Hambones eliminated from team name consideration

The Richmond Baseball franchise has eliminated "Hambones" as a potential team name.

The team, in a statement, said “The name was chosen from submissions made to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and our sole intent was to utilize the concept of Virginia ham and its history in the region.

"We were honestly unaware of any negative, derogatory, or offensive connotations. Our organization in no way intended to offend any individual or segment of society with its inclusion in our name the team contest. We offer a sincere apology to those that may have been offended by our mistake.”

The hambone is the foot-stomping, hand-clapping, thigh-slapping dance brought here by enslaved West Africans and later performed at minstrel shows.

The team nickname is now down to five choices: Flatheads, Flying Squirrels, Rock Hoppers, Rhinos and Hush Puppies. The team is expected to name the winner on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at the Times-Dispatch.

-- John O'Connor