The Erie SeaWolves, the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, are set to embark on a unique journey as they temporarily rebrand themselves as the Moon Mammoths. This transformation comes as a result of a contest held by HBO's 'Last Week Tonight' with John Oliver, who aimed to give a Minor League Baseball team a complete rebrand.

The Contest and Selection

John Oliver announced the contest on May 4, 2025, during a segment dedicated to the quirky names and promotions of minor league baseball teams. He stated, "We are willing to use all of our resources and stupidity to give one Minor League Baseball team a total rebrand. We will give you a new team name, a new mascot. We will even throw you a theme night. It will be personalized and it will be bespoke."

Two weeks later, the Erie SeaWolves were selected from 47 team submissions. Oliver highlighted that the team had provided 11 compelling reasons for their selection, including their innovative cotton candy hot dogs and the fact that "The SeaWolves play baseball nowhere near the sea."

The Moon Mammoths Identity

On Sunday, Oliver revealed the new team name: the Moon Mammoths. The name was inspired by the 1991 discovery of woolly mammoth remains by George Moon, a resident of Summit Township. Moon discovered a bone while scuba diving in Lake Pleasant, located about eight miles south of Erie. The mammoth remains are now housed in the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg.

Game Details and Promotions

The Erie SeaWolves will adopt the Moon Mammoths identity for four games: July 19, August 19, September 12, and September 13. The team will wear special jerseys featuring a rising moon, the team's name across the chest, a moon on the sleeves, and a patch with a woolly mammoth wearing a space helmet.

John Oliver is expected to attend the July 19 game against the Chesapeake Baysox, which will be themed as a "Mammoth Fun" night. The first 1,000 ticketed fans will receive a Moon Mammoths squishy toy, and the evening will conclude with postgame fireworks. George Moon has also been invited to attend the event.

Conclusion

This unique rebranding effort by the Erie SeaWolves, now the Moon Mammoths, highlights the creativity and fun that Minor League Baseball brings to the sport. It’s a testament to the enduring charm and community spirit of MiLB, offering fans an unforgettable experience.