Naming a Franchise: The Toronto Raptors
In 1994, Toronto was awarded an NBA franchise. A local newspaper, the Toronto Star in conjunction with Toronto’s CFRB radio station, ran a contest where fans were encouraged to submit potential names for the city’s newest team. Jurassic Park came out in June of 1993. The film made a billion dollars at the global box office. It is no coincidence that the organization decided on the “Toronto Raptors” less than year removed from Spielberg’s blockbuster hitting the theaters. Having a velociraptor as a mascot is unique and interesting. It’s at least more original than “Wildcats” or “Bears.” However, submissions from that naming contest have been unearthed and they only leave us with a feeling of what could have been.
The Toronto Blue Basketballs, Tallboys, or the John Candys, would have easily given Toronto the greatest mascot in the history of professional sports. We were never really worthy enough to see the “Toronto Sauras Rex” either, but it’s fun to daydream. Blizzard, Juggernauts, Phantoms, T.N.T., Towers, and Skyhooks would have all been wicked names, as well.
The list of potential mascots was eventually cut down to eleven. Unsurprisingly, none of the great names made the cut. Readers were asked to vote from a list that included: Beavers, Bobcats, Dragons, Grizzilies, Hogs, Raptors, Scorpions, T-Rex, Tarantulas, Terriers, and Towers. The name “Raptors” won the contest and was unveiled on Canadian television in May of 1994. “Towers” finished as the runner-up.
Interesting Side note: The Raptors wear a shade of silver known as “Naismith Silver” to honor James Naismith, who was a Canadian. Not sure what silver has to do with Naismith or being Canadian, but sure why not.
