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]
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]
Copa name | Official name | Class | League | Start | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Abejas de Salt Lake | Salt Lake Bees | Triple-A | Pacific Coast League | 2018 | Bees | [21] |
Alces de Maine | Portland Sea Dogs | Double-A | Eastern League | 2020 | Moose (of Maine) | |
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 [a] | 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 | |
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 | Race Cars | |
Duraznos de Roma | Rome Emperors | High-A | South Atlantic League | 2024 | Peaches | |
Bradenton Barbanegras | Bradenton Marauders | Class A | Florida State League | 2019 | Blackbeards | |
Brooklyn Jefes | Brooklyn Cyclones | High-A | South Atlantic League | 2018 | Bosses -- may refer to either crime bosses or political bosses | |
Caballeros de Charlotte | Charlotte Knights | Triple-A | International League | 2017 | Knights or 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 | Cursed Goats -- 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 | Rattlesnakes or Jingle Bells | |
Cazadores de Tormentas de Omaha | Omaha Storm Chasers | Triple-A | International League | 2018 | Storm Chasers | |
Toros Bravos de Durham [b] [c] | Durham Bulls | Triple-A | International League | 2020 | Brave Bulls | |
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 [d] | San Jose Giants | Class A | California League | 2019 | Churros | |
Cielo Azul de Oklahoma City | Oklahoma City Dodgers | Triple-A | Pacific Coast League | 2018 | Blue Sky -- refers to the blue skies of Oklahoma. 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 Binghamton | Binghamton Rumble Ponies | Double-A | Eastern League | 2023 | Condors | |
Dulces de Sugar Land | Sugar Land Space Cowboys | Triple-A | Pacific Coast League | 2023 | Sweets or Candies | |
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 | |
Peces Dorados de Altoona | Altoona Curve | Double-A | Eastern League | 2024 | Golden Fish | |
Corpus Christi Cumbias [e] | Corpus Christi Hooks | Double-A | Texas League | 2022 | Cumbias | |
Coquís de Lehigh Valley [f] | 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 | Golden Ones | |
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 -- a reference to the masks worn during Lucha libre wrestling | |
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 -- a reference to the Founding Fathers of the United States | |
Gallos de Delmarva | Delmarva Shorebirds | Class A | Carolina League | 2019 | Roosters (of the Delmarva Peninsula) | |
Luces de Bufalo | Buffalo Bisons | Triple-A | International League | 2024 | Lights of Buffalo -- a reference to the Pan-American Exposition, a World's Fair held in Buffalo in 1901, and the electrification of the exposition. | |
Gatos Feroces de New Hampshire | New Hampshire Fisher Cats | Double-A | Eastern League | 2019 | Ferocious Cats -- a reference to Jaguars in Mesoamerican cultures | |
Granos de Cedar Rapids | Cedar Rapids Kernels | High-A | Midwest League | 2023 | Grains or kernels of corn | |
Guerreros de Fayetteville | Fayetteville Woodpeckers | Class A | Carolina League | 2020 | Warriors -- a reference to local Fort Liberty, one of the world's largest military installations | |
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 | 2023 | Milkmen | |
Lehigh Valley Mamajuana | Lehigh Valley IronPigs | Triple-A | International League | 2023 | Mama Juana | |
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 | Weepers -- a reference to 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 | Bridges | |
Lowriders de Fresno | Fresno Grizzlies | Class A | California League | 2019 | lowriders | |
Luchadores de Reading [g] | Reading Fightin Phils | Double-A | Eastern League | 2020 | Lucha libre wrestlers | |
Lunáticos de Rocket City | Rocket City Trash Pandas | Double-A | Southern League | 2020 | Lunatics | |
Margaritas de El Paso [h] | El Paso Chihuahuas | Triple-A | Pacific Coast League | 2019 | Margaritas -- reference to the 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 | |
Midland Amigos [i] | Midland RockHounds | Double-A | Texas League | 2024 | Friends | |
Medusas de Jersey Shore [j] | Jersey Shore BlueClaws | 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 | Monarch butterflies | |
Montañas de Chattanooga | Chattanooga Lookouts | Double-A | Southern League | 2019 | Mountains -- reference to the Appalachian Mountains | |
Murciélagos de Louisville | Louisville Bats | Triple-A | International League | 2019 | Bats (the animal) | |
Música de Memphis [k] | Memphis Redbirds | Triple-A | International League | 2018 | Music | |
Naturales del Noroeste de Arkansas | Northwest Arkansas Naturals | Double-A | Texas League | 2020 | Naturals -- a reference to the natural beauty found in Northwest Arkansas | |
Ocelotes de Greensboro | Greensboro Grasshoppers | High-A | South Atlantic League | 2019 | ocelots | |
Oso Pardo de Gateway | Gateway Grizzlies | independent baseball league | Frontier League | 2023 | Grizzlies | |
Pajaritos de Norfolk | Norfolk Tides | Triple-A | International League | 2019 | Baby birds | |
Paletas de Beloit | Beloit Sky Carp | High-A | Midwest League | 2023 | 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 | pok-ta-pok | |
Perros Bomberos de Peoria [l] | Peoria Chiefs | High-A | Midwest League | 2020 | Fire Dogs | |
Pepinillos Picantes del Norte | Great Lakes Loons | High-A | Midwest League | 2022 | Spicy Pickles of the North | |
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 | Spicy ones | |
Piñatas de Erie | Erie SeaWolves | Double-A | Eastern League | 2019 | piñatas | |
Playeros de Harrisburg | Harrisburg Senators | Double-A | Eastern League | 2020 | Beachgoers | |
Pointy Boots de Amarillo | Amarillo Sod Poodles | Double-A | Texas League | 2020 | Pointy boots | |
Los Quesos de Frisco | Frisco RoughRiders | Double-A | Texas League | 2022 | Cheeses | |
Ranas de Rio [m] | Greenville Drive | High-A | South Atlantic League | 2021 | River frogs | |
Rápidos de Kannapolis | Kannapolis Cannon Ballers [n] | Class A | Carolina League | 2018 | Rapids | |
Reyes de Plata de Las Vegas | Las Vegas Aviators [o] | Triple-A | Pacific Coast League | 2017 | 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 [p] | Winston-Salem Dash | High-A | South Atlantic League | 2018 | salsa | |
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 [q] | 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] |
Chaquetas de Rancho Cucamonga [r] | Rancho Cucamonga Quakes | Class A | California League | 2024 | Jackets (particularly those worn as part of a Mariachi outfit) | |
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 | Clipper ships | |
Vihuelas de Nashville | Nashville Sounds | Triple-A | International League | 2019 [s] | 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 | |
Cafecitos de Spokane | Spokane Indians | High-A | Northwest League | 2024 | Little Coffee or "Coffee Talk" | |
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 | Yacumama | |
Rocas Azules de Wilmington | Wilmington Blue Rocks | High-A | South Atlantic League | 2024 | Blue Rocks -- a reference to the blue granite found along the Brandywine River | |
Zorros de Somerset | Somerset Patriots | Double-A | Eastern League | 2022 | Foxes |
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 | 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 -- a reference to Cedar Rapids's nickname, "the City of Five Seasons" | |
Clinton Elotes | Clinton LumberKings | Class A | Midwest League | 2019–2020 | Corn cobs -- 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 | Bacon | [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 | 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 | Mills -- a reference to the historic textile mill industry in the area | |
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 | |
Puentes de Tri-City | Tri-City Valleycats | Single-A | New York–Penn League | 2020 [37] | Bridges over the Hudson River | |
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 | Striped Ones | |
San Jose Gigantes | San Jose Giants | Class A-Advanced | California League | 2018 | Giants | [25] |
Toros de Durham | Durham Bulls | Triple-A | International League | 2017–2018 | 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 |