Copa de la Diversión

Copa de la Diversión (transl. Fun Cup) is an initiative by Minor League Baseball to promote the sport and connect its teams to their Hispanic/Latino communities.[1] Teams adopt a culturally-relevant on-field persona for certain games each season.[2]

Copa de la Diversión logo
A 2019 Copa game between the Margaritas de El Paso (yellow) and Cazadores de Tormentas de Omaha (green)

History

The promotion started in 2017 with the Es Divertido Ser Un Fan ("It's Fun to Be a Fan") fan engagement program.[3] Four teams participated: the Las Vegas 51s, who took the field as the Reyes de Plata ("Silver Kings");[4] the Charlotte Knights as the Charlotte Caballeros;[5] the Visalia Rawhide, who played as the Visalia Toros;[6] and the Kane County Cougars, who did not change their name for the promotion.

In 2018, the program was renamed Copa de la Diversión and expanded to 33 teams.[7] A trophy (the "Fun Cup") was awarded to the Albuquerque Isotopes franchise, who played as the Mariachis de Nuevo México and set new attendance records during Copa games.[8][9] In 2019, participation increased to 72 teams.[10] Six teams that participated in 2018 using direct Spanish translations of their usual team name adopted new identities for 2019.[11] The number of participants increased to 92 for the 2020 season.[12]

In addition to changing monikers for Copa games, teams also utilize alternate logos, color schemes, jerseys, and hats.[13] The re-branding inspirations have ranged from historical, such as the Reyes de Plata in reference to the contributions migrant workers made to the mining industry of Nevada,[14] to culinary, with the Columbia Fireflies playing as the Chicharrones de Columbia.[15]

The 2020 minor league season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[16] Following the 2020 season, Major League Baseball assumed control of Minor League Baseball in a move to increase player salaries, modernize facility standards, and reduce travel.[17] This reorganization and elimination of some teams reduced Copa participants to 76 clubs in 2021.[18] Following the 2021 season, the Worcester Red Sox, who played Copa games as "Los Wepas de Worcester", were awarded the Fun Cup trophy.[19]

In 2022, participation grew to 85 teams.[20]

Participating teams
Key
Start The team's first season of Copa participation under the given identity
Participating teams
Copa name Official name Class League Start Notes Ref.
Abejas de Salt Lake Salt Lake Bees Triple-A Pacific Coast League 2018 "Abejas" is a direct translation of "Bees". [21]
Alces de Maine Portland Sea Dogs Double-A Eastern League 2020 moose
Alebrijes de Modesto Modesto Nuts Class A California League 2019 alebrijes
Ardillas Voladoras de Richmond Richmond Flying Squirrels Double-A Eastern League 2019 flying squirrels
Avocados Luchadores de Down East[lower-alpha 1] Down East Wood Ducks Class A Carolina League 2020 fighting avocados (of Down East)
Bandidos del Río de las Ciudades Cuádruples Quad Cities River Bandits High-A Midwest League 2022 river bandits of the quadruple cities (Quad Cities)
Boise Papas Fritas Boise Hawks independent baseball league Pioneer League 2020 French fries
Bólidos de Bowling Green Bowling Green Hot Rods High-A South Atlantic League 2020 racing cars
Bradenton Barbanegras Bradenton Marauders Class A Florida State League 2019 blackbeards
Brooklyn Jefes Brooklyn Cyclones High-A South Atlantic League 2018 bosses
Caballeros de Charlotte Charlotte Knights Triple-A International League 2017 gentlemen
Caballos de Stockton Stockton Ports Class A California League 2018 horses
Cabritos Maldichos de South Bend South Bend Cubs High-A Midwest League 2020 refers to the Curse of the Billy Goat [22]
Calaveras de West Michigan West Michigan Whitecaps High-A Midwest League 2019 skulls
Cangrejos Fantasmas de Chesapeake Bowie Baysox Double-A Eastern League 2018 ghost crabs
Cardenales de Springfield Springfield Cardinals Double-A Texas League 2020 cardinals (the bird)
Cascabeles de Wisconsin Wisconsin Timber Rattlers High-A Midwest League 2019 rattlers
Cazadores de Tormentas de Omaha Omaha Storm Chasers Triple-A International League 2018 storm chasers
Cervezas de Durham[lower-alpha 2][lower-alpha 3] Durham Bulls Triple-A International League 2020 beers
Chicharrones de Columbia Columbia Fireflies Class A Carolina League 2019 chicharrones
Chivos de Hartford Hartford Yard Goats Double-A Eastern League 2018 goats
Chupacabras de Round Rock Round Rock Express Triple-A Pacific Coast League 2018 chupacabras
Churros de San José[lower-alpha 4] San Jose Giants Class A California League 2019 churros
Cielo Azul de Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Dodgers Triple-A Pacific Coast League 2018 Cielo Azul translates to "Blue Sky" and is a reference to the Oklahoma sky. It also alludes to the color Dodger blue from parent organization the Los Angeles Dodgers and former Dodgers player Fernando Valenzuela—a Mexican-born pitcher who distinctively looked to the sky during his wind-up. [26]
Cocos Locos de Rochester Rochester Red Wings Triple-A International League 2020 crazy coconuts
Cóndores de Binghampton Binghamton Rumble Ponies Double-A Eastern League 2023 condors
Dulces de Sugar Land Sugar Land Space Cowboys Triple-A Pacific Coast League 2023 sweets
Congueros de Syracuse Syracuse Mets Triple-A International League 2022 A conguero is one who plays the conga drum, an instrument played throughout Latin countries but originating in Cuba.[27]
Conquistadores de Everett Everett AquaSox High-A Northwest League 2018 conquerors
Corpus Christi Cumbias[lower-alpha 5] Corpus Christi Hooks Double-A Texas League 2022 cumbias
Coquís de Lehigh Valley[lower-alpha 6] Lehigh Valley IronPigs Triple-A International League 2019 coquís
Cucuys de San Bernardino Inland Empire 66ers Class A California League 2018 "boogeymen" (see coco)
Demonios de Des Moines Iowa Cubs Triple-A International League 2019 demons
Diamantes de Arkansas Arkansas Travelers Double-A Texas League 2019 diamonds
Dorados de Sacramento Sacramento River Cats Triple-A Pacific Coast League 2018 goldens (the color not the fish)
Familia de Tacoma Tacoma Rainiers Triple-A Pacific Coast League 2019 family
Fenómenos Enmascarados del Valle de Hudson Hudson Valley Renegades High-A South Atlantic League 2020 masked phenoms
Flying Chanclas de San Antonio San Antonio Missions Double-A Texas League 2018 flying flip-flops (see flip-flops in popular culture)
Fundadores de Fredericksburg Fredericksburg Nationals Single-A Carolina League 2023 founders
Gallos de Delmarva Delmarva Shorebirds Class A Carolina League 2019 roosters (of Delmarva)
Gatos Feroces de New Hampshire New Hampshire Fisher Cats Double-A Eastern League 2019 ferocious cats
Granos de Cedar Rapids Cedar Rapid Kernels High-A Midwest League 2023 kernels
Guerreros de Fayetteville Fayetteville Woodpeckers Class A Carolina League 2020 warriors
Llamas de Hickory Hickory Crawdads High-A South Atlantic League 2019 llamas
Lecheros de Milwaukee Milwaukee Milkmen independent baseball league American Association of Professional Baseball milkmen
Lehigh Valley Mamajuana Lehigh Valley IronPigs Triple-A International League 2023 mama juana (or mamajuana)
Limonadas de Hill City Lynchburg Hillcats Single-A Carolina League 2023 lemonades
Lloronas de Montaña Rocosa Rocky Mountain Vibes independent baseball league Pioneer League 2020 Rocky Mountain weepers (see La Llorona)
Locos de Lansing Lansing Lugnuts High-A Midwest League 2019 crazies
Los Puentes de Tri-City Tri-City ValleyCats independent baseball league Frontier League 2020 the bridges
Lowriders de Fresno Fresno Grizzlies Class A California League 2019 lowriders
Luchadores de Reading[lower-alpha 7] Reading Fightin Phils Double-A Eastern League 2020 fighters
Lunaticos de Rocket City Rocket City Trash Pandas Double-A Southern League 2020 lunatics
Margaritas de El Paso[lower-alpha 8] El Paso Chihuahuas Triple-A Pacific Coast League 2019 Copa name is a reference to the Margarita cocktail which traces its origins to the El Paso-Juárez region. [30]
Mariachis de Nuevo México Albuquerque Isotopes Triple-A Pacific Coast League 2018 mariachis of New Mexico
Matamoscas de Midessa Midland RockHounds Double-A Texas League 2019 fly-swatters (of Midland-Odessa)
Medusas de Jersey Shore[lower-alpha 9] Jersey Shore BlueClaws[lower-alpha 10] High-A South Atlantic League 2021 jellyfish
Micheladas de Reno Reno Aces Triple-A Pacific Coast League 2023 micheladas
Monarcas de Eugene Eugene Emeralds High-A Northwest League 2018 monarchs (the butterfly)
Montañas de Chattanooga Chattanooga Lookouts Double-A Southern League 2019 mountains
Murciélagos de Louisville Louisville Bats Triple-A International League 2019 bats (the animal)
Música de Memphis[lower-alpha 11] Memphis Redbirds Triple-A International League 2018 music
Naturales del Noroeste de Arkansas Northwest Arkansas Naturals Double-A Texas League 2020 naturals
Ocelotes de Greensboro Greensboro Grasshoppers High-A South Atlantic League 2019 ocelots
Oso Pardo de Gateway Gateway Grizzlies independent baseball league Frontier League grizzly (bear)
Pajaritos de Norfolk Norfolk Tides Triple-A International League 2019 birdies
Paletas de Beloit Beloit Sky Carp High-A Midwest League 2023 popsicles (see paletas)
Pavos Salvajes de Augusta Augusta GreenJackets Single-A Carolina League 2023 wild turkeys
Pelícanos de Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach Pelicans Class A Carolina League 2019 pelicans
Pensacola Pok-Ta-Pok Pensacola Blue Wahoos Double-A Southern League 2023 see pok-ta-pok
Peoria en el Río Peoria Chiefs High-A Midwest League 2020 "on the river" (refers to annual festival of the same name)
Pepinillos Picantes del Norte Great Lakes Loons High-A Midwest League 2022 spicy pickles
Perros Calientes de Akron Akron RubberDucks Double-A Eastern League 2021 hot dogs
Perros Santos de Charleston Charleston RiverDogs Class A Carolina League 2019 holy dogs
Pescados de Carolina Carolina Mudcats Class A Carolina League 2019 fish
Picantes de Lake County Lake County Captains High-A Midwest League 2019 spicies
Piñatas de Erie Erie SeaWolves Double-A Eastern League 2019 piñatas
Playeros de Harrisburg Harrisburg Senators Double-A Eastern League 2020 beachmen
Pointy Boots de Amarillo Amarillo Sod Poodles Double-A Texas League 2020 see pointy boots
Los Quesos de Frisco Frisco RoughRiders Double-A Texas League 2022 the cheeses
Ranas de Rio[lower-alpha 12] Greenville Drive High-A South Atlantic League 2021 river frogs
Rápidos de Kannapolis Kannapolis Cannon Ballers[lower-alpha 13] Class A Carolina League 2018 rapids
Reyes de Plata de Las Vegas Las Vegas Aviators[lower-alpha 14] Triple-A Pacific Coast League 2017 "Reyes de Plata" or "Silver Kings" honors migrant workers in the silver mining industry who helped Nevada earn its "Silver State" nickname. [31]
Rumberos de Daytona Daytona Tortugas Single-A Florida State League 2023 partygoers (see also rumba)
Salsa de Winston-Salem[lower-alpha 15] Winston-Salem Dash High-A South Atlantic League 2018 salsa (the sauce not the music)
San Bernardos de Salem Salem Red Sox Class A Carolina League 2019 St. Bernards (dog)
Santos de San Pablo St. Paul Saints Triple-A International League 2022 saints of St. Paul
Soñadores de Hillsboro[lower-alpha 16] Hillsboro Hops High-A Northwest League 2019 "Soñadores" translates to "Dreamers" and its Copa logo is an Alebrije with embedded graduation caps and a tail that symbolizes the flame on the Statue of Liberty. [33]
Temblores de Rancho Cucamonga Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Class A California League 2018 earthquakes
Toros Bravos de Durham Durham Bulls Triple-A International League 2023 brave bulls (or fighting bulls)
Toros de Visalia Visalia Rawhide Class A California League 2017 bulls
Tumba Vacas de Wichita Wichita Wind Surge Double-A Texas League 2022 grave cows
Vejigantes de Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Triple-A International League 2019 vejigantes
Veleros de Columbus Columbus Clippers Triple-A International League 2019 sailboats
Vihuelas de Nashville Nashville Sounds Triple-A International League 2019[lower-alpha 17] The vihuela, a high-pitched Mexican guitar popular with Mariachi groups, reflected Nashville's musical heritage. [34]
Viñeros de Tri-City Tri-City Dust Devils High-A Northwest League 2019 vineyard workers
Los Wepas de Worcester Worcester Red Sox Triple-A International League 2021 "¡Wepa!" is a Puerto Rican slang term used to express excitement, similar to saying "Woo-hoo!" [35]
Xolos de Gwinnett Gwinnett Stripers Triple-A International League 2019 xolos (as in Xoloitzcuintle)
Yacumamas de Asheville Asheville Tourists High-A South Atlantic League 2020 see yacumama
Zorros de Somerset Somerset Patriots Double-A Eastern League 2022 foxes

Former identities
Copa name Official name Class League Season(s) Notes Ref(s).
Cadejos de Lake Elsinore Lake Elsinore Storm Class A-Advanced California League 2019–2020 see cadejos
Campesinos de Salem-Keizer Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Class A Short Season Northwest League 2020 farmers
Carnívoros de Ogden Ogden Raptors Rookie Pioneer League 2020 carnivores
Cervezas de Durham Durham Bulls Triple-A International League 2020 beers
Cinco Estaciones de Cedar Rapids Cedar Rapid Kernels High-A Midwest League 2020 five seasons
Clinton Elotes Clinton LumberKings Class A Midwest League 2019–2020 cobs (as in corn) -- see elote
Coquís de Florida Florida Fire Frogs Class A-Advanced Florida State League 2019–2020 coquís
Coquís de Lehigh Valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs Triple-A International League 2019 coquís
Corazones de Reno Reno Aces Triple-A Pacific Coast League 2019 hearts
El Paso Chihuahuas El Paso Chihuahuas Triple-A Pacific Coast League 2018 The Chihuahuas retained their official moniker and logo, but utilized an alternate color scheme. [29]
Energía de Greenville Greenville Drive Class A South Atlantic League 2018–2020 energy
Frijoles Saltarines de Puerto Carlota Charlotte Stone Crabs Class A-Advanced Florida State League 2020 jumping beans of Port Charlotte
Kane County Cougars Kane County Cougars Class A Midwest League 2017–2020 cougars
Lake Elsinore Storm Lake Elsinore Storm Class A-Advanced California League 2018 The Storm retained their official moniker and logo, but utilized an alternate color scheme. [36]
Lehigh Valley Tocino Lehigh Valley IronPigs Triple-A International League 2018 "Tocino", Spanish for "Bacon", continued the incorporation of pork-related food products in Lehigh Valley's branding. [28]
Leyendas de Lexington Lexington Legends Class A South Atlantic League 2019–2020 legends
Lúpulos de Hillsboro Hillsboro Hops Class A Short Season Northwest League 2018 "Lúpulos" is a direct translation of "Hops". [32]
Madres de Idaho Falls Idaho Falls Chukars Rookie Pioneer League 2020 mothers
Mal de Ojo de Durham Durham Bulls Triple-A International League 2019 the evil eye -- see evil eye
Manzanas Luchadores de Fort Wayne Fort Wayne TinCaps Class A Midwest League 2020 fighting apples
Molinos de Burlington Burlington Royals Rookie Appalachian League 2020 grinders (or mills)
Osos Polares de Pawtucket Pawtucket Red Sox Triple-A International League 2019–2020 polar bears
Patos Joyuyos de Down East Down East Wood Ducks Class A-Advanced Carolina League 2019 jeweled ducks
Peleadores de Reading Reading Fightin Phils Double-A Eastern League 2019 fighters (or brawlers)
Petroleros de Tulsa Tulsa Drillers Double-A Texas League 2018–2019 oilmen
Raspas de Corpus Christi Corpus Christi Hooks Double-A Texas League 2018–2021 scrapers (refers to shaved ice)
Rayados de Winston-Salem Winston-Salem Dash High-A South Atlantic League 2018–2021 the striped ones
San Jose Gigantes San Jose Giants Class A-Advanced California League 2018 "Gigantes" is a direct translation of "Giants". [25]
Toros de Durham Durham Bulls Triple-A International League 2017–2018 "Toros" is a direct translation of "Bulls". [23][24]
Tortugas de Daytona Daytona Tortugas Class A Florida State League 2018 turtles
Trueno de Trenton Trenton Thunder Double-A Eastern League 2019–2020 thunder
Viento de Lancaster Lancaster JetHawks Class A-Advanced California League 2019–2020 wind

Notes
  1. Down East competed as the "Patos Joyuyos de Down East" in 2019
  2. Durham competed as the "Toros de Durham" in 2017 and 2018.[23][24]
  3. Durham competed as the "Mal de Ojo de Durham" in 2019.
  4. San Jose competed as the "San Jose Gigantes" in 2018.[25]
  5. Corpus Christi competed as the "Raspas de Corpus Christi" from 2018 to 2021.
  6. Lehigh Valley competed as the "Lehigh Valley Tocino" in 2018.[28]
  7. Reading competed as the "Peleadores de Reading" in 2019.
  8. El Paso competed as the "El Paso Chihuahuas" in 2018.[29]
  9. Jersey Shore competed as the "Medusas de Lakewood" from 2019 to 2020.
  10. The Jersey Shore BlueClaws were known as the Lakewood BlueClaws from 2019 to 2020.
  11. Memphis did not participate from 2020 to 2021.
  12. Greenville competed as the "Energía de Greenville" from 2018 to 2020.
  13. The Kannapolis Cannon Ballers were known as the Kannapolis Intimidators in 2018 and 2019.
  14. The Las Vegas Aviators were known as the Las Vegas 51s in 2017 and 2018.
  15. Winton-Salem competed as the "Rayados de Winston-Salem" form 2018 to 2021.
  16. Hillsboro competed as the "Lúpulos de Hillsboro" in 2018.[32]
  17. Nashville did not participate in 2021.

References
  1. "Minor League Baseball reveals full schedule of games and date of Unveiling Day for 2019 Copa de la Diversión". MiLB.com. February 18, 2019.
  2. "Minor League Baseball's 'Copa De La Diversión' Hispanic Fan Engagement Initiative Expands to 72 Teams for 2019". Minor League Baseball. September 24, 2018. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  3. "MiLB launches Hispanic-focused initiative 'Es Divertido Ser Un Fan'". MiLB.com. July 24, 2017.
  4. "51s debut special 'Reyes de Plata' uniforms during Tuesday's game". Las Vegas Review Journal. August 2, 2017.
  5. "The Charlotte Knights Are About To Change Their Name To The Charlotte Caballeros". charlottestories.com. July 25, 2017.
  6. "Rawhide change name to Toros for Latino heritage event". Visalia Times Delta. July 24, 2017.
  7. "Minor League Baseball To Have 'Copa De La Diversión' In Effort To Reach Latino Communities". Forbes. March 20, 2018.
  8. "Minor League Baseball Announces 2019 Copa de la Diversión". La Vida Baseball. March 18, 2019.
  9. "How the numbers stacked up for Mariachi nights at Isotopes Park". bizjournals.com. August 21, 2018.
  10. "2019 Copa de la Diversión Identities Unveiled". Ballpark Digest. March 18, 2019.
  11. "Copa de la Diversión 2019: Same Team, New Identity". Ben's Biz. March 21, 2019.
  12. "Copa Ready to Reach Higher in Third Season". MiLB.com. November 14, 2019. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
  13. "MiLB unveils Copa de la Diversion logos: Part 2". sportslogos.net. March 18, 2019.
  14. "Las Vegas Reyes de Plata Copa Branding". milbcopa.mlblogs.com. March 20, 2018.
  15. "Big on the Pig: Why the Columbia Fireflies Will Become the Chicharrones For Several Games". Post and Courier: Free Times. March 21, 2019.
  16. "2020 Minor League Baseball Season Shelved". Minor League Baseball. June 30, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  17. Mayo, Jonathan (February 12, 2021). "MLB Announces New Minors Teams, Leagues". Major League Baseball. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  18. Mann, Tyler (April 19, 2021). "Copa de la Diversión Back With a Bang in 2021". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  19. Heneghan, Kelsie (December 7, 2021). "Wepa! WooSox Win Copa de la Diversión". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
  20. "Copa Brings Celebration to Even More Communities". Minor League Baseball. March 31, 2022. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  21. "Bees Unveil New Abejas de Salt Lake Logos". Salt Lake Bees. Minor League Baseball. March 18, 2019. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
  22. "Los Cabritos Maldichos | South Bend".
  23. "Toros de Durham to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Night". Durham Bulls. Minor League Baseball. July 24, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
  24. "Toros de Durham Copa Branding". Durham Bulls. Minor League Baseball. March 20, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
  25. "San Jose Gigantes Copa Branding". MiLB Copa de la Diversión. Minor League Baseball. March 20, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
  26. "Cielo Azul de Oklahoma City play inaugural game at Bricktown". okcfox.com. May 31, 2018. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
  27. "Syracuse Mets to Become Congueros de Syracuse for Copa de la Diversión Series". Minor League Baseball. March 31, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  28. "Lehigh Valley Tocino Copa Branding". MiLB Copa de la Diversión. Minor League Baseball. March 20, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
  29. "El Paso Chihuahuas Copa Branding". Durham Bulls. Minor League Baseball. March 20, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
  30. "The Man Who Invented the Margarita". Texas Monthly. October 1974. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
  31. Kantowski, Ron (July 24, 2017). "51s to Be Known as 'Las Vegas Silver Kings' as Part of Hispanic Initiative". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
  32. "Hillsboro Hops To Transform Into "Los Lúpulos de Hillsboro" for Five Games During 2018 Season". Hillsboro Hops. Minor League Baseball. March 20, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
  33. "Hillsboro Hops Will Become 'Dreamers' for Four Games This Season". OregonLive. March 18, 2019. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
  34. "Copa Nashville". Nashville Sounds. Minor League Baseball. March 18, 2019. Retrieved March 18, 2019.
  35. Caputo, Paul (April 18, 2021). "Woosox Likely to Play As Los Wepas de Worcester in Copa Games". Sports Logos. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  36. "Lake Elsinore Storm Copa Branding". MiLB Copa de la Diversión. Minor League Baseball. March 20, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
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