Tenacious Fowler couldn't be kept away from the diamond

Way back in the late 19th century, Bud Fowler integrated multiple Minor Leagues across the continent. Racism kept him on the move, but nothing stopped him from putting together a long playing career.

The story behind the Little Rock Nine alternate identity, to be utilized by the Arkansas Travelers from Aug. 21-23, transcends baseball. The Double-A Seattle affiliate will be commemorating a tumultuous and ultimately triumphant moment in Civil Rights history.

The Show Before the Show crew looks at Double-A Reading's Flapjacks identity, Spring Training storylines featuring some of the top prospects in the game and the upcoming World Baseball Classic Qualifiers.

On Jan. 30, the Hartford Yard Goats announced that they would play a game this season as the Thunder Chickens. One week later the Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies unveiled another alternate identity: the Leaf Peepers.