The Syracuse Mets have hit a roadblock in their name change journey, but don't worry, they're taking it in stride! In a lighthearted social media video, General Manager Jason Smorol announced that the team will now change its name in 2028, a year later than initially planned. The delay was due to a simple yet crucial oversight: someone else had already trademarked their preferred name. Smorol humorously admitted, 'We screwed up.'
The Mets had been working diligently, conducting focus groups, and even creating artwork for the new name. Smorol explained that the chosen name was unique, and they didn't anticipate trademark issues. However, a thorough trademark search revealed a conflict with another business, not in the sports world. The team had high hopes for the new name, but it seems fate had other plans.
Instead of rushing to implement the name for the 2027 season, the Mets decided to take a step back and reassess. Smorol emphasized the importance of getting it right, stating, 'We decided it was better to eat a little crow and let everyone know that we screwed up.' This approach ensures they find the perfect name and identity for the long term.
The Mets have already received 5,111 name suggestions from fans and are now turning to Brandiose, a branding company with a knack for unique names in minor league baseball. They plan to involve fans in the process, gathering input at games and conducting research to find the ideal fit for Syracuse. Smorol assured fans, 'We’ll work with them so we don’t screw it up again.'
While the delay may be disappointing, it's a testament to the Mets' commitment to getting it right. So, stay tuned, Mets fans! The new name is on its way, and it's sure to be a memorable one. But here's where it gets interesting... Will the new name live up to the hype? And this is the part most people miss... The Mets' journey to finding the perfect name is far from over, and it promises to be a wild ride!