The Altoona Curve, Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, derive their name from the famous Horseshoe Curve, a 2,375-foot railroad track in central Pennsylvania that spins trains 180 degrees over the Allegheny Mountains. This engineering marvel, built between 1851 and 1854, has historical significance, having been traveled by presidents from Abraham Lincoln to Jimmy Carter and targeted during World War II by saboteurs. The name “Curve” was a write-in suggestion when the team was established in 1998, chosen for its clever double meaning referencing both the Horseshoe Curve and the curveball in baseball.
The team's branding pays homage to Altoona’s rich railroading history, with their current cap logo featuring a railroad track “C” and colors inspired by railroads, such as brick red and copper. In 2011, the Curve rebranded with a new look designed by Brandiose, which includes an engineer mascot and a keystone, a nod to Pennsylvania's nickname, the Keystone State.