It's not the Hurricanes. Not the Hornets and thank goodness, not Houstonians. It is "1836" ! The city's new addition to pro sport, the Major League Soccer team will be known as Houston 1836. The team colors will be white, orange and black.
The choice of name is a bit puzzling, until you hear the explanation. Then it makes sense. It is a nod to Texas history, Houston's history and to European sporting nomenclature.
The name's main reference is the year Houston was founded by John and Augustus Allen on the banks of Buffalo Bayou. It also marks the year Texas declared its independence from Mexico, the Battle of the Alamo and the defeat of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's Mexican army at the hands of General Sam Houston in the Battle of San Jacinto during the Texas Revolution.
Most popular in Europe, particularly Germany, the style of naming a team after a year is considered a soccer staple. German teams such as Hannover 96 (1896), Bayer 04 Leverkusen, FC Schalke 04 (both 1904) and FSV Mainz 05 (1905) are among the most popular in Europe. The style migrated to other parts of the world, including Latin America, in the early 1900s.
And closer to home, the San Francisco 49ers - commemorating the Gold Rush of 1849. How do I like 1836? What will be it be called on the streets? 1836 or Thirty Sixers? Either way, I like it less than Astros, perhaps as much as Rockets and much, much better than Texans. 
Although I'm not thrilled about 1836, at least it's Houston-related. Even if the Texans acheive success in the near future, I can never be a fan because of the name. It is, without exception, the worst name of any U.S. professional sports team.
Posted by: Sam | January 26, 2006 at 01:29 PM
My sentiments exactly.
Posted by: Ruchira Paul | January 26, 2006 at 02:10 PM
Not without exception -- "Redskins" is a far worse name.
Posted by: Sean | January 28, 2006 at 12:32 AM