OKLAHOMA CITY, (KOKH) – The Oklahoma City baseball team was renamed the Oklahoma City Comets.

The name change was announced Saturday afternoon during a ceremony at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

“We wanted our new name and brand to be something that reflected Oklahoma’s rich baseball history and our affiliation with the Dodgers, but also was unique to us and encompassed the future of our city and state,” said Michael Byrnes, President/ General manager of the Oklahoma City Comets.

According to the Oklahoma City Comets, the name commemorates Oklahoma legend Mickey Mantle.

Mickey Mantle was also known as the “Comet of Commerce.”

“Mickey Mantle – the Comet of Commerce – is an iconic baseball figure for our state, our city, our team and our ballpark. “In addition, the OKC Comets name and various characters depicting images of space suggest a glimpse into the future and help us have a little fun bringing our new identity to life for our fans,” Byrnes said .

The team will remain a Los Angeles Dodgers Triple-A affiliate until 2030.

“We appreciate our fan base who contributed to the new name and brand and who have supported this team over the years – since 1962,” Byrnes said. “Our goal is to continue to provide our fans with the same fun, family-friendly gameday experience – now with new signage, new uniforms and mascots.”

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