New Britain Rock Cats: The Meow-nificent Baseball Team
The New Britain Rock Cats are a Minor League Baseball team located in New Britain, Connecticut. Founded in 1983, they are the Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. While they may not be as popular as their Major League counterparts, the Rock Cats have definitely made a name for themselves, and not just because of their quirky name.
A Name Fit for Paw-Some Players
The team’s name, New Britain Rock Cats, may make you do a double-take. Are they cats or are they rocks? Well, they’re both, and that’s what makes them so unique. The team’s name was inspired by the quarrying industry that is prominent in the area, and by the fact that the team’s home field, New Britain Stadium, is situated on a rock pile.
Fans of the Rock Cats are known for their love of feline-themed hats and clothing, which they wear proudly to games. In fact, one could say that the team’s logo of a cool-looking baseball-playing cat is one of the greatest feline sports icons since Garfield shot hoops in Space Jam.
Purrr-fect Beginnings
Despite their quirky name and feline-inspired mascot, the Rock Cats have proven to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of Minor League Baseball. In their first year of operation, the team won the Eastern League championship. Since then, the Rock Cats have qualified for the playoffs nine times, won three more championships, and welcomed thousands of fans into New Britain Stadium each year.
Meow-Tastic Players
Over the years, the New Britain Rock Cats have been home to some amazing players. In 2013, Rock Cats player Trevor May pitched a no-hitter, making him only the third pitcher in team history to accomplish the feat. But perhaps the most meow-tastic player in the team’s history is Kevin Slowey. Slowey pitched for the Rock Cats in 2006 and 2007 before being called up to the majors by the Minnesota Twins. He set the team record for strikeouts in a single season with 156, and his nickname, “Slo-Cat,” showed just how much he was loved by the fans.
How to be a True Fan of the New Britain Rock Cats
To be a true fan of the New Britain Rock Cats, you need to embrace your love of cats and baseball. Wear a cat-themed hat or shirt, and make sure to bring a bag of catnip to the game. And when the Rock Cats win, stand up, purr like a cat, and give your opponent a meow-velous high-five.
In all seriousness, the New Britain Rock Cats are a fun, unique Minor League Baseball team that has something for everyone. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan, a lover of cats, or just looking for a fun day out, a trip to New Britain Stadium to catch a Rock Cats game is an experience you won’t soon forget.