London Rippers
Encyclopedia
The London Rippers are a professional baseball team based in London, Ontario
, in Canada
. The Rippers are a member of the Frontier League
, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball
. Beginning in the 2012 season, they will play their home games at Labatt Park
.
The Rippers are the second Frontier League team to play their home games in London, following the London Werewolves
which played from 1999 (when they won the Frontier League Championship) until folding in 2001.
. Megan Walker, director of a local London Abused Women's Center stated that "People are outraged. I think it's appalling. It's insulting and stupid and they better rethink their entire marketing strategy" Mayor Joe Fontana
condemned the team name and the city has considered banning the team from playing in Labatt Park
, which is city owned. Walker has stated that she will plan protests when the team begins its spring season, and want Martin to apologize to any one he offended.
The name choice was defended by Rush Limbaugh
, Rick Chandler of NBC Sports
and Ryan Mahan of the State Journal-Register
.
London, Ontario
London is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, situated along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. The city has a population of 352,395, and the metropolitan area has a population of 457,720, according to the 2006 Canadian census; the metro population in 2009 was estimated at 489,274. The city...
, in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. The Rippers are a member of the Frontier League
Frontier League
The Frontier League, based in Sauget, Illinois, is a professional, independent baseball organization located in the Midwestern United States, Western Pennsylvania, and Southern Ontario. It operates mostly in cities not served by Major or Minor League Baseball teams and is not affiliated with either...
, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
. Beginning in the 2012 season, they will play their home games at Labatt Park
Labatt Park
Labatt Memorial Park is a baseball stadium near the forks of the Thames River in central London, Ontario, Canada. It is in size, has 5,200 seats and a natural grass field...
.
The Rippers are the second Frontier League team to play their home games in London, following the London Werewolves
London Werewolves
The London Werewolves were an independent Frontier League baseball team based in London, Ontario, Canada. The team had previously been known as the Kalamazoo Kodiaks, from Kalamazoo, Michigan. The team arrived in London for the 1999 season and left after the 2001 season to Canton, Ohio. The...
which played from 1999 (when they won the Frontier League Championship) until folding in 2001.
Controversy
The choice of the name and mascot proved controversial with some, as it was felt to represent Jack the RipperJack the Ripper
"Jack the Ripper" is the best-known name given to an unidentified serial killer who was active in the largely impoverished areas in and around the Whitechapel district of London in 1888. The name originated in a letter, written by someone claiming to be the murderer, that was disseminated in the...
. Megan Walker, director of a local London Abused Women's Center stated that "People are outraged. I think it's appalling. It's insulting and stupid and they better rethink their entire marketing strategy" Mayor Joe Fontana
Joe Fontana
Joseph Frank "Joe" Fontana, PC is the current mayor of London, Ontario. He was previously a Liberal member of the Parliament of Canada for the riding of London North Centre....
condemned the team name and the city has considered banning the team from playing in Labatt Park
Labatt Park
Labatt Memorial Park is a baseball stadium near the forks of the Thames River in central London, Ontario, Canada. It is in size, has 5,200 seats and a natural grass field...
, which is city owned. Walker has stated that she will plan protests when the team begins its spring season, and want Martin to apologize to any one he offended.
The name choice was defended by Rush Limbaugh
Rush Limbaugh
Rush Hudson Limbaugh III is an American radio talk show host, conservative political commentator, and an opinion leader in American conservatism. He hosts The Rush Limbaugh Show which is aired throughout the U.S. on Premiere Radio Networks and is the highest-rated talk-radio program in the United...
, Rick Chandler of NBC Sports
NBC Sports
NBC Sports is the sports division of the NBC television network. Formerly "a service of NBC News," it broadcasts a diverse array of programs, including the Olympic Games, the NFL, the NHL, MLS, Notre Dame football, the PGA Tour, the Triple Crown, and the French Open, among others...
and Ryan Mahan of the State Journal-Register
State Journal-Register
The State Journal-Register is the only local daily newspaper for Springfield, Illinois and its surrounding area. It was founded in 1831 as the Sangamon Journal, and claims to be "the oldest newspaper in Illinois." The State-Journal merged with its afternoon rival, the Illinois State Register, in...
.