The Frederick Keys will mark their return to the ranks of affiliated baseball next season with a new set of logos. The refreshed brand maintains the team’s nickname of 36 seasons while updating the visual identity to include something it has never had before—literal keys. The Keys’ color palette and typography tie them to their once and future parent club in Baltimore, who play just 50 to the east.
The Keys, named for Frederick County native and author of “The Star Spangle Banner” Francis Scott Key, were the High A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles in the Carolina League from their inception in 1989 until 2020, when they were relegated to the collegiate summer level MLB Draft League. They’ll reprise their position as the Orioles’ High A affiliate, now in the South Atlantic League, with a new look next season.
The new suite of logos, created by Baltilmore-based firm Younts Design, includes a cap logo that features the letter F with a skeleton key serving as its horizontal cross stroke. Per a statement from the team, “This mark reflects the city’s pride, resilience, and enduring love for baseball.”
New to the team’s identity is a “Key City” wordmark, which highligts Frederick’s nickname. The script mark is set in the same style as the primary logo, “creating a cohesive visual identity that honors tradition while embracing the future,” the team explained.
The team’s mascot, Keyote, is now officially a part of the team’s suite of logos. Keyote, a familiar face to Keys fans, will sport a new uniform and hat in 2026.
“These logos aren’t just graphics—they’re a reflection of the spirited and rich traditions of Frederick and its enduring love for baseball,” said Greg Baroni, Founder and CEO of Attain Sports and owner of the Frederick Keys, in a statement. “This community never stopped believing, and as we return to affiliated baseball, our commitment is stronger than ever…. We’re investing not just in the stadium, but also in the full fan experience. The refreshed brand is just the beginning of what’s to come in 2026!”
The Keys will debut their new duds in April 2026.
