Kenosha Kingfish Rebrand as Kenosha Kickers for Nostalgic ‘Home Alone Night’ Celebration
March 26, 2024 10:21 AM CDT
By: Stuart J. Wattles
Kenosha, Wis (Civic Media) – The baseball kings of the midwest will take the field July 6th in Kenosha. In a smart piece of marketing, the Kenosha Kingfish baseball team has decided to re-brand for one-night-only, into the Kenosha Kickers, the fictional polka band made famous in Home Alone.
Inspired by John Candy’s character Gus Polinski, the “Polka King of the Midwest,” the Kenosha Kickers will pay homage to the beloved film during their game at Simmons Field on July 6. This special event, dubbed “Home Alone Night,” aims to create a fun and nostalgic atmosphere for fans, hopefully without any water problems.
To accompany the transformation, the team has unveiled a set logos. The logos feature a combination of musical instruments and baseball elements, in the classic maroon and yellow colors associated with the fictional band. The primary logo showcases a bass drum with a baseball, while a clarinet crossed with a baseball bat can be seen behind it. A secondary logo has an accordion unfolded to look like a glove.
The temporary team name change is part of a growing trend in minor league, semi-professional, and summer league baseball. Other Wisconsin-based ball clubs, such as the Timber Rattlers (who become the Udder Tuggers) and the Milwaukee Milkmen (who transform into the Milwaukee Sweet Teats), have embraced this concept in recent years.
The Kenosha Kingfish have already said on social media that they’ve sold hundreds of Kickers hats, shirts, and other gear. The Kingfish/Kickers start their Northwoods League season May 31st at Historic Simmons Field.
Legend has it, John Candy improvised most of his lines in Home Alone. Here’s a write-up from last year, going into the regional connection to the John Hughes holiday classic.
