Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

The city of Kannapolis has sold off several more blocks of downtown that it bought five years ago as part of a long-term plan to jump-start redevelopment. Finding willing buyers is another sign that the city's $113-million bet is paying off, and the city manager says it's sooner than expected.

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…

What's got a baseball for a face, an epic mustache and no name? The mascot of the newly renamed Kannapolis Cannon Ballers.The franchise wants fans of the…