The Wichita Wind Surge, formerly known as the New Orleans Zephyrs, have left many baseball fans scratching their heads with their unique mascot. Diehard Arkansas Travelers fans remember their struggles playing in Wichita, while casual fans often mistake them for the Wranglers. The team’s history dates back to the Denver Bears, who later became the Zephyrs before moving to New Orleans and eventually rebranding as the Baby Cakes.
The 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID, and the team was restructured to be the Minnesota Twins’ Double A affiliate. Despite initial ridicule over their mascot, the Wind Surge have had some ups and downs in the 2021 season, including a nail-biting win against Wichita with a game-winning single by Dalton Shuffield in the 11th inning. The Travelers have shown resilience in close games, such as their 9-8 victory after holding off a late comeback attempt by Wichita.
In a classic game of back-and-forth, the team secured a 9-8 win with a strong offensive showing in the top of the seventh. The victory was a testament to their ability to hang on in tight games and come through when it matters most. As the Wind Surge continue to navigate the minor league baseball scene, their unique mascot may still be a point of contention among fans, but their on-field performance proves that they can compete with the best in their league.
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Photo credit arktimes.com
