The 2023 Hartford Yard Goats will not be vying for an Eastern League Championship this year, but the team still has a chance to take home some hardware.
The MLB Network recently announced it's hosting the inaugural MiLB Awards Show, giving out special recognition to teams, players, and moments that made the season special. The awards will be given out on October 2nd.
The Hartford Yard Goats - or rather, the Hartford Bouncing Pickles - are one of the teams nominated for a very unique award.
It's called the 2023 Best Alternate Identity Award, and recognizes the best theme night or alternate name that a minor league team played under this past season.
Get top local stories in Connecticut delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC Connecticut's News Headlines newsletter.
The Yard Goats played as the Bouncing Pickles on May 17, and NBC Connecticut investigated the origins of this "big dill" of a story.
The Bouncing Pickles have some interesting competition for Best Alternate Identity this year. The other nominees are:
- Amarillo Calf Fries
- Eugene Exploding Whales
- Hickory Dickory Docks
- Hoosier State Tenderloins
- Hudson Valley Cider Donuts
- Norfolk Lumpia
- Springfield Cashew Chickens
Fans have until Sept. 29 to cast their votes on their favorite MiLB alternate identity.
Local
The Hartford Bouncing Pickles won their "debut" against the Portland Sea Dogs 14-6 back in May.
Other alternate names for Hartford this year included Los Chivos, the Hartford School Boys, and the Steamed Cheeseburgers.
