Could Minor League Baseball Return to Lubbock? Here’s Why It Should

Baseball is America's game, right down to our everyday language. We say the figure we are looking for is in the "ballpark," we bring in "closers" playing "hardball"  to seal the deal, and if they want too much, we say they are way "off base."

Almost anyone can tell you who Babe Ruth was, even though he died in the 40s. We can all hum along to "Take Me Out To The Ballgame," and most of us love hot dogs, which were invented specifically to be sold at baseball games.

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Baseball culture is American culture, so why isn't Lubbock participating, despite having every reason to do so?

A Look Back at Lubbock’s Minor League Baseball Legacy

Lubbock has had minor league baseball before; in fact, it is a long-running part of our history. Beginning in 1922, the Lubbock Hubbers existed intermittently until 1956, during which time they won multiple league championships.

After a 36-year hiatus, minor league baseball returned to Lubbock with The Crickets from 1995 to 1999. The team ended after issues securing a full-time stadium and declining attendance numbers.

Why A Minor League Team Could Work In Lubbock Now

Well, if they can work in Amarillo and Midland, I feel we ought to be ashamed we don't have it working here, but that's my hometown pride affecting my stance.

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The real reason it could really work if done right is that MiLB has gotten great at marketing, particularly merchandising.  The Sugarland Space Cowboys have the coolest logo I've ever seen in my life.

Sponsorship opportunities would abound for local businesses. It would be a real win/win.

Minor League Baseball as a Gateway to Big League Dreams

Additionally, and I want to shout this from the tallest building in Lubbock, we have incredible baseball programs at our local universities! Some may see that as a problem/ competition, but I see it as an opportunity to get these college kids in the major leagues.

Because that's part of the excitement of the MiLB, it's full of future superstars of the sport. Why let all that talent be pulled into other towns?

Inspiring the Next Generation of Athletes in Lubbock

Lubbock has a lot of youth-related crime. Here's an article from KCBD, just in case you think I'm exaggerating.

Part of that problem has to be a lack of things to do and a lack of hope for the future. Lubbock has so few amenities that are family friendly that the investment in MiLB seems worth any initial cost to curtail the crime and wasted potential.

Okay, So What Are We Naming Lubbock's Minor League Team?

Honestly, I think the return of the Hubbers would go pretty hard, but perhaps we should attempt to be more clever than that, I mean, The Space Cowboys exist, and maybe we'd even pay them.

Amarillo took the Sod Poodles, so prairie dogs are out. So my ideas are weather-related (for now, subject to change), the Lubbock Dustnados (because Dust Devils are already vacuum cleaners) or perhaps the Thunderboomers or the Windymen or the Oh-Hails.

I'm sure we could think of something clever that we'd all want on a baseball cap. Let's get this done Lubbock!