.
Formerly the A's, the team ended its 30-year affiliation with the Oakland A's in September and signed a player development contract with the Colorado Rockies, necessitating a name change. Five names were proposed in October, and the club announced Wednesday that "Nuts" won 52 percent of a community vote, beating out "Dusters," "Steel," "Derailers" and "Strike."
"Being a community based organization, we wanted the fans to have the opportunity to name their baseball team, and I think they did a great job," Modesto general manager Mike Gorrasi said in a team-issued statement.
The significance of the name has to do with the area's agricultural ties. Almond and walnut growing are among the largest industries in the Central Valley. The new name is also sure to bring attention to the Modesto franchise and spur merchandise sales. Minor-league teams have traditionally tried to one-up each other when creating new names and logos during the last 10 years.
Modesto's name change is the California League's first since the San Bernardino Stampede became the Inland Empire 66ers before the 2003 season.
The Nuts' first visit to Lake Elsinore in 2005 is scheduled for May 31-June 2. They will also play at The Diamond on July 22-24.
---- Greg Ball
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