Woodpeckers are Astros' new Minors affiliate

The Astros on Sunday made their Class A Advanced move official, as the club unveiled the Fayetteville (N.C.) Woodpeckers.

The Woodpeckers' team name pays homage to an endangered species in the area, and the club's uniforms will be black and red. Its concept came directly from the Fayetteville community, which shared insight in town hall meetings, online surveys and one-on-one conversations. Other names that were considered, per the Fayetteville Observer, included the Wood Dogs, Fatbacks, Fly Traps and Jumpers.

The Woodpeckers' brand, according to a release by the Astros, "celebrates the core characteristics of the city, its natural beauty and proud community."

"The Houston Astros have found the perfect location for our Class A Advanced affiliate in Fayetteville, N.C.," Astros president of business operations Reid Ryan said in a statement. "The all-American feel of the city, its support of our nation's military and its economic development make it a great environment for the championship-caliber baseball we will bring to the Fayetteville community."

"The Houston Astros are thrilled to partner with the City of Fayetteville to open a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue at the epicenter of the city's new downtown development," said Astros senior director of business operations Dan O'Neill in a statement. "In addition to the new retail, restaurant, hotel and office space, it will be the top destination in Fayetteville for fun. The community has welcomed us with open arms and has already shown overwhelming energy and enthusiasm for our new brand. The Fayetteville Woodpeckers are proud to call Fayetteville home and plan to build on this excitement for years to come."

Sunday's announcement was nearly two years in the making. After the Astros' player-development contract expired with Lancaster (Calif.) at the end of the 2016 season, the club had been in the market for a new home, settling in Buies Creek, N.C., for '17 before moving to Fayetteville. The Astros have signed a 30-year lease with Fayetteville, home of a $37.8 million state-of-the-art sports complex.