Today I will share the images from my presentation at the Southeastern Association of American Geographers conference held in Norfolk, Virginia on November 18th to 21st, 2023.
ABSTRACT: This narrative explores the intricate interplay of geographic place and iconography within the evolving cultural mosaic of Minor League Baseball (MiLB) logos. Beyond their visual appeal, logos serve as profound reflections of local culture, environment, and history. Scrutinizing their design elements and symbolism, we unearth how logos encapsulate the spirit of distinct regions, represent forgotten history, and embody communal pride and aspirations. Set against the backdrop of MiLB nostalgic Americana, this exploration delves into the poignant concept of “something lost” – the vibrant tapestry of MiLB teams lost during Major League Baseball’s (MLB) post-pandemic consolidation. Logos, symbolizing a franchise’s raison d’être, stand as vestiges of cherished facets of communities. Logos are vessels of collective memory, tracing the echoes of a vanishing era, and can pave the way for the emergence of contemporary and updated identities. Symbolism becomes contextual within distinct cultures of a changing America. Reorganization, marketing trends and fiscal realities have transformed the character of MiLB’s unique depiction of Americana. The ongoing adaptation of this project for geographic education aims to cultivate an understanding of how logos can illuminate the intricate fabric of cultural identity.
Keywords: Sports geography, culture, symbolism
For a quick view of the slides, just play this YouTube video.
Colleagues — If you want me to narrate the presentation, set up a web meeting with me!
Click on any slide to view the full slide presentation! (Note that the embedded video is just a blank screen on these image slides.)
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