Minor league baseballs teams are a hotbed for creative branding and logos (El Paso Chihuahuas, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Richmond Flying Squirrels, etc.). The San Antonio Missions are no exception. This doulbe-A affiliate of the Padres unveiled new uniforms and logos last month.
According to a story on milb.com, the new “M” logo features a mission bell ringing; and the primary logo features a baseball shooting across the bottom, which represents cannon fire from the Alamo.
The artwork for the logos is nice — mostly with a modern update of a classic feel. Nothing too outrageous or bold or different. And the “SA” logos feature a coonskin cap, ala Davey Crocket, and a hot pepper! And apparently the team sports a mascot named “Henry the Puffy Taco!” And his sidekick is “Ballapeño” the baseball-playing jalapeno!
All in all, a fun creative brand with suggestive logos and brand name. Well done, Missions!
One significant critique of the new branding, however: no USPTO trademark filings to help protect the new logos or the mascots. Although the MISSIONS name is registered.
