Swift Current’s Minor Baseball teams will known as the 57’s for the coming season, following the lead of Swift Current’s Western Major Baseball League franchise in dumping the Indians team name.
All Swift Current rep teams playing in the AA and AAA levels will be called the 57’s, plus they will also adopt the new logo and colour schemes previously unveiled by the WMBL club.
“Changing our name from the Indians to the 57’s was about being sensitive and respectful to all people,” explained Swift Current Minor Baseball President Kevin Patenaude. “We live in a different world and we as an organization felt we needed to be leaders and show youth that leadership. One thing that won’t change is our passion for the game of baseball and the tradition of success in our minor ball programs.”
The SCMB will incur a significant cost to enact this change, however Crescent Point Energy has stepped forward with a $5,000 donation in order to assist with buying new uniforms for the SCMB rep teams.
WMBL 57’s president Mike Mutlow noted they are honoured to have the minor baseball teams follow in their footsteps.
“The tradition of having the younger teams adopt the same name began in the mid 80s with local baseball and the Indians name, this this past fall with the Broncos and minor hockey. we are glad for the solidarity and we look forward to continuing to work closely with minor baseball.”
