Staten Island Yankees to keep name for now

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - The Staten Island Yankees are keeping their famous name. The Yankees farm team announced plans in June to change its team name for the first time since coming to the borough in 1999. But that plan has been scrapped -- at least for the 2017 season.

"Change is never easy, especially when your name is associated with one of the most iconic brands in sports, the New York Yankees," the Class A New York-Penn League team said in a statement. " It is a privilege to be the starting point for many young men trying to work their way to the Bronx, but operating as a minor league team in the same marketplace under the same moniker presents inevitable challenges, so we began seeking an identity of our own."

The team considered various options, some more wacky than others, including Pizza Rats, Bridge Trolls, Island Heroes, Killer Bees, and Rock Pigeons.

"We had a favored name, logo and branding plan. We were prepared to move forward, but encountered obstacles that unfortunately delayed the process beyond industry deadlines," Staten Island Yankees President Will Smith said. "I always said that until there is a new name, we are the Yankees. That remains true today."

The team plays at Richmond County Bank Ballpark in St. George, just steps from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.