Copa de la Diversión: ¿Qué hay de nuevo?
With 90 participating Minor League teams, the Copa de la Diversión program is larger than ever in 2023. This season, eight clubs have joined Copa for the first time, four returning members have adopted a new identity and one -- Lehigh Valley -- has added a second logo to the
With 90 participating Minor League teams, the Copa de la Diversión program is larger than ever in 2023.
This season, eight clubs have joined Copa for the first time, four returning members have adopted a new identity and one -- Lehigh Valley -- has added a second logo to the fold. While common questions surrounding Copa as a whole have been answered, the individual identities have their own backstories.
Here are the stories behind the 13 new identities in Copa, sponsored by Nationwide as the official insurance partner.
Pavos Salvajes de Augusta (Augusta GreenJackets)
Some Copa identities pay homage to a local fixture, while others honor a creature of Hispanic lore. Augusta was able to hit both categories with this colorful depiction of a wild turkey. Not only is it South Carolina’s official state wild game bird -- yes, the GreenJackets play on the north side of the Savannah River in the Palmetto State -- but the blue-headed bird is indigenous to Mexico and Central America. The club has plans for local Hispanic restaurants planning to take over the ballpark grill cart during its three Copa nights. See more »
Paletas de Beloit (Beloit Sky Carp)
By embracing Hispanic and Latin American culture, Copa lends itself to many food- and drink-based identities. Beloit pays tribute to a frozen dessert that traces its origins back nearly a century to Tocumbo, Michoacán, Mexico. A paleta is similar to a popsicle, but takes it up a notch with natural ingredients – as illustrated by the lime slices inside the pop – and creative flavors. For the 2023 season, the featured logo displays a lime paleta, but the club has future plans for other already announced logos featuring different flavor paletas: strawberry and guava. These alternate looks are on ice for now, but they’ll be available soon. See more »
Cóndores de Binghamton (Binghamton Rumble Ponies)
With wingspans reaching more than 12 feet, the condor seems more like a creature of myth, similar to the chupacabra. But this logo finds a unique way to represent Latin America and the home of the Andean condor. The bird’s feathers are red, yellow and blue, which honor the flags of Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador -- the three countries at the northern end of the Andes Mountains, where the last few remaining Andean condors patrol. The Andean and California condors are both currently endangered species. Also, a local tie-in, scientists have found fossils of California condors that are more than 12,000 years old in upstate New York. See more »
Granos de Cedar Rapids (Cedar Rapids Kernels)
Many Copa identities are direct translations of the original name, and Granos is a version of that. The fun here is in the look of the logo, in which a corn kernel flexes its husk-y muscles. The sombrero is another twist on the original Kernels logo, which features a corn cob baseball bat wearing a red baseball cap. The Copa jersey will feature a lot of purple, yellow and orange reminiscent of the varying colors of corn kernels from different seasons. See more »
Rumberos de Daytona (Daytona Tortugas)
The Copa de la Diversión banda is really coming together. While the logo is the fourth in Copa to depict a musical instrument, Rumberos actually references the result of folks hearing the sounds of the “barriles de bomba,” as it directly translates to “partygoers.” The green and pink colors are inspired by the colorful dresses with frilled skirts typically worn by bomba dancers. While the bombas are the main characters in the logo, it should be noted that this is the second Copa logo to feature maracas. The other is more out there than a set of anthropomorphic drums. See more »
Toros Bravos de Durham (Durham Bulls)
Durham was an original Copa club, and this season, the team brings an updated look to its identity from the program’s first year in 2017. Once the directly translated Toros, Durham did more than just strengthen the name with the addition of Bravos. The new logo features a snorting bull, an homage to the club's iconic ballpark feature in left field. The bull is also decorated in the Calavera or sugar skull style from Mexican traditions. The red, blue and gold colors are a reference to the City of Durham’s flag. See more »
Wallpaper Wednesday, Fundadores edition! 💚 🧡
— Fredericksburg Nationals (@FXBGNats) March 29, 2023
Update your lock screen with the FredNats' new copa identity! pic.twitter.com/5pRzY07fFT
Fundadores de Frederickburg (Fredericksburg Nationals)
The FredNats have used George Washington imagery for their alternate looks, similar to Frisco’s Teddy Roosevelt gear. In this logo, our first president gets the Calaveras treatment in his one-dollar bill portrait, with the full frame and nameplate. Their jersey also makes reference to money with FUNdadores written in the same font as ONE DOLLAR on the bank note. The border designs on the dollar bill stretch across the front and back of the jerseys. Fredericksburg, where Washington spent his childhood, capitalized “FUN” on the jersey for a reason. See more »
Lehigh Valley Mamajuana (Lehigh Valley IronPigs)
Lehigh Valley is actually the first team to use two Copa identities in the same season, with Mamajuana joining Coquís in 2023. Club president and GM Kurt Landes joined The Show Before the Show Podcast in March to discuss the idea. The two identities are nods to two specific countries with Coquís being a reference to the frog that is Puerto Rico’s unofficial “state animal” and Mamajuana being a spirit that originated in the Dominican Republic. The drink was created by the native Tainos and has since become the nation’s official beverage. See more »
Limonadas de Hill City (Lynchburg Hillcats)
This identity is an appreciation of all things lemon. Another logo with skull imagery, this thirsty, sombrero-wearing fella even seems to have a name: Señor Agrio (Mr. Sour). The club honors migrant workers who planted the seeds for lemon trees across the Americas. There is also a deeper significance to the lemon, and it’s a refreshing take on a classic. This is one of the few Copa identities that also changed the city name. See more »
Pensacola Pok-Ta-Pok (Pensacola Blue Wahoos)
When the new identities were announced in March, MiLB.com took a more in-depth look at the Pok-Ta-Pok identity, Pensacola’s homage to the almost 4,000-year-old Mesoamerican ball game. Like Mamajuana, the Pok-Ta-Pok identity honors a pre-Columbian aspect of Latin American culture. See more »
Micheladas de Reno (Reno Aces)
The Copa bar is getting a little crowded. Reno had an interesting take on the beer and tomato juice-based cocktail. The specs for a good Michelada are different based on who you ask -- some say tomato, some say clamato. But the club liked how that range of recipes could represent the cultural diversity in baseball and in Reno. See more »
Lunaticos de Rocket City (Rocket City Trash Pandas)
For Copa, and really every day, Rocket City encourages fans to take a walk on the wild side. The club is still building the lore behind the actual creature depicted in its Lunaticos logo, but there are two things for certain: it’s from outer space and it’s crazy for baseball. See more »
Dulces de Sugar Land (Sugar Land Space Cowboys)
The City of Sugar Land is aptly named, so the club chose a moniker that references the local sugar industry. Dulces roughly translates to candies or sweets and is fairly non-specific. But the logo used here displays a watermelon candy, dipped in chamoy and dusted with Tajín before being topped with a flame. See more »
Gerard Gilberto is a reporter for MiLB.com.
Pitchers & Catchers Report to Spring Training; Dragons Ticket Plans Available Now
Dayton, Ohio—The start of the 2025 baseball season has reached a milestone date. Cincinnati Reds pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training in Goodyear, Arizona and will conduct their first workout of the season tomorrow. The Reds will open their spring schedule on February 22 and conclude the spring
Dayton Flyers to Battle Wright State Raiders at Day Air Ballpark on April 29
DAYTON, OHIO – The Dayton Dragons are excited to announce that the University of Dayton baseball team will host Wright State University at Day Air Ballpark in 2025. The Flyers will meet the Raiders on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of the Dayton Dragons. Gates will
Nine Questions with Dragons Manager Vince Harrison Jr.
Vince Harrison Jr. served as manager of the Dayton Dragons in 2024 and will return in the same role in 2025. In 2024, Harrison guided the Dragons to a record of 74-58 (.561) as the team won a Second Half division title for the first time since 2011 and qualified
Vince Harrison Jr. Returning to Lead Dragons 2025 Coaching Staff
Dayton, Ohio—The Dayton Dragons announced their 2025 coaching staff today, as assigned by the Cincinnati Reds. Vince Harrison Jr.—Manager Willie Blair—Pitching Coach Troy Gingrich—Hitting Coach Peterson Plaz—Coach Lauren Powers—Athletic Trainer Dominic Cothern—Strength & Conditioning Coach Hunter Rickard—Video & Tech Specialist TBA—Performance Coach Vince Harrison Jr. will return to the Dragons
2024 Dragons Cam Collier, Sal Stewart, & Hector Rodriguez get Reds Spring Training Invitations
Dayton, Ohio—Three members of the 2024 Dayton Dragons and six other former Dragons from previous years are on the list of minor league players invited to participate in Major League spring training with the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds have invited infielders Cam Collier and Sal Stewart along with outfielder Hector
Reds and Dragons Say Thanks to Fans with Reds Spring Training Game at Day Air Ballpark
Dayton, Ohio—In conjunction with the 25th season of Dayton Dragons Professional Baseball in 2025, the Dragons and their Major League affiliate, the Cincinnati Reds, will say thank you to Dragons fans when the Reds close out their spring training schedule with a game at Day Air Ballpark in Dayton. The
Win Big in the Dragons Holiday 50/50 Raffle
DAYTON, OHIO --- The Dayton Dragons Foundation has launched a special online 50/50 raffle with proceeds benefitting The Dayton Dragons Foundation. Starting Friday, November 29 through Thursday, December 12, 2024, one lucky fan will win 50% of the jackpot. The other half of the net proceeds will benefit The Dayton
Former Dayton Dragons Luis Mey, Tyler Callihan Added to Reds 40-Man Roster
DAYTON, OHIO—Former Dayton Dragons Luis Mey and Tyler Callihan were added yesterday to the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster. Yesterday was the deadline for Major League teams to add players to their 40-man roster to protect them from being selected by another club in the Rule 5 draft in December. Mey
2024 Dragons Pitcher Luis Mey Named AFL Relief Pitcher of the Year
DAYTON, OHIO—Luis Mey, a hard-thrower pitcher who spent the first three months of the 2024 season with the Dayton Dragons, has been honored as the “Relief Pitcher of the Year” in the Arizona Fall League. Mey (pronounced MAY) broke the all-time record for fastest pitch thrown at Day Air Ballpark
Baseball America List of Reds Top-10 Prospects for 2025 Includes Five Former Dragons, Five More on the Way
DAYTON, OHIO—Baseball America, the trade publication for Minor League Baseball, has announced its annual list of top-10 prospects in the Cincinnati Reds organization. Selection to the top-10 prospect list is a notable achievement for any player among the approximately 175 minor leaguers in the Reds system. Rhett Lowder, who in
Dragons to Conduct Auditions for Mascot Performers, Green Team, On-Field Hosts for 2025
DAYTON, OHIO—The Dayton Dragons are conducting auditions for several professional entertainment positions with the team. The Dragons are holding auditions for mascot performers, the Green Team, and on-field entertainment hosts for the 2025 season. The Dragons are seeking fun, energetic, and enthusiastic performers for these positions. Candidates must be at
Former Dragons Hitting Coach Alex Pelaez Added to Reds Coaching Staff
DAYTON, OHIO – Former Dayton Dragons hitting coach Alex Pelaez has been named to the 2025 coaching staff of the Cincinnati Reds under the leadership of new Reds manager Terry Francona. Pelaez becomes the seventh Dragons coach or manager to go on to coach in the major leagues. A total
Dragons Clubhouse Manager Aiden Reverman Wins Midwest League Award
DAYTON, OHIO—Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the winners of the Head Groundskeeper of the Year and Home and Visiting Clubhouse Manager of the Year Awards for each of the full season Minor Leagues. Aiden Reverman of the Dayton Dragons was named Midwest League Visiting Clubhouse Manager of the Year.
Dragons Veteran Salute Program, Presented by CareSource Military & Veterans, Continues in 2025
DAYTON, OHIO – The Dayton Dragons and CareSource Military & Veterans™, a subsidiary of CareSource, are continuing their commitment for the Veteran Salute program, an initiative to honor, recognize and support Miami Valley veterans at select Dayton Dragons home games throughout the 2025 season. This sponsorship is an extension of
CBTF Family Walk at Day Air Ballpark on Saturday, Oct. 26
Dayton, Ohio—The Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation (CBTF) is excited to announce the CBTF Family Walk for the Cure, raising awareness and funds for families affected by pediatric brain tumors. The event will take place on Saturday, October 26 at 9:00 am at Day Air Ballpark, 220 N. Patterson Blvd. Go
Dragons Announce 2025 Schedule with Dates, Game Times
DAYTON, OHIO- The Dayton Dragons today announced their home schedule with game times for the 2025 season. The Dragons will again host 66 regular season home games at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District in 2025. The Dragons home opening night game in 2025 is
Dayton Dragons 2024 Organization & Team Season Review
Dayton, Ohio—The Dayton Dragons 24th season of professional baseball featured many great highlights, both on and off the field. Here is a summary of the season. View a complete recap of the season here: https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/milb/gpx7ldhkdtvjodgqmgmf.pdf
Dragons and Edison State Community College to Host Charger Country Showcase on Sunday
Dayton, Ohio—The Dayton Dragons and Edison State Community College will host the Charger Country Showcase, a FREE softball and baseball doubleheader at Day Air Ballpark on Sunday, October 6. Gates open to the public at 1:00 pm for the event, and no ticket is required for admittance. Edison State softball
Dragons Finish #3 in Attendance among 120 MiLB Teams
Dayton, Ohio—Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) announced the final attendance rankings for the recently-completed 2024 season. The Dayton Dragons finished the year with a per-game attendance average of 8,012 to rank third in all Minor League Baseball. The Dragons finished with an attendance total of 528,778 over 66 home dates. That
Baseball America Names Dragons Cam Collier as Reds Minor League Player of the Year
Dayton, Ohio—Dayton Dragons 2024 third baseman Cam Collier has been selected by Baseball America as their choice for Cincinnati Reds Minor League Player of the Year. Baseball America is the trade publication for Minor League Baseball and has covered the sport for more than 40 years, pioneering the creation of
Three Dragons Named to Midwest League All-Star Team
Dayton, Ohio—Minor League Baseball today announced its official 2024 Midwest League Full-Season All-Star Team and player awards, and three Dayton Dragons players were selected. Cam Collier (third baseman), Ethan O’Donnell (outfielder), and Sal Stewart (utility) were among a total of 16 MWL players selected (10 position players; 6 pitchers). Eight
Captains Edge Dragons 5-4 to End Dayton Playoff Run
Lake County 5, Dragons 4 (East Division Playoffs, Game 2) Click here for the box score Lake County (R-H-E): 5-7-2; Dayton (R-H-E): 4-7-1 Win: Adam Tulloch (1-0); Loss: Arij Fransen (0-1); Save: Allan Hernandez (1) HR: Dayton: None HR: Lake County: Jake Fox (1st, 0 on base in fourth inning);
Dragons Lose Lead in 9th, Fall to Captains in Playoff Opener
Lake County 4, Dragons 3 (East Division Playoffs, Game 1) Click here for the box score Lake County (R-H-E): 4-6-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 3-8-1 Win: Zach Jacobs (1-0); Loss: Simon Miller (0-1); Save: Shawn Rapp (1) HR: Dayton: None HR: Lake County: Angel Genao (1st, 0 on base in first inning).
Dayton Dragons and Day Air Credit Union to Host College Prep Night at Day Air Ballpark on September 25
DAYTON, Ohio -- The Dayton Dragons and Day Air Credit Union will host College Prep Night, a FREE educational event for prospective college students at Day Air Ballpark on Wednesday, September 25 from 6 - 8 pm. College Prep Night is a one-stop college resource event to guide prospective college
Dayton Dragons Playoff Preview Presented by AES Ohio
On Tuesday, September 10, the Dayton Dragons will battle the Lake County Captains in game one of the Midwest League First Round Playoff Series at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. For a rundown of the great events happening during Tuesday's game, click HERE.