Downtown Baseball Announces Name of New Hagerstown Baseball Team
Published on July 20, 2023 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Hagerstown Flying Boxcars News Release
HAGERSTOWN, MD - The owners of Downtown Baseball, LLC, announced the name of the new Hagerstown Baseball Team - Hagerstown Flying Boxcars.
The ownership group made the selection from the numerous submissions in the community's recent 'Name the Team' contest. This unique name reflects Hagerstown's history as the home of the famous "Flying Boxcar" manufactured by Fairchild between 1944 and 1955. Howard "Blackie" Bowen, a member of the ownership group, explained that "the Flying Boxcar's name presents many exciting possibilities - thematic stadium décor elements, fun and educational links to our community's history, and aviation themed food and promotional tie-ins." Mr. Bowen also provided some history concerning the "Flying Boxcar."
About The Flying Boxcar
Both the Fairchild C-82 and its successor, the Fairchild C-119, were referred to as the "Flying Boxcar." For the C-82, produced from 1944-1948, it became a nickname; but for the C-119, produced from 1949- 1955, the name was made official. Both airplanes were of very similar design, with a central fuselage the exact size of a railroad boxcar, a high wing, a high tail, and rear opening "clamshell" doors. The design provided the means for rapid loading and unloading of bulky and heavy cargo which could be accomplished at truck-bed level. The design also allowed for the airplane to be used for troop transport, casualty evacuation, as well as for airborne delivery operations. With all these amenities, available in no other military aircraft of the time, Fairchild Flying Boxcars became the cargo and transport workhorses of the 1940s, 50s, and early 60s. The name "Flying Boxcar," synonymous with Hagerstown, became known in all corners of the earth. For over ten years the design and manufacture of Fairchild's C-82 and C119 placed Hagerstown at the center of military cargo production. By the early 1950s, Fairchild's payroll reached 10,000 employees; and a total of 1,183 Flying Boxcars were produced by 1955.
About the Contest
Downtown Baseball, LLC, in conjunction with the Herald-Mail held a contest where the public could offer suggestions for team names. A total of 1,761 submissions were received and included names that highlighted Hagerstown's rich history in railroads, aircraft, trucking, and key other symbols of the community. Those submissions were narrowed to five and the public was invited to vote for their favorite. Over 2,500 participated in the final voting.
About the Atlantic League
The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) is celebrating its 25th Anniversary season in 2023. The Atlantic League is Major League Baseball's first Professional Partner League, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 1,200 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 45 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks throughout its 25- year history.
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