Okay, a few thoughts here.
1. It's a clever name.
2. Oh, fergoshsakes, don't make up some coy backstory to claim that your "London Rippers" mascot isn't really (at least inspired by) Jack the Ripper.
3. Okay, maybe in poor taste.
4. Rush Limbaugh thinks it's funny and uproariously offensive, so it is definitely in poor taste.
5. Would it be funny if it were the Berlin (Wisconsin) Mengeles? Okay, there wouldn't be the baseball pun (can't think of a Nazi baseball pun at the moment), but what about the Rome (Georgia) Caligulas? Or the Lisbon (Maine) Bordens? Or the Charlestown (SC) Mansons? Is a mass murderer and historic villain really appropriate for a baseball team (with associated team paraphernalia to be worn by kids and adults)?
6. On the other hand, the Vikings weren't very nice people. Neither were most Pirates. #ddtb
Embedded Link
London Rippers’ baseball team name and logo buzzing in U.S.
U.S.A. Today, NBC Sports and Rush Limbaugh all have commented on the London, Ont. baseball team logo that resembles Jack the Ripper
That is actually a very good measure of taste and tact. WWLS (What Would Limbaugh Say).