To tie-in a cult movie classic set in Boise with the city’s Minor
League Baseball franchise.

Prior to the team’s 20th anniversary 2006 season, the Boise Hawks
decided to change its name due in part to the fact it does not own
the rights to the “Hawks” name; the NBA Atlanta Hawks own the
copyright.

With merchandise featuring monikers like Lugnuts and Mudcats
continually leading MiLB’s top-sellers lists, the Hawks could not
keep up with its Old West-stylized “B.”

Names referring to Idaho’s Gem State nickname (Diamonds, Miners,
etc.) and famous potato industry (Spuds) were widely considered
the frontrunners, but when a movie filmed in Idaho (Napoleon
Dynamite) gives you a name…a name used by kids around the
country…a name that has never been used by a sports franchise…
then all research is thrown out the door.

Introducing your Boise Ligers.

The team decided to remain the Hawks, but an unofficial fan club
will utilize these marks beginning in 2007.