Kannapolis' minor league baseball team unveils new name

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — In a newly revitalized section of the city's downtown area, officials from Kannapolis' minor league baseball team unveiled a new name, logo and mascot on Wednesday.

[PAST COVERAGE: 'What a shame it has to end': Kannapolis Intimidators plan name change]

Paying homage to the city's mill history -- Cannon Mills and the Cannon family who helped establish Kannapolis -- the team formerly known as the Intimidators will now be called the Cannon Ballers.

"After months of considering input from our fans and stakeholders, we are thrilled to introduce the Cannon Ballers," team general manager Matt Millward said in a release. "The new team name instills community pride and exemplifies the experience we want all of our guests to enjoy at the Kannapolis Sports & Entertainment Venue."

New team colors include a patriotic palette of red, white and blue (dark royal and light), plus an accent color of yellow.

Fans are encouraged to suggest names for the mustachioed mascot that will represent the City of Kannapolis on the field and throughout the community.

The Intimidators' name honored NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr., who purchased the team after the 2000 season, just months before his untimely death during the Daytona 500 in February 2001.

Before becoming the Intimidators, the team was first known as the Phillies, then the Boll Weevils.

The Cannon Ballers will kick off a new season on April 16 in a new ballpark that sits on land that formerly housed the Cannon Mills textile factory.

Cox Media Group