Rebranded Hartford Yard Goats unveil awesome new uniforms

Keeping track of what’s happening on the minor league baseball landscape can be difficult this time of year. Now is typically when teams either change affiliates, bringing in a fresh new crop of prospects for local fans to learn and follow, or rebrand and sometimes even relocate in an effort to reignite interests and reengage the market.

The Eastern League’s New Britain Rock Cats have actually done both over the past two years. Last winter, they became the Double A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies after ending a 20-year association with the Minnesota Twins. Now they’re putting the finishing touches on a complete rebranding that will see the team relocate from New Britain, Conn. to the state capitol of Hartford, which is about eight miles up the road. 

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As announced in March of this year, when they open the 2016 season at their tasty new ballpark, Dunkin’ Donuts Park, they’ll do so as the Hartford Yard Goats. Yes, that’s the name the people of Hartford voted on. More importantly, as we learned on Tuesday, they will debut wearing these awesome new uniforms.

Those cream-colored @GoYardGoats alternates revealed today are awesome (on the right, via @hartfordsports) pic.twitter.com/prASenuobI

— Nick Groke (@nickgroke) November 18, 2015

Not they need our approval, but they absolutely have our approval. The uniforms have a classic look, while embracing a unique branding opportunity and providing enough variety to keep things fresh. 

Of course, new uniforms aren’t the only thing that comes with a rebanding. They needed a new mascot as well, and now they have two.

Awesome does not even describe being part of the big reveal – @GoYardGoats uniforms! w/ Chew Chew and Chompers! pic.twitter.com/8sCb9hnQYt

— Doug Glanville (@dougglanville) November 18, 2015

@NBCConnecticut morning team helps unveil new @GoYardGoats unis. Untraditional name, but a nice traditional look. pic.twitter.com/t4WhmKhowQ

— Gerry Brooks (@GerryBrooks) November 18, 2015

This is what winning the marketing game looks like.

Congratulations to you, Hartford Yard Goats, and continued success in your future endeavors.

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813