Navigators now Connecticut Defenders
October 17, 2005 - Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
(Norwich, Conn.) -- Lou DiBella, President and Managing Partner of the team formerly known as the Norwich Navigators, announced that ownership has officially changed the name of the Double A Professional Baseball team to Connecticut Defenders. The announcement was made Monday afternoon at the Hard Rock Cafe in Foxwoods Resort & Casino as the new name and logo were unveiled to the public.
"The Connecticut Defenders' refers to state industry both current and historical", DiBella said. "I think the logo is one of the most powerful in all of Minor League Baseball and conveys the immense pride citizens of Connecticut have for the state based defense industry, especially recently. The process of changing the name was not something we did lightly. It was through personal conversations with countless fans, civic leaders and advertisers. The result is inspiring. And I was especially energized by the participation of the thousands of fans from all over the region, affirming this really is Connecticut's Hometown team."
On July 17, 2005 ownership announced the Name the Team' contest was officially underway and the team began collecting submissions through newspaper, the internet and leaflet ballots. By the time the contest was closed over 2,000 names had been suggested. The chosen entry was submitted by Mr. Robert Schaub of East Haddam, Connecticut who has won several gifts including two 2006 Connecticut Defender season tickets.
"The Defender name and logo reflects the core of what southeastern Connecticut represents - the Sub Base," said Keith Hallal, Defenders Vice-President. "The name Defenders also honors the rich history and the present day contributions of the Connecticut citizens, residents and industry in the defense of our country."
The Submarine Base and related industry are located in areas of New London and Groton and include the Sub School, Electric Boat Shipyards, and the Submarine Support facility. In early 2005 the Base Realignment and Closure Committee had recommended the New London Sub Base for closure. The entire state undertook a massive effort to convince the Department of Defense to keep the base open, including a Save Our Sub Base' rally June 14 at Dodd Stadium with Governor M. Jodi Rell in attendance. In August the Department of Defense announced that the Sub Base would remain open. The area is also home to the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear powered submarine. The United States Coast Guard Academy is further up the Thames River in New London. Governor Rell was also at Dodd Stadium for a historic day on July 18, 2004 when the community, joined by United States Senators Chris Dodd and Joseph Lieberman and United States Congressman Rob Simmons, officially welcomed home Connecticut National Guard troops from operation Iraqi Freedom.
Team officials also want to be sure fans understand the Connecticut Defenders are still affiliated with Major League Baseball as the Double A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. "This is the first step in broadening the fan base," said Jim Beaudoin, Defenders General Manager. "In addition to the wonderful local fans that have supported us through the years, we look forward to seeing more fans from around the state of Connecticut enjoy baseball at Dodd Stadium".
The Connecticut Defenders are the Class Double A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, and a member of the 12-team Eastern League. They open the 2006 season at home at Dodd Stadium on April 6 against Portland. Game time is 6:35 p.m. Season Ticket packages are available now by calling 860 887-7962, ext. 114.
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