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NWLS Minot Honeybees

Minot Honeybees Salute Minot AFB with Rebrand

May 10, 2024 - Northwoods League Softball (NWLS)
Minot Honeybees News Release


MINOT, ND - In honor of the important work the men and women at Minot Air Force Base perform each and everyday to protect and serve our country, the Minot Honeybees softball team of the Northwoods League will change their name to the Minot Bombshells for one game on July 31.

The players and coaches will wear special-designed jerseys for the double header against the La Crosse Steam at Corbett Field in Minot on Military Appreciation Night presented by Dakota Angus. The night will feature military-themed entertainment, exclusive promotional offers and discounts on concessions and merchandise for military members, and special recognitions. The game-worn Bombshells jerseys will be auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, courtesy of Farmers Union Insurance.

The Bombshells logo salutes a World War II tradition of airplane nose art. During this time, bomber crews, especially those who suffered high casualty rates, developed strong bonds with the planes they were flying, and affectionately decorated them with this artwork. It was believed by the flight crews that the nose art was bringing luck to the planes. Oftentimes, these air force crews were inspired by Esquire Magazine's pin-up girls. The logo highlights this history, while symbolizing female empowerment.

When the team was deciding their name back in November, they looked to the Minot community for name suggestions. They wanted a name that was fun, unique, highlighted a key aspect of Minot culture, and a name that symbolizes female empowerment. While the queen bee took the cake of the official team name, the Minot Bombshells was a clear second place, highlighting all of those key characteristics.

"Playing as an alternate identity for promotional nights is a huge part of summer collegiate and minor league baseball, and we're excited to bring that to Northwoods League Softball this summer" said Honeybees General Manager, Monica Hocking. "The Bombshells is a super fun brand that allows us to celebrate the strength and resilience of our military men and women, and the trailblazing spirit of the women who inspire us."

Minot AFB proudly hosts the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing and is the only installation in the Department of Defense to host two legs of the Nuclear Triad (land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles and strategic bombers with nuclear bombs and missiles). Established during the Cold War in 1957 as an Air Defense Command base, Minot AFB has a rich history. Still today Minot AFB remains an integral part of the nation's defense with a mission supporting the nuclear triad and maintaining global stability. As of September 2023, Minot AFB had nearly 12,000 total personnel, making up about 20% of the total population of Minot.

Tickets to watch the Minot Bombshells in action are available NOW to military members and their families here: bit.ly/MAFBAppreciation. This military exclusive promotional offer includes a ticket to the game, a Honeybees Visor, and all-you-can-eat food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Tickets to this game for the general public are also available through the team's Hot Tots x Honeybees Hybrid Plan powered by Scheels. General single game tickets for the Honeybees will go on sale on June 3.

Bombshells Merchandise can be purchased at honeybeesmerch.com.

Fans wanting to learn more about the team are encouraged to check out honeybeessoftball.com or sign up for the Honeybees e-newsletter for all information and updates.

The Minot Honeybees are playing their first season as one of the inaugural teams of Northwoods League Softball.The team will play a 42 game season, calling Corbett Field home. Minot Honeybees' mission is to use FUN to make a difference in the lives of the players, fans, business partners, and communities they serve. This is accomplished with a commitment to putting fans first and providing a first of its kind opportunity for female student-athletes. Minot Softball is owned by the same group who owns the Minot Hot Tots, North Dakotans John Bollinger, Glenn Bosch, Terry Daffinrud, Bryan Vibeto, Jarid Lundeen, and Monica Hocking.

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