The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are a professional Canadian football team based in Hamilton, Ontario. They are members of the East Division of the Canadian Football League (CFL). The “Tiger-Cats” name has been in use by Hamilton football teams since the 1950s, but where did it come from? There are a few popular theories about the origin of the unique “Tiger-Cats” moniker.
Merger of Two Teams
One explanation is that it is the result of a merger between two previous Hamilton football franchises. In 1950, the Hamilton Tigers and the Hamilton Wildcats amalgamated to form the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The Tigers had been around since 1869 and were one of the oldest professional sports franchises in North America. They had won four Grey Cup championships by that point. The Wildcats were a relatively new club founded in 1941. They only played one season before having to suspend operations due to World War II. By merging the two teams in 1950, Hamilton hoped to produce a powerhouse squad. The new Tiger-Cats name paid tribute to both of Hamilton’s historic clubs.
Connection to Princeton University
Another theory is that the name is derived from Princeton University’s athletic nickname. Princeton, located in New Jersey, has used the Tigers nickname since the 1800s. In the early 20th century, their football uniforms featured orange and black stripes, earning them the nickname “The Tiger-Striped Team.” By the 1920s, headlines shortened this to “Tiger-Cats.”
Hamilton was likely trying to capture some of Princeton’s winning magic and reputation by adopting the Tiger-Cats moniker. The black and yellow colors of the Tiger-Cats uniforms reinforce the Princeton connection. Princeton University has no direct relationship with the Hamilton football franchise, but the shared tiger mascot and coloring suggests that Princeton was the original inspiration.
Local History of a Cavalry Unit
A third origin story looks to the local history of a Hamilton militia cavalry unit. In the 19th century, the area had a British cavalry unit nicknamed the “Tiger Cats” because of their orange and black facings. The unit was named after the Royal Kent Regiment of Foot, who had earned the “Tiger Cats” epithet during the Napoleonic Wars.
Some argue that the football team intentionally chose the historic militia name of a revered local cavalry unit when they merged in 1950. The tiger stripes on the team’s helmets and stockings are said to be a deliberate callback to the militia’s uniforms.
Problems with the Princeton Theory
The Princeton connection is a popular explanation, but there are some issues with this theory:
Princeton Dropped the Name Decades Earlier
Princeton University actually stopped using the Tiger-Cats nickname in the early 1930s. By the time Hamilton adopted it in 1950, the Tiger-Cats name hadn’t been associated with Princeton for nearly twenty years. It’s unclear if Hamilton would have chosen an obsolete nickname not used for decades by Princeton.
No Formal Link between Hamilton and Princeton
There is no evidence of a formal relationship or agreement between Princeton and Hamilton to share or borrow the Tiger-Cats moniker. Princeton first used the name informally because of their striped uniforms, not as an official brand.
Different Tiger Logos
The tiger logo used by Hamilton has no resemblance to the tiger logo Princeton created in the 1980s. Princeton uses a realistic, snarling tiger head, while Hamilton’s tiger logo is cartoonish and smiling. The vastly different logos suggest no coordinated branding.
Princeton Tiger Logo | Hamilton Tiger-Cats Logo |
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Evidence Supporting the Local Militia Unit Theory
The Tiger Cats cavalry unit theory better explains the franchise’s name when the evidence is closely examined:
Well Documented Local Militia Unit
The Tiger Cats cavalry unit is well documented in local history books and records. The unit was active in the Hamilton area in the 1800s, so there is clear historical evidence tying the “Tiger Cats” name to Hamilton before their football team adopted it.
Overlap between Unit and Team Uniforms
The tiger striped uniforms of Princeton have little resemblance to the Tiger-Cats actual uniforms. In contrast, the militia unit’s orange and black facings likely inspired the football team’s colors and helmet stripes. The franchise specifically chose colors matching the 19th century unit.
Unknown Princeton Link at the Time
There is no record of anyone in Hamilton’s front office in 1950 mentioning the Princeton Tiger-Cats as inspiration. However, the local militia unit was still remembered by many Hamilton residents. It seems more plausible that the football team meant to invoke the local Tiger Cats legend.
Tiger Cats Cavalry Unit Uniform Circa 1860 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats Football Uniform Circa 1960 |
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Why the Name Endured for Over 70 Years
Regardless of which origin theory is accurate, the Tiger-Cats name has now been associated with Hamilton football for over 70 years. Here are some reasons why it has become so deeply ingrained in the franchise’s identity:
Consistent Branding Since 1950
The Tiger-Cats have used the same name, logos, and colors consistently since the 1950 merger. Generations of fans have grown up cheering for the black and gold Tiger-Cats. The brand is now iconic for Hamilton.
Tied to Team’s Successes
The team won their first Grey Cup championship as the Tiger-Cats in 1953. That first title established the new Tiger-Cats brand as a winner. With 8 total Grey Cup wins, the name is linked to the team’s greatest moments.
Support from Prominent Fans
Well-known Hamiltonians like comedian Martin Short and musician Tom Wilson have been huge Tiger-Cats boosters. Their celebrity fandom has boosted the name recognition nationally.
Mascot Named Stripes
The Tiger-Cats’ mascot Stripes was introduced in 1978 and is beloved by generations of fans. His name reinforces the tiger theme that is central to the team’s identity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the most plausible explanation for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats name is that it was inspired by the local 19th century Tiger Cats cavalry unit. The other theories about a Princeton tribute or simple merger name are less convincing when the evidence is scrutinized. Regardless of the actual origins, the Tiger-Cats brand has become ingrained in Hamilton’s culture after 70 years. For fans today, it simply signifies the team they grew up cheering for and loving. Going forward, the distinctive Tiger-Cats name and logos will likely remain key parts of Hamilton’s football identity.