MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (AP) – The Norwich Navigators are no more.
The Double-A baseball team officially changed its name Monday to the Connecticut Defenders and unveiled its new logo – a submarine – during a special presentation at Foxwoods Resort Casino.
Lou DiBella, who bought the team in April, said the new name refers to the state’s current and historical involvement with the submarine industry. Eastern Connecticut is home to a Navy submarine base and submarine builder Electric Boat.
DiBella said the state’s pride in submarines was evident recently in the successful fight to keep the Groton submarine base off the military’s base closing list.
The name was chosen from 2,000 entries in a “Name-the-Team” contest that began in July. DiBella wanted new moniker that reflected the region. The winning entry of “Connecticut Defender” was submitted by Robert Schuab of East Haddam.
“The process of changing the name was not something we did lightly,” DiBella said. “It was through personal conversations with countless fans, civic leaders and advertisers. The result is inspiring.”
The Defenders are the Double-A farm team of the San Francisco Giants.
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