Fishing, particularly for the most avid members of the angling community, can feel somewhat insular most of the time. Blogs, expositions, stores, and even the sport itself occupy a relatively small corner of the “outdoors” niche.

Consequently, when imagery and concepts from our world make it into the public eye, it can be surprising. Everything from insurance agencies to beer labels to residential developments will enlist a trout or a fly for marketing purposes.

One of the more engaging and fun uses of angling in branding is in sports: minor league baseball in particular. Even if you are not a sports fan, there is a good chance that you have been to a minor league baseball game. A summertime staple of youth groups, little leagues, and community outings, the family-friendly atmosphere allows everyone to take in America’s pastime. Given, the pageantry, food, and promotions can sometimes outdraw the competition itself. But that isn’t a problem.

In fact, it is that very truth that makes it palatable for teams of grown men striving to make millions of dollars in the major leagues to wear uniforms emblazoned with biscuits, raccoons, or catfish. There is certainly a level of fun involved in the logos, uniforms, and identities of minor league baseball teams. Without the need to be menacing or intimidating, owners can utilize regional imagery to capitalize on the community’s interest.

While those heavily involved in fishing can appreciate the power, intelligence, and grace of a fish, the average consumer isn’t going to associate a trout with sports. Sharks, of course, are the exception. The Clearwater Threshers and Jupiter Hammerheads are both Florida-based teams that capitalize on the alpha predators of the sea. But sharks aren’t the only fish in the game. The Pensacola Blue Wahoos feature a fast and rugged logo of a popular sport fishing species (with hook and broken line in tow!).

And then there are the previously alluded to Carolina Mudcats. The pinnacle of minor league kitsch, the Mudcats embody everything that is right with sports branding. The Zebulun, North Carolina team was named by season ticket holders. The moniker and mascot is regionally appropriate, fun without being juvenile, and exceptionally unique.

It isn’t only the fish themselves that inspire angling-themed minor league teams. The Corpus Christi Hooks are probably the most explicitly “fishing” branded club out there. The Missoula Osprey features a raptor actually in the act of catching a fish. If one wanted to liberally expand the category, there are actually plenty of teams across the country that could fit the bill of wildlife, bait, or general-aquatic logos.

Perhaps the most interesting team in this conversation, the Harrisburg Senators isn’t explicitly fishy at all. However, this Pennsylvania AA affiliate of the Washington Nationals has probably the closest connection to fly fishing of anyone. With a stadium situated on an island in the Susquehanna River, the park is literally surrounded by smallmouth bass fishing. But it is the insect life that has made a name for itself. Literally.

Although suffering from a number of ecological issues impacting the fishery, the Susquehanna still produces some prolific hatches. Mayflies, especially summertime white flies (Ephoron lukeon), emerge and subsequently descend en masse. Drawn to illuminated objects, the bugs are more than happy to congregate above, on, and under the lights of FNB Field on city island.

There are stories of visiting players, spectators, and already harried umpires fleeing from the hordes. The Senators, knowing there wasn’t really anything they could do about this predicament, embraced the mayflies. Starting as a promotion shortly after the turn of the century, the team rolled out an alternate logo of the mayfly. The logo was a hit, and made numerous appearances over the years. Finally, the team had a promotion where they “rebranded” as the Harrisburg Mayflies for the night.

Events, logos, and names like this are amusing and apt for minor league baseball and its crowds. Kids and adults alike appreciate the branding, which is decidedly different than the super-serious imagery of the major league sports. The connection with the community, rather than the parent organization, creates that sense of ownership and local flavor that can draw in more than just the die-hard baseball fans. Maybe even an angler or two.