Redundant Team Nicknames in Sports

As a University of Illinois alum, one thing I’ve had to come to grips with is our “Fighting Illini” nickname.  No. I’m not talking about the whole political issue.  I just think the nickname is a bit redundant.  Illinois Fighting Illini” doesn’t roll off the tongue like “Iowa Hawkeyes” or “Michigan Wolverines”.  Too many damn ‘L’s and ‘I’s. 

My list of redundant nicknames in the world of sports. 

Major League Baseball

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Philadelphia Phillies

Minor League Baseball

Indianapolis Indians

Jamestown Jammers

College

Augsburg College Auggies

Illinois Fighting Illini

Lake Superior State University Lakers

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Miners

Pacific Lutheran University Lutes

St John University Johnnies

Silver Lake College Lakers

St Leo University Lions

St Olaf University Oles

US Merchant Marine Academy Marines

University of Utah Utes

High School

Rock Island (IL) Rocks

any team named “Saints” or “Mountaineers” (most of them have St or Mount in their name- West Virginia excepted)

 

The NFL’s Buffalo Bills fall into a totally separate category.  They use their city name for their logo not their nickname.  Also, I have to admit, the St Leo Lions was pretty clever. 

I’m sure there are more.  Especially, if you look into teams from the past.  If you know of one, let me know. 

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