Some nicknames seem obvious, such as Minnesota Twins for the twin cities, Milwaukee Brewers in honor of the city’s beer businesses, Philadelphia Phillies is alliterative, Baltimore Orioles named for the bird of that name, the former Houston Oilers as a nod to the city’s oil businesses, Arizona Diamondbacks as a nod to the snakes of the desert, Phoenix Suns as a nod to the blazing sunshine there, Los Angeles Angels in the city of Angels, and likely others I can’t think of offhand.
All I know is, when I think of Jazz Music, Utah is the first place to come to mind.
You’re right. San Diego Padres after the old mission that began settlement of California.
Washington Senators. Texas Rangers.
A lot of minor league teams, eg Sacramento Solons, reflecting the capital city. Oakland Oaks. Seattle Rainiers, after the mountain. Montreal Royals, Montreal meaning Mount Royal. Hollywood Stars. Buffalo Bisons.
Colorado Rockies in MLB.
Houston Oilers...
Wasn’t their cheer squad called the “Lubricants”?
(j/k)
LA Lakers started out in Minnesota...the land of 10,000 lakes.