Seven Final Names Revealed – Fans to Choose Winner
Nacogdoches, Texas – The Nacogdoches Baseball Franchise of the Mid-America League today announced the seven finalists in its “Name the Team” contest, giving fans the chance to help shape the identity of their new professional baseball franchise. The finalists reflect the city’s deep history, culture, and character:
• Nacogdoches Nac Rats – A playful, gritty nod to the community’s nickname “Nac” and the underdog spirit of a team that never quits.
• Nacogdoches Cogs – A clever tie to the city’s name, symbolizing teamwork and gears in motion, while also paying homage to the 1916 Nacogdoches Cogs, one of the original clubs in the historic East Texas League.
• Nacogdoches Pioneers – Honoring the trailblazers and settlers who carved out life in East Texas and built the foundation of the oldest town in the state.
• Nacogdoches Pine Sox – A unique East Texas spin on a classic baseball nickname, blending the towering pine forests surrounding Nacogdoches with the timeless ballclub “Sox” identity.
• Nacogdoches Axemen – A fierce name inspired by Stephen F. Austin State University’s “Lumberjacks” tradition and the timber industry that has long fueled the region.
• Nacogdoches Blueberry Bashers – A fun, flavorful nod to Nacogdoches’ title as the “Blueberry Capital of Texas,” bringing big hits and hometown pride together in a name that’s as colorful as it is fierce.
• Nacogdoches Niners – Celebrating the nine flags that have flown over Nacogdoches throughout its storied history, a unique distinction that highlights the city’s role as a crossroads of culture and conflict, while also nodding to its founding in 1716 as the oldest town in Texas.
“These seven names capture the essence of Nacogdoches—its history, its culture, its toughness, and its pride,” said Nick Weisenborn, Executive Director of the Mid-America League. “Now it’s time for the fans to decide which name will represent their team on the field.”
The chosen identity will take the field for the franchise’s inaugural season in the Mid-America League, beginning in May 2026. Fans can vote for their favorite team name now through September 30th by visiting the team’s official landing page at www.baseballinnac.com. The winning name will be unveiled in October, with a full brand reveal—including logo, and colors.
Launched in 2024, the Mid America League has quickly become one of the premier summer baseball leagues in America. The league features top collegiate players alongside post-college players pursuing professional baseball careers. These athletes include players who were undrafted, unsigned free agents, or former professionals working to return to affiliated baseball. The league compensates its players through a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program, which is closely monitored by the league.
The Mid America League currently consists of franchises in: Joplin, MO; Fort Smith, AR; Texarkana, TX; White Oak/Longview, TX; Sherman, TX; Abilene, TX. The Nacogdoches franchise joins Fort Scott, KS, Bryan, TX and Beaumont, TX as one of four new expansion teams debuting in 2026. The Mid America League is committed to growing and strengthening baseball in the region.
Each team in the league plays a 64-game schedule — 32 home and 32 road games — spanning from mid-May to mid-August.
