Table Topics questions about names for sports teams

Table Topics is the impromptu speaking section of a Toastmasters club meeting. It is where members give a one to two minute answer to a question. A good topic category can generate a series of questions. On November 23, 2019 I posted on Table Topics questions about college team names or mascots. But much more can be said.

What are the most upsetting names for sports teams?

If you are a native American, either Braves or Redskins is offensive. Boise High School used to be the Braves, with the logo shown above. An article at KTVB7 on August 12, 2019 described how School board unanimously approves Boise High mascot change. Another article by Sydney Kidd in the Boise Weekly on July 29, 2020 discussed The voices of history’s unheard: Here’s what’s behind the recent removal of many indigenous-themed Idaho high school mascots.

Native Americans might say that a more suitable high school team name in a city like Boise would be the Lying White Devils. You can’t object to White Devils, since it is the name for an Army unit in the 504th Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division. Their First Battalion is the Red Devils, the second is the White Devils, and the third was the Blue Devils.

What other names could be revenge?

The professional football team in Washington, D.C. used to be the Redskins. Right now they just are the generic Washington Football Team. 

Native Americans might say the Washington team deserve to be called the Treaty Breakers. 

Most people distrust politicians. Others might prefer the Politicians (lying is implied) or the Windbags.   

What are the least fierce names for professional sports teams?

Those which name their hosiery color – like the Chicago White Sox or the Boston Red Sox. The Cincinnati Reds once were the Red Stockings, and later the Redlegs.

The Los Angeles Dodgers moved there from Brooklyn (New York City). A Wikipedia page on the History of the Brooklyn Dodgers mentions they once were the Brooklyn Bridegrooms, and also the Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers.

A devil and the politician (Richard Nixon) were adapted from cartoons at Wikimedia Commons. The treaty breaker and windbag were adapted from Puck cartoons at the Library of Congress.