First, it got a mustache. Then goggles. Then a helmet for its baseball-shaped noggin. Now, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers' mascot has a name: Boomer.
The minor league team baseball team — formerly the Intimidators — announced in November it would let fans submit ideas for the mascot's moniker. "Boomer" was the top choice – sent in by 60 people, initially, before wining a five-name final round.
The name doesn't have anything to do with the dismissive "OK, Boomer" catchphrase that's been making the rounds online when younger generations and Baby Boomers don't agree. Rather, it's about the sound a cannon makes when it fires something – in this case a daredevil.
In a statement, Cannon Ballers General Manager said the mascot will be up to "all kinds of daring antics" during games and "will ensure fans are having a blast."
Boomer's signature mustache is an homage to the late Dale Earnhardt. The NASCAR legend had similar facial hair and his nickname, "The Intimidator," was the team's old namesake.
The team unveiled its new name in October following a similar contest in which fans picked a name. Cannon Ballers is a play on the old Cannon Mills, a longtime major employer in the town.
The Cannon Ballers will play their first game in April at a new stadium in downtown Kannapolis.
