When you think of classic names in team sports, monikers such as Yankees, Packers and Canadiens come to mind. But what about teams outside the realm of major professional sports?

There are many small, independent sports leagues in every sport that most people are unaware of. And part of getting people to notice them is coming up with a unique name. Here is a look at some of the more interesting ones out there.

- Omaha Beef

The Beef play in the United Indoor Football League, which is a league made up of teams mostly in the Midwest. Basically, it is Arena Football, but a notch below. How can you tell that? Because the team finished the season about a month ago, but the schedule page on their website has them at 3 wins, 4 losses and 8 ties, with all the ties being 0-0. They do have a cool name for their mascot, who is a cow and goes by Sir Loin. Another thing to admire about them - their dance team, as you can tell by the picture. The name of that dance team? The Omaha Prime.

- Miami Vice Squad

The Vice Squad play in the National Indoor Football League, which is another lower level type of Arena League. They must be doing well, though, as they are expanding - and you can be a part of it. Just make a call to an 800 number, and you can have your own team!

- Lehigh Valley Outlawz

You really have to love these indoor football teams. The Outlawz play in the Continental Indoor Football League, and had a nice season, going 7-5. The name is definitely a good one, and though there are plenty of teams with the name Outlaws, this franchise gets the nod, as they spell it with the very hip "z" at the end, instead of the more traditional and feminine "s". Not only that, but Outlawz was the name of 2Pac's rap group.

- Traverse City Beach Bums

The Beach Bums are a part of the Frontier League, an independent baseball league. Seeing as how the team plays in Michigan, the name Beach Bums is unique, as Beach Bums is more often associated with people in California or maybe Hawaii. It is appropriate, though, as Traverse City is on the shore of Lake Huron. Incidentally, there is an island not too far north off shore from Traverse City called Beaver Island. Just a little FYI. Maybe Jessica Alba go to that beach, too.

- Edmonton Cracker-Cats

The Cracker-Cats are a baseball team that is part of the Northern League. They are currently having a tough year though, with a winning percentage of .349, worst in the league. The Cracker-Cats can take solace in the fact that they have a cool name, if that's any consolation to them.

- Bradenton Juice

While the name is a reference to Bradenton being the corporate headquarters of Tropicana, it still seems an odd choice for a baseball team. The Juice are a part of the South Coast League, made up of six teams in the southern U.S.

- New Jersey HitMen


What's better than referencing a state's affiliation with organized crime? The Eastern Junior Hockey League team seems very proud of it's name. Just check out the team's logo, featuring a man who is smoking a cigar, wearing a tidy suit and hat with sunglasses. This team is not to be confused with the XFL team in New Jersey of the same name.

Other notable team names:
-Georgia Gwizzlies (yes, with a "w") of the American Basketball Association
-Minnesota Ripknees of the Premier Basketball League
-Louisiana Swashbucklers of the Intense Football League
-Quad City Steamwheelers of the AF2 (Arena League minor league teams)
-Sarasota Millionaires of the Southern States Football League