What’s in a name?

Plenty — if you’re a baseball team looking to establish a lasting identity.

Seneca Valley graduate Zach Spangler, is spending this summer pitching in the New England Collegiate Baseball League.

Working out of the bullpen, Spangler has 26 strikeouts in 19.2 innings pitched to go with a 2-2 record and two saves.

And he will never forget he produced those numbers for the Keene Swamp Bats. How could he?

If I ever played for a team called the Swamp Bats, I know I’d remember it.

There are other aptly named teams in that New England league — the Ocean State Waves, Plymouth Pilgrims, Mystic Schooners and North Adams SteepleCats.

Closer to home, the Butler BlueSox play in the Prospect League that houses such franchises as the Chillicothe Paints, Lafayette Aviators, Quincy Gems, Kokomo Jackrabbits and Terre Haute Rex.

Some of the best team nicknames anywhere can be found in minor league baseball.

Here are a few of my personal favorites:

Savannah Sand Gnats — If they misfired on the team logo, they have only themselves to blame.

Florida Fire Frogs — Another logo that cannot be missed.

El Paso Chihuahuas — I’m partial to dogs. Besides, another Seneca Valley graduate — Cory Mazzoni — played for this team,

Akron Rubber Ducks — Have to admit, it fits.

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp — Sounds like a power-hitting team to me.

New Orleans Baby Cakes — I’m not intimidated, but it does make me hungry.

Biloxi Shuckers — I know they shuck corn ... but cotton?

Omaha Storm Chasers — Makes me want to live in that area.

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes — Uhh ... sure, I’ll relocate immediately.

Vermont Lake Monsters — They give their young fans nightmares as their heads hit the pillow.

Cedar Rapids Kernels — They supply a set of toothpicks to each fan passing through the gates.

Binghamton Rumble Ponies — Don’t know what kind of team they have, but it it’d be a cool amusement park ride.

Richmond Flying Squirrels — Think of the potential home run scoreboard display.

Tri-City Dust Devils — Better not have an all-grass or all-turf infield at that place.

Montgomery Biscuits — Hope there’s gravy at the concession stand.

Reno Aces — Sounds like a winner.

San Antonio Missions — Do they play on Sundays? Interesting dilemma.

Now for my ultimate selection: .

Lehigh Valley IronPigs — An item on my bucket list continues to be attending an IronPigs game and leaving with a souvenir of some kind.

Maybe someday.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle