January 31, 2001 - Indianapolis,
IN ... One of the JBL's most successful franchises,
Arán Róshta today announced a name change for the upcoming
2001 Juiced Ball League season. Effective immediately, the franchise will
assume the name Siberian Express.
At today's press conference, club officials, with the help of the newest Siberian player, pitcher Matt Morris, unveiled the new name and a snappy new logo featuring an old style train flying across the Siberian tundra on tracks composed of the seams from a baseball.
"We're excited about the new look," commented GM B.S. Johnson. "We've enjoyed alot of succes and we expect that to continue but it was time for a more modern look. Our fans have supported this team and we'd like to reward them with a really classy logo and color scheme they can wear with pride."
Judging from the thunderous applause as the logo was unveiled, the team more than met it's objective.
As for Morris, the pitcher acquired from The Four C's in exchange for shortstop Barry Larkin, the fans were ready to roll out the welcome mat. Morris, who was originally taken by Flat Earth Society despite frantic efforts by then Róshta execs to move up in the draft so they could be in a position to take him, is coming off an injury plagued season but appeared completely recovered when he threw for the coaching staff prior to the deal being completed.
"I'm thrilled to be here," said Morris. "I knew this club was trying to get me when I came out in the draft and I knew they had made several attempts to get me since. I'm ready to go and I'm excited about joining a pitching staff with guys like Pedro (Martinez), Randy (Johnson) and everybody. This team knows what pitching is all about."
