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The Hush Puppies? Gwinnett Braves changing their name

By Tony Thomas, WSB-TV
By Tony Thomas, WSB-TV

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The Gwinnett Braves are asking for fans' help to re-name the team - and they have announced the list of finalists.

The team's general manager, North Johnson, said some fans were confused by having the Gwinnett Braves so close to the team's parent Atlanta Braves club, about 30 minutes away. So the team has decided to choose a unique team name for next season.

From May 22 through June 2, fans were asked to submit ideas for a new team identity that was geared towards a local connection.

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A total of 4,024 submissions and over 900 different names were entered for consideration. A selection committee including members of the Gwinnett Braves and Atlanta Braves front office, as well as branding partner Brandiose, narrowed the submissions down to six finalists:

  • Gwinnett Buttons:

The Buttons honor Gwinnett County’s namesake, Button Gwinnett, signatory of the Declaration of Independence.

  • Gwinnett Big Mouths: 

Named after the state fish of Georgia, the Big Mouths is a tribute to bass fishing on Lake Lanier.

  • Gwinnett Gobblers:

The Gobblers celebrates the outdoors, hunting, and eating all the foods we love.

  • Gwinnett Hush Puppies:

Our stealthy hunting dog is sneaking through the weeds, about to rustle up some ducks. But don’t think we’re all that serious. You can expect a “corny” fan experience at the “Puppies” game!

  • Gwinnett Lambchops:

A chop off the old block, the Lambchops marries the region’s love of home cooking with the Tomahawk Chop of the Atlanta Braves.

  • Gwinnett Sweet Teas:

It’s a regional icon “to a tea!” The Sweet Teas celebrates the laid-back lifestyle of Gwinnett County while displaying a real sweet look.

Channel 2's Tony Thomas spoke to Gwinnett residents about the new team name options.

"Nothing, like, is really good. So do you go to the extreme, like, bad and make it just fun? I think Sweet Tea's not bad," Brian Hernandez said.

"Gwinnett Buttons? Terrible. Gwinnett Bigmouths? Worse," resident Brad Hawthorne said.

Through July 24, fans will be able to vote for their favorite name at GwinnettBraves.com. The winning name, along with new colors, logos and uniforms, will be unveiled at a press conference this fall.

The fan who submitted the winning name will win two season tickets for the 2018 season.

Cox Media Group

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