Pack of Hounds Unleashed on Loudoun
September 21, 2010 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Loudoun Hounds News Release
Dulles, Va. -- After months of public intrigue and rampant speculation, VIP Baseball dramatically unveiled the name, colors, logos and uniforms of Loudoun County's forthcoming professional baseball franchise at a well-attended media event Tuesday evening in Dulles.
"Today, I am proud to unleash the Loudoun Hounds," said Bob Farren, President and CEO of VIP Baseball, pride easily evident through his upbeat tone and broad smile.
Farren addressed an audience of more than 150 media members, political figures, sports personalities and invited guests. The assemblage packed itself into the stately ballroom overlooking the driving range at the 1757 Golf Club.
Farren enumerated the reasons behind the selection of the Hounds. Firstly, he said, the Hounds name received over 60 percent of the over 1,000 votes cast by the general public in a three-choice election.
Hounds also have long held an integral part of Loudoun culture and history, Farren said. Down through the centuries, hounds have bounded through Loudoun's fields as hunt dogs, herders and beloved companions.
Among the event's attendees was baseball Hall of Famer and former Washington Senator slugger Harmon Killebrew, who entertained the crowd with stories from his illustrious career both on and off the field.
The author of 573 big league home runs indicated he believed the Hounds name will be a hit with the local community.
"It's a fantastic name for this professional baseball team," Killebrew said. "It is fun and energetic, and it connects the team to the area in a very meaningful way."
As part of the festivities, Killebrew presented a pair of awards on behalf of the Loudoun Hounds.
Purcellville's own Joshua Sweet shook the Hall of Famer's hand as he accepted the Hounds' first Don Rose Award, given to the top player on Loudoun's entry in the Babe Ruth World Series. Starting at catcher for the Greater Loudoun Lions, Joshua batted .417 and slugged .583 during the series.
Andrew Thede, 9-year-old Sterling resident and Lower Loudoun Little Leaguer, glowed from his smile as he received his prize for winning the Name The Team contest. Andrew won two season ticket vouchers, and will present the Hounds' lineup card before a Loudoun Hounds home game.
Also on hand for the presentation were 30 Dulles Little League ballplayers decked out in their All-Star uniforms. Additionally, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott York, Delegate Tag Greason and State Senator Mark Herring were among a host of politicians showing their support for the Hounds.
The hour-long event was emceed by sports personality and Loudoun native Jeremy Huber. Famous sports announcer Johnny Holliday lent his baritone narration of the two-minute video on the ballroom's 75 square foot video board.
The proceedings were simulcast live on VIPbaseball.net. VIP Baseball also officially launched the Loudoun Hounds' new web presence, LoudounHounds.com.
The Hounds' primary logo features the floppy-eared face of a brown and tan hound dog, baseball in mouth, peering out mischievously at the world with an almost sideways glance. Arcing over his head is the word "Hounds" in cursive script, with the boldfaced word "Loudoun" lying across it.
Atlantic League Stories from September 21, 2010
- Pack of Hounds Unleashed on Loudoun - Loudoun Hounds
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