Beaumont baseball team reveals finalists in “Name the Team” contest

BEAUMONT, Texas — The Beaumont Baseball Franchise of the Mid-America League has announced the five finalists in its “Name the Team” contest, giving fans the chance to choose the identity that will take the field for the team’s inaugural season in May 2026.

After receiving hundreds of submissions from across Southeast Texas and beyond, the team narrowed the list to five names:

• Beaumont Bay Hounds – Celebrating Southeast Texas’ ties to the water and the loyal, tenacious spirit of man’s best friend, this name suggests fearless energy along the Gulf Coast.
• Beaumont Bayou Cats – A slick, street-smart nod to the wild spirit of Southeast Texas swamps and the nocturnal creatures that prowl them.
• Beaumont Black Gold –A bold, timeless reference to the oil beneath our feet that launched a city and changed the nation.
• Beaumont Mudbugs – Crawfish with attitude. A Cajun-fueled celebration of flavor, flair, and fan-favorite feasts.
• Beaumont Oil Barons – Rich in swagger and tradition, this name conjures the larger-than-life personalities that defined an era of Texas oil wealth.

“We were blown away by the passion and creativity our community brought to this process,” said General Manager Mike Marek. “Each of these finalists tells a piece of the story of who we are — fun, fearless, and proud of our Texas roots.”

Fans can vote for their favorite name through Aug. 31 at baseballinbeaumont.com. The winning name will be revealed in September, followed by a full brand unveiling with the team’s logo and colors.

The Beaumont franchise will be part of the Mid-America League, which launched in 2024 and features top collegiate players and post-college athletes pursuing professional careers. The league uses a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation program and plays a 64-game schedule from mid-May to mid-August.

Beaumont is one of four new expansion teams joining the league in 2026, along with Fort Scott, Kansas; Bryan, Texas; and Nacogdoches, Texas. Current franchises include teams in Joplin, Mo.; Fort Smith, Ark.; Texarkana, Texas; White Oak/Longview, Texas; Sherman, Texas; and Abilene, Texas.

“The Mid-America League is committed to growing and strengthening baseball in the region,” the news release said.