Marshall University Athletics
Tri-State Coal Cats To Play At Jack Cook Field
2/15/2024 10:45:00 AM | General
Huntington’s new Appalachian League venture unveils name, logos
Tri-State Coal Cats Website | Coal Cats Merchandise | Tickets | 2024 Schedule | Tri-State Coal Cats Branding Guide
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – For several months, it has been known that a new Appalachian League team would call Marshall University's Jack Cook Field home this summer.
Now, fans of the new Tri-State baseball team know exactly what to call their team.
On Thursday morning, Major League Baseball and the Appalachian League revealed that the nickname would be "Coal Cats" which pays homage to West Virginia's place as a leading producer in coal and its importance to the Appalachian Region.
Bringing an Appalachian League team to Marshall's new baseball facility was a point of emphasis when plans for the facility moved forward and Marshall Director of Athletics Christian Spears said finalizing the details of that franchise are exciting times for both the team and for Marshall University.
"One of the deliverables we acknowledged as a focal point when the city and state came through so significantly for us with the financials for the new ballpark was our commitment to being an economic engine for additional development in our city and region," Spears said. "Bringing an MLB affiliate via the Appalachian League was one of the ways we would do that. We are just thrilled that it came together quickly with the right partners and the right league in our brand new ballpark at One Jack Cook Way."
The symmetry between the Tri-State Coal Cats and Marshall University was captured by Dylan Winters, Marshall Athletics, Director of Graphic Design, who worked closely with MLB and the Appalachian League on the inspiration for a brand that would resonate with fans while tying the Tri-State fan base to its tradition-rich roots within Appalachia.
"The concept behind the Tri-State Coal Cats was to truly hit on the historical aspect of the Appalachian region," Winters said. "With West Virginia being the largest coal-producing state in the eastern United States, the coal mining motif made perfect sense. The alliteration and nameplay makes way for one of the most unique team names in all of sports."
The team's color scheme includes Coal Black, Cool Grey and Marshall Green which pays the perfect homage to heritage and history within Appalachia while tying it to its home in Huntington at Marshall University.
The Coal Cat logo features a Marshall Green outline with Coal Black accents and a Cool Grey face that is highlighted by piercing Marshall Green eyes.
One of the most unique aspects of the design is the utilization of a miner's pick-axe, which is the basis for the 'T's within the names 'Tri-State' and 'Coal Cats.'
For a more in-depth look at the vision behind the Cool Cats brand, click HERE.
"It was an honor to take a deep dive into the full visual identity system and to take on the entire project from naming the team, creating the logo marks and developing the uniform design," Winters said. "I'm excited to say that there will be much more to follow."
Spears said the end product presented by Winters delivered at the highest level, which will instantly make it one of the most recognizable, unqiue and sought-after brands in the Appalachian League.
"Being able to connect the Tri-State region to Huntington by utilizing the symbolism of our past, present and future around the coal industry felt right with our new team name: the Coal Cats," Spears said. "Dylan did a masterful job developing the brand and connecting it to our region by acknowledging our history while recognizing our future."
The unveiling of the Tri-State Coal Cats' nickname and color scheme was just the latest in a series of key announcements for the team as they begin their inaugural season in the Appy League in Summer 2024.
Tri-State found its first general manager in Jason Camp and named its first manager on Feb. 1 when former Major Leaguer Tommy Gregg was announced as the team's leader. One week later, another former Major League pitcher entered the franchise as Salomon Torres was pegged as the team's pitching coach.
The Coal Cats make their diamond debut at Jack Cook Field on June 4 when the Pulaski River Turtles visit Huntington for Opening Day. Fans can purchase 2024 tickets HERE while also taking advantage of their first chance to purchase Tri-State Coal Cats team merchandise HERE.
Founded in 1911, the Appalachian League is one of the longest running baseball leagues in baseball history and recently completed its third season as a collegiate summer baseball league in partnership with MLB and USA Baseball.
The league plays a 48-game schedule and is comprised of 10 teams from West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee.
For all the latest information about Marshall Athletics, follow @HerdZone on Twitter and Instagram. For information about the Tri-State Coal Cats, follow @TriStateAppy on Twitter.
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---HerdZone.com---
