Travs get new logos, uniforms
The Arkansas Travelers will play their 107th season of baseball in 2014 decked out in a brand new look.
The Travs unveiled a collection of new logos during an event at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock on Wednesday night, which drew an estimated 250 to see an updated look for a team that has played in central Arkansas since 1901.
Gone from the color scheme is blue, replaced by black and grey to accompany the familiar red. The primary logo, which will be on the front of a black home cap, features a horse head Travs General Manager Paul Allen called “majestic and determined” in front of a block red “A.”
A secondary logo features a black “A” on top of a “Travs,” a horse head in front of a diamond, an ode to the Arkansas state flag, with nine stars to signify the nine positions in baseball. The “Travelers” name in a block font that will be on the front of the home jerseys replaces the familiar script “Travelers.”
The seven logos unveiled Wednesday were designed by San Diego-based Brandiose, which has updated looks for the Tulsa Drillers, the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs and other minor league teams.
Allen said the process took about 10 months and feels that it provides a spark, while also keeping the “tradition of Travelers baseball.” The club felt the time was right for an identity change while the club prepares to host the Texas League All-Star game in July.
“It’s just the next step in the evolution of what Traveler baseball is. Our brand, our identity moving forward,” Allen said. “Over time you just need a reset.”
Allen said the design of the new uniforms is complete - it needs to be approved by Minor League Baseball along with the new logos - but will likely be revealed at the team’s Hot Stove event in January.
The Travs will also reveal a new mascot, but Allen said that will likely occur after the Hot Stove meeting and before the beginning of the season.
- Troy Schulte
TENNIS Brandon wins 4A tennis title
Trent Brandon of Arkansas Baptist lost only two games on his way to earning the Class 4A boys singles title at Arkadelphia on Tuesday. Brandon knocked off defending state champion Matt Phillips of Valley View, 6-2, 6-0, in the championship match. Brandon had earlier registered 6-0, 6-0 victories over Jordon Thatch (Highland) in the semifinals, Zane Sherrer (Mena) in the quarterfinals and Adam Williams (Valley View) in the first round.
Subiaco’s team of Jack Moser and Marshal Brooks won the doubles title with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Victor Redko and Williams of Valley View.
Emily Metcalf of Valley View cruised to the girls singles title with a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Samantha Cook of Maumelle. Metcalf, who reached the Overall finals in 2012, won all three of her matches this week without losing a game. Bailey and Morgan McAlexander of Valley View won the girls doubles title with a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Haley Maxwell and Teah Flynn of Farmington.
VOLLEYBALL Arkansas Tech sweeps SAU
Emily Todd had 14 kills and 13 digs and Sara Motsinger added 10 kills to lead Arkansas Tech to a 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-17) victory over Southern Arkansas on Tuesday at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville.
Amber Cerrillos had 40 assists and two service aces for the Golden Suns (15-9, 5-3 Great American Conference). Morgan McKellar had 17 digs for Arkansas Tech and Sierra Nighswonger added 10. Courtney Geesing and Logan Tolbert led Southern Arkansas (14-10, 4-5) with six kills each, while Hailey McNee added five kills and 10 digs.
Sports, Pages 21 on 10/24/2013