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]
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 monickers 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]
Table key[]
Start | The team's first season of Copa participation under the given identity |
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Participating teams[]
Copa name | Official name | Class | League | Start | Notes | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Abejas de Salt Lake | Salt Lake Bees | Triple-A | Triple-A West | 2018 | "Abejas" is a direct translation of "Bees". | [20] |
Alces de Maine | Portland Sea Dogs | Double-A | Double-A Northeast | 2020 | ||
Alebrijes de Modesto | Modesto Nuts | Low-A | Low-A West | 2019 | ||
Ardillas Voladoras de Richmond | Richmond Flying Squirrels | Double-A | Double-A Northeast | 2019 | ||
Avocados Luchadores de Down East[a] | Down East Wood Ducks | Low-A | Low-A East | 2020 | ||
Bólidos de Bowling Green | Bowling Green Hot Rods | High-A | High-A East | 2020 | ||
Bradenton Barbanegras | Bradenton Marauders | Low-A | Low-A Southeast | 2019 | ||
Brooklyn Jefes | Brooklyn Cyclones | High-A | High-A East | 2018 | ||
Caballeros de Charlotte | Charlotte Knights | Triple-A | Triple-A East | 2017 | ||
Caballos de Stockton | Stockton Ports | Low-A | Low-A West | 2018 | ||
Cabritos Maldichos de South Bend | South Bend Cubs | High-A | High-A Central | 2020 | Reference to the Curse of the Billy Goat | [21] |
Calaveras de West Michigan | West Michigan Whitecaps | High-A | High-A Central | 2019 | ||
Cangrejos Fantasmas de Chesapeake | Bowie Baysox | Double-A | Double-A Northeast | 2018 | ||
Cardenales de Springfield | Springfield Cardinals | Double-A | Double-A Central | 2020 | ||
Cascabeles de Wisconsin | Wisconsin Timber Rattlers | High-A | High-A Central | 2019 | ||
Cazadores de Tormentas de Omaha | Omaha Storm Chasers | Triple-A | Triple-A East | 2018 | ||
Cervezas de Durham[b][c] | Durham Bulls | Triple-A | Triple-A East | 2020 | ||
Chicharrones de Columbia | Columbia Fireflies | Low-A | Low-A East | 2019 | ||
Chivos de Hartford | Hartford Yard Goats | Double-A | Double-A Northeast | 2018 | ||
Chupacabras de Round Rock | Round Rock Express | Triple-A | Triple-A West | 2018 | ||
Churros de San José[d] | San Jose Giants | Low-A | Low-A West | 2019 | ||
Cielo Azul de Oklahoma City | Oklahoma City Dodgers | Triple-A | Triple-A West | 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. | [25] |
Cinco Estaciones de Cedar Rapids | Cedar Rapids Kernels | High-A | High-A Central | 2020 | ||
Cocos Locos de Rochester | Rochester Red Wings | Triple-A | Triple-A East | 2020 | ||
Conquistadores de Everett | Everett AquaSox | High-A | High-A West | 2018 | ||
Coquís de Lehigh Valley[e] | Lehigh Valley IronPigs | Triple-A | Triple-A East | 2019 | ||
Corazones de Reno | Reno Aces | Triple-A | Triple-A West | 2019 | ||
Cucuys de San Bernardino | Inland Empire 66ers | Low-A | Low-A West | 2018 | ||
Demonios de Des Moines | Iowa Cubs | Triple-A | Triple-A East | 2019 | ||
Diamantes de Arkansas | Arkansas Travelers | Double-A | Double-A Central | 2019 | ||
Familia de Tacoma | Tacoma Rainiers | Triple-A | Triple-A West | 2019 | ||
Fenómenos Enmascarados del Valle de Hudson | Hudson Valley Renegades | High-A | High-A East | 2020 | ||
Flying Chanclas de San Antonio | San Antonio Missions | Double-A | Double-A Central | 2018 | ||
Gallos de Delmarva | Delmarva Shorebirds | Low-A | Low-A East | 2019 | ||
Gatos Feroces de New Hampshire | New Hampshire Fisher Cats | Double-A | Double-A Northeast | 2019 | ||
Guerreros de Fayetteville | Fayetteville Woodpeckers | Low-A | Low-A East | 2020 | ||
Llamas de Hickory | Hickory Crawdads | High-A | High-A East | 2019 | ||
Locos de Lansing | Lansing Lugnuts | High-A | High-A Central | 2019 | ||
Lowriders de Fresno | Fresno Grizzlies | Low-A | Low-A West | 2019 | ||
Luchadores de Reading[f] | Reading Fightin Phils | Double-A | Double-A Northeast | 2020 | ||
Margaritas de El Paso[g] | El Paso Chihuahuas | Triple-A | Triple-A West | 2019 | Copa name is a reference to the Margarita cocktail which traces its origins to the El Paso-Juárez region. | [28] |
Mariachis de Nuevo México | Albuquerque Isotopes | Triple-A | Triple-A West | 2018 | ||
Matamoscas de Midessa | Midland RockHounds | Double-A | Double-A Central | 2019 | ||
Medusas de Jersey Shore[h] | Jersey Shore BlueClaws[i] | High-A | High-A East | 2021 | ||
Monarcas de Eugene | Eugene Emeralds | High-A | High-A West | 2018 | ||
Montañas de Chattanooga | Chattanooga Lookouts | Double-A | Double-A South | 2019 | ||
Murciélagos de Louisville | Louisville Bats | Triple-A | Triple-A East | 2019 | ||
Naturales del Noroeste de Arkansas | Northwest Arkansas Naturals | Double-A | Double-A Central | 2020 | ||
Ocelotes de Greensboro | Greensboro Grasshoppers | High-A | High-A East | 2019 | ||
Pajaritos de Norfolk | Norfolk Tides | Triple-A | Triple-A East | 2019 | ||
Pelícanos de Myrtle Beach | Myrtle Beach Pelicans | Low-A | Low-A East | 2019 | ||
Peoria en el Río | Peoria Chiefs | High-A | High-A Central | 2020 | ||
Perros Calientes de Akron | Akron RubberDucks | Double-A | Double-A Northeast | 2021 | ||
Perros Santos de Charleston | Charleston RiverDogs | Low-A | Low-A East | 2019 | ||
Pescados de Carolina | Carolina Mudcats | Low-A | Low-A East | 2019 | ||
Picantes de Lake County | Lake County Captains | High-A | High-A Central | 2019 | ||
Piñatas de Erie | Erie SeaWolves | Double-A | Double-A Northeast | 2019 | ||
Playeros de Harrisburg | Harrisburg Senators | Double-A | Double-A Northeast | 2020 | ||
Pointy Boots de Amarillo | Amarillo Sod Poodles | Double-A | Double-A Central | 2020 | ||
Ranas de Rio[j] | Greenville Drive | High-A | High-A East | 2021 | ||
Rápidos de Kannapolis | Kannapolis Cannon Ballers[k] | Low-A | Low-A East | 2018 | ||
Raspas de Corpus Christi | Corpus Christi Hooks | Double-A | Double-A Central | 2018 | ||
Rayados de Winston-Salem | Winston-Salem Dash | High-A | High-A East | 2018 | ||
Reyes de Plata de Las Vegas | Las Vegas Aviators[l] | Triple-A | Triple-A West | 2017 | "Reyes de Plata" or "Silver Kings" honors migrant workers in the silver mining industry who helped Nevada earn its "Silver State" nickname. | [29] |
Sacramento Dorados | Sacramento River Cats | Triple-A | Triple-A West | 2018 | ||
San Bernardos de Salem | Salem Red Sox | Low-A | Low-A East | 2019 | ||
Soñadores de Hillsboro[m] | Hillsboro Hops | High-A | High-A West | 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. | [31] |
Temblores de Rancho Cucamonga | Rancho Cucamonga Quakes | Low-A | Low-A West | 2018 | ||
Toros de Visalia | Visalia Rawhide | Low-A | Low-A West | 2017 | ||
Tortugas de Daytona | Daytona Tortugas | Low-A | Low-A Southeast | 2018 | ||
Vejigantes de Scranton/Wilkes-Barre | Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders | Triple-A | Triple-A East | 2019 | ||
Veleros de Columbus | Columbus Clippers | Triple-A | Triple-A East | 2019 | ||
Viñeros de Tri-City | Tri-City Dust Devils | High-A | High-A West | 2019 | ||
Los Wepas de Worcester | Worcester Red Sox | Triple-A | Triple-A East | 2021 | "¡Wepa!" is a Puerto Rican slang term used to express excitement, similar to saying "Woo-hoo!" | [32] |
Xolos de Gwinnett | Gwinnett Stripers | Triple-A | Triple-A East | 2019 | ||
Yacumamas de Asheville | Asheville Tourists | High-A | High-A East | 2020 |
Former identities[]
Copa name | Official name | Class | League | Season(s) | Notes | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Boise Papas Fritas | Boise Hawks | Class A Short Season | Northwest League | 2020 | ||
Cadejos de Lake Elsinore | Lake Elsinore Storm | Class A-Advanced | California League | 2019–2020 | ||
Campesinos de Salem-Keizer | Salem-Keizer Volcanoes | Class A Short Season | Northwest League | 2020 | ||
Carnívoros de Ogden | Ogden Raptors | Rookie | Pioneer League | 2020 | ||
Clinton Elotes | Clinton LumberKings | Class A | Midwest League | 2019–2020 | ||
Coquís de Florida | Florida Fire Frogs | Class A-Advanced | Florida State League | 2019–2020 | ||
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. | [27] |
Energía de Greenville | Greenville Drive | Class A | South Atlantic League | 2018–2020 | ||
Frijoles Saltarines de Puerto Carlota | Charlotte Stone Crabs | Class A-Advanced | Florida State League | 2020 | ||
Kane County Cougars | Kane County Cougars | Class A | Midwest League | 2017–2020 | ||
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. | [33] |
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. | [26] |
Leyendas de Lexington | Lexington Legends | Class A | South Atlantic League | 2019–2020 | ||
Lloronas de Montaña Rocosa | Rocky Mountain Vibes | Rookie | Pioneer League | 2020 | ||
Lúpulos de Hillsboro | Hillsboro Hops | Class A Short Season | Northwest League | 2018 | "Lúpulos" is a direct translation of "Hops". | [30] |
Madres de Idaho Falls | Idaho Falls Chukars | Rookie | Pioneer League | 2020 | ||
Mal de Ojo de Durham | Durham Bulls | Triple-A | International League | 2019 | ||
Manzanas Luchadores de Fort Wayne | Fort Wayne TinCaps | Class A | Midwest League | 2020 | ||
Molinos de Burlington | Burlington Royals | Rookie | Appalachian League | 2020 | ||
Música de Memphis | Memphis Redbirds | Triple-A | Pacific Coast League | 2018–2019 | ||
Osos Polares de Pawtucket | Pawtucket Red Sox | Triple-A | International League | 2019–2020 | ||
Patos Joyuyos de Down East | Down East Wood Ducks | Class A-Advanced | Carolina League | 2019 | ||
Peleadores de Reading | Reading Fightin Phils | Double-A | Eastern League | 2019 | ||
Petroleros de Tulsa | Tulsa Drillers | Double-A | Texas League | 2018–2019 | ||
Puentes de Tri-City | Tri-City ValleyCats | Class A Short Season | New York–Penn League | 2020 | ||
San Jose Gigantes | San Jose Giants | Class A-Advanced | California League | 2018 | "Gigantes" is a direct translation of "Giants". | [24] |
Toros de Durham | Durham Bulls | Triple-A | International League | 2017–2018 | "Toros" is a direct translation of "Bulls". | [22][23] |
Trueno de Trenton | Trenton Thunder | Double-A | Eastern League | 2019–2020 | ||
Viento de Lancaster | Lancaster JetHawks | Class A-Advanced | California League | 2019–2020 | ||
Vihuelas de Nashville | Nashville Sounds | Triple-A | Pacific Coast League | 2019–2020 | The vihuela, a high-pitched Mexican guitar popular with Mariachi groups, reflected Nashville's musical heritage. | [34] |
Notes[]
- ^ Down East competed as the "Patos Joyuyos de Down East" in 2019
- ^ Durham competed as the "Toros de Durham" in 2017 and 2018.[22][23]
- ^ Durham competed as the "Mal de Ojo de Durham" in 2019.
- ^ San Jose competed as the "San Jose Gigantes" in 2018.[24]
- ^ Lehigh Valley competed as the "Lehigh Valley Tocino" in 2018.[26]
- ^ Reading competed as the "Peleadores de Reading" in 2019.
- ^ El Paso competed as the "El Paso Chihuahuas" in 2018.[27]
- ^ Jersey Shore competed as the "Medusas de Lakewood" from 2019 to 2020.
- ^ The Jersey Shore BlueClaws were known as the Lakewood BlueClaws from 2019 to 2020.
- ^ Greenville competed as the "Energía de Greenville" from 2018 to 2020.
- ^ The Kannapolis Cannon Ballers were known as the Kannapolis Intimidators in 2018 and 2019.
- ^ The Las Vegas Aviators were known as the Las Vegas 51s in 2017 and 2018.
- ^ Hillsboro competed as the "Lúpulos de Hillsboro" in 2018.[30]
References[]
- ^ "Minor League Baseball reveals full schedule of games and date of Unveiling Day for 2019 Copa de la Diversión". MiLB.com. February 18, 2019.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "MiLB launches Hispanic-focused initiative 'Es Divertido Ser Un Fan'". MiLB.com. July 24, 2017.
- ^ "51s debut special 'Reyes de Plata' uniforms during Tuesday's game". Las Vegas Review Journal. August 2, 2017.
- ^ "The Charlotte Knights Are About To Change Their Name To The Charlotte Caballeros". charlottestories.com. July 25, 2017.
- ^ "Rawhide change name to Toros for Latino heritage event". Visalia Times Delta. July 24, 2017.
- ^ "Minor League Baseball To Have 'Copa De La Diversión' In Effort To Reach Latino Communities". Forbes. March 20, 2018.
- ^ "Minor League Baseball Announces 2019 Copa de la Diversión". La Vida Baseball. March 18, 2019.
- ^ "How the numbers stacked up for Mariachi nights at Isotopes Park". bizjournals.com. August 21, 2018.
- ^ "2019 Copa de la Diversión Identities Unveiled". Ballpark Digest. March 18, 2019.
- ^ "Copa de la Diversión 2019: Same Team, New Identity". Ben's Biz. March 21, 2019.
- ^ "Copa Ready to Reach Higher in Third Season". MiLB.com. November 14, 2019. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
- ^ "MiLB unveils Copa de la Diversion logos: Part 2". sportslogos.net. March 18, 2019.
- ^ "Las Vegas Reyes de Plata Copa Branding". milbcopa.mlblogs.com. March 20, 2018.
- ^ "Big on the Pig: Why the Columbia Fireflies Will Become the Chicharrones For Several Games". Post and Courier: Free Times. March 21, 2019.
- ^ "2020 Minor League Baseball Season Shelved". Minor League Baseball. June 30, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
- ^ Mayo, Jonathan (February 12, 2021). "MLB Announces New Minors Teams, Leagues". Major League Baseball. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
- ^ Mann, Tyler (April 19, 2021). "Copa de la Diversión Back With a Bang in 2021". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
- ^ Heneghan, Kelsie (December 7, 2021). "Wepa! WooSox win Copa de la Diversión". MiLB.com. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
- ^ "Bees Unveil New Abejas de Salt Lake Logos". Salt Lake Bees. Minor League Baseball. March 18, 2019. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
- ^ "Los Cabritos Maldichos | South Bend".
- ^ a b "Toros de Durham to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Night". Durham Bulls. Minor League Baseball. July 24, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
- ^ a b "Toros de Durham Copa Branding". Durham Bulls. Minor League Baseball. March 20, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
- ^ a b "San Jose Gigantes Copa Branding". MiLB Copa de la Diversión. Minor League Baseball. March 20, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
- ^ "Cielo Azul de Oklahoma City play inaugural game at Bricktown". okcfox.com. May 31, 2018. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
- ^ a b "Lehigh Valley Tocino Copa Branding". MiLB Copa de la Diversión. Minor League Baseball. March 20, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
- ^ a b "El Paso Chihuahuas Copa Branding". Durham Bulls. Minor League Baseball. March 20, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
- ^ "The Man Who Invented the Margarita". Texas Monthly. October 1974. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b "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.
- ^ "Hillsboro Hops Will Become 'Dreamers' for Four Games This Season". OregonLive. March 18, 2019. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
- ^ Caputo, Paul (April 18, 2021). "Woosox Likely to Play As Los Wepas de Worcester in Copa Games". Sports Logos. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
- ^ "Lake Elsinore Storm Copa Branding". MiLB Copa de la Diversión. Minor League Baseball. March 20, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
- ^ "Copa Nashville". Nashville Sounds. Minor League Baseball. March 18, 2019. Retrieved March 18, 2019.
External links[]
- Minor league baseball
- 2017 establishments in the United States
- Mexican culture