Possible MLB Expansion in North Carolina
There’s a growing interest in several U.S. cities for an expansion franchise in Major League Baseball. It seems like many cities, if not all, would welcome a team through relocation—anything to get baseball back. I mean, who wouldn’t want that?
Nashville and Orlando are frequently mentioned as potential candidates, while Charlotte is also getting into the conversation. Raleigh, in North Carolina, is actively pursuing an MLB franchise. There’s a local initiative that’s tied in with the Carolina Hurricanes, the sole professional sports team in Raleigh. They’ve even launched a hat line to promote the idea of bringing Major League Baseball to the area.
Now, about that hat—it’s not really my favorite. Honestly, I think most people would agree that it just doesn’t look great. Some might say I’m being harsh, but it’s true that the design resembles the Montreal Canadiens’ logo a bit too closely for comfort.
Social media, of course, had plenty to say about it:
Official @Canes x @mlbraleigh Vintage hat release. The first collaboration between the current professional team and the hopeful MLB expansion. Available locally only on July 14th. #raiseup #RaleIghondeck pic.twitter.com/b0fmq6gzug
– Mlbraleigh (@mlbraleigh) July 7, 2025
The Cane releases a vintage hat line with a look logo. 🧐🧐 pic.twitter.com/izeqrcchxj
– Bardown (@bardown) July 9, 2025
As you can imagine, social media users had a field day.
@grok The logo is a copy of the Montreal Canadiens CH logo. Is there any motivation to sue?
– Ivan Demigod (@demidov514) July 8, 2025
It’s too close to the Canadiens logo for my taste.
– Col. Milkbone, BA, JD, MD, PhD, VC, DSO, MC, CBE (@colmilkbone) July 7, 2025
@grok Are there any copyright issues with these hats?
– Samuel Dupuis (@sadup) July 8, 2025
So, back to the drawing board, team.