In honor of National Hat Day, here are 10 of MiLB's most popular caps of '24
We are celebrating the small yet mighty canvas that is the Minor League cap for National Hat Day. Clubs across the Minors utilize them as a fun way to represent their teams, regions and sometimes even their parent organizations. Not to mention they also look pretty sweet. Here's a close
We are celebrating the small yet mighty canvas that is the Minor League cap for National Hat Day.
Clubs across the Minors utilize them as a fun way to represent their teams, regions and sometimes even their parent organizations. Not to mention they also look pretty sweet. Here's a close look at 10 of the top-selling hats from 2024, per New Era and MiLBStore.com.
Past lists: 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023
But first, a few honorable mentions. Albuquerque's Mariachis de Nuevo México, which has claimed the Copa de la Diversión three times, remains a popular look. Rancho Cucamonga's Copa design, Chaquetas, was so sought after, it's sold out. The Kannapolis Cannon Ballers' home cap also continues to pop off the shelves.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Hartford Yard Goats
It’s been almost eight years since the central Connecticut club unveiled the Hartford Yard Goats brand, and folks still can’t get enough. The Double-A Rockies affiliate's home cap features a “family-friendly” goat that harkens back to the town’s railroad history. A Yard Goat is “a hardworking locomotive that moves trains from track to track, keeping the rail yard moving. A Minor League Baseball player is like that Yard Goat, working hard in his Minor League city to keep his Major League affiliate on track," team president Tim Restall said after the unveil. The Yard Goats added green to their home cap prior to the 2023 season to further connect with the city’s history and the defunct-but-beloved Hartford Whalers hockey team. Shop »
Northwest Arkansas Naturals
Last offseason, Northwest Arkansas’ branding got a refresh, but remained all Natural. This home hat features a strong yellow crown with a rich purplish-navy bill and eyelets. The Royals’ Double-A club was going for a vibrant look with the new logo, which features a river, woods and mountains that can be found in the state. A star in the northwest corner of the logo ties it all together. “I think it’s a good encapsulation [of Northwest Arkansas]. There are a few state parks around us, Devil’s Den is probably the most well-known in the region. I think they drew some inspiration from that,” Justin Cole, the club’s vice president and GM, said following the unveil. Shop »
Akron RubberDucks
When Akron was changing its name from the Aeros to the RubberDucks in 2014, there was some concern the playful bath toy wouldn’t strike the right chord for a competitive baseball team, so the club made sure it was a fierce waterfowl. Ironically, a cute toy-like design is now the club’s most popular logo. In 2018, the Guardians’ Double-A affiliate came up with this fake throwback, or “fauxback,” design of what the logo would have looked like had the RubberDucks been around in the '70s. Now they rock the look every Sunday home game. Akron merchandise manager Luke Trese said the bright blue and yellow provide a calming combo that not only attracts Akron fans, but also all kinds of rubber duck enthusiasts. Shop »
West Michigan Whitecaps
When looking for an alternate identity, Detroit's High-A affiliate wanted to honor Grand Rapids’ title as Beer City, USA. Enter: Bung Hammers. This design features a pint of beer swinging a hammer like a bat, knocking the cork -- or bung -- into the barrel of craft beer. Since its inception in 2018, the cap has remained popular, even cracking this list in 2023. Tigers No. 2 prospect Max Clark said he is not sure what a Bung Hammer is, but he loved wearing the cap while playing there last season anyway. “It’s a pretty sick hat,” he said. “I’m definitely keeping this hat.” Shop »
Durham Bulls
It’s no surprise the Durham Bulls’ home cap remains on this list, given the club's iconic status in Minor League Baseball history. From the movie “Bull Durham” to the famous “Hit bull, win steak” sign, this is an “if you know, you know” franchise. And the hat is the embodiment of that. The Rays’ Triple-A club’s cap features a snorting bull charging through an orange "D" for Durham. With a solid dark blue background, the orange really pops. And while some may say it looks like the Denver Broncos’ throwback logo (which has a horse, not a bull), this cap certainly grabs the attention of fans by the horns. Shop »
Las Vegas Aviators
Last season, Las Vegas introduced an alternate identity that celebrates one of the activities the town is most known for: gambling. The Las Vegas Gamblers hat comes in red, black and khaki -- colors found on poker chips. The primary logo features a belt and spurs that connect to the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign while the set of dice meaning is two-fold. The snake eyes are for the city’s 1911 incorporation date while the fives relate to the roman numbers “LV.” What’s more, the theme night proved lucky for the A’s Triple-A club, which won while playing as the Las Vegas Gamblers. Shop »
Sugar Land Space Cowboys
After rebranding as the Space Cowboys in 2022, Sugar Land began to think of an alternate look that could be a twist on its new identity and Houston ties. The result was a “fauxback” design that utilized the club's existing eye-catching color palette in a new way. While most Space Cowboys designs use navy for a space-like, image-defining backdrop with a lighter blue appearing sparingly, this cap gives the lighter blue the spotlight. The shape of the orange star, which is taken from the Space Cowboys’ visor, is a nod to their parent club, the Astros. Marketing director Amy Johnson said players love the look as well and rocked it for workout day ahead of the Triple-A National Championship, which they went on to win. Shop »
Eugene Emeralds
Eugene’s alternate Identity continues to be the bomb. The Exploding Whales design was created to honor a famous -- or infamous -- moment in local history: the ill-fated attempt to use explosives to dispose of a whale carcass on an Oregon beach in 1970. Sky blue is the fitting background for the signature smirking whale holding a stick of dynamite like a bat. The Giants’ High-A club suited up as the Exploding Whales six times in 2023, then doubled it in 2024 as the design, well, exploded in popularity. Shop »
Lake Elsinore Storm
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But sometimes it’s in the eyes of the ballcap. The design, which is a play on the “eye of the storm,” has been Lake Elsinore’s road cap since 1997, and it continues to attract fans both in Southern California and beyond. At first glance, all you see is the whites of the eyes, then the fierce red irises and finally the angled brow to show this thing means business. And it all jumps out from a stark black background. The Padres’ Single-A club’s cap is the true definition of see and be seen. Shop »
Clearwater Threshers
When Clearwater was choosing a new name in 2004, Beach Dogs was the runner-up. So since 2018, the club has celebrated what could have been with an alternate identity. The Phillies’ Single-A club always wears red pinstriped pants and red cleats at home, so merchandise manager Shan Isett wanted something that could match that and perhaps be a play on Philadelphia’s primary colors. The result was swapping the royal blue for vice blue and it really pops against the red bill. The lovable golden retriever is having a ball, literally, winding up in its tourist shirt, hat and sunglasses while surfing. Fans of the Threshers and canines in general chase this cap. Clearwater players sport the look for every bark in the park game so dogs can be in the stands as well as on the hats. Shop »
Kelsie Heneghan is a writer for MiLB.com. Follow her on Twitter @Kelsie_Heneghan.
Kornberg to broadcast a pair of Marlins Spring Training games
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations and radio play-by-play voice Scott Kornberg will join the Miami Marlins Radio Network for two Spring Training broadcasts in advance of the 2025 season. Kornberg will broadcast the Marlins’ Grapefruit League games against the St. Louis Cardinals (1:10
Jumbo Shrimp preview new PNC Home Plate Club
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As part of the ongoing Project NEXT renovations at VyStar Ballpark, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and PNC Bank were proud to preview and dedicate the new PNC Home Plate Club in a private ceremony on Wednesday. The PNC Home Plate Club will deliver to fans a brand-new
Fans can meet Bluey at VyStar Ballpark through Jumbo Shrimp VIP experience
PURCHASE BLUEY ADD-ON MEET-AND-GREET EXPERIENCE JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For real life, Australia’s beloved blue heeler Bluey will be visiting VyStar Ballpark for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s 3:05 p.m. game on Sunday, June 29. While Bluey will be available throughout the game to meet as many fans as possible, the Jumbo
Jumbo Shrimp 2025 season features fireworks, giveaways, signature promotions
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Affordable Family Fun is returning to VyStar Ballpark for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 2025 season in a massive way with 25 fireworks dates, 21 giveaways, five free Military Appreciation Nights, five Forever Vets Animal Hospital Canines and Crustaceans Dog Days (plus one Cat Day) and the club’s
Jumbo Shrimp launch Junior Jumbos Crustacean Kids Club
JUNIOR JUMBOS REGISTRATION JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Fans 12 years old & under can now take part in the most exclusive hangout in Crustacean Nation, as the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp unveiled their Junior Jumbos Crustacean Kids Club. For just $45 per child, Junior Jumbos receive: - One general admission ticket to
Jumbo Shrimp single-game tickets available beginning February 24
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Single-game tickets for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s 2025 season will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 24 for all 75 regular season home games from April 1 through September 14. The 2025 season means fans will experience a completely reimagined gameday experience as part
Jumbo Shrimp to become Honey Drippers on May 24-25, August 30-31
HONEY DRIPPERS MERCHANDISE AVAILABLE HERE JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp will celebrate the city’s historic Eastside neighborhood by becoming the Jacksonville Honey Drippers for a pair of Honey Drippers Weekends on May 24 & 25, when the club hosts the Memphis Redbirds with Saturday’s 6:35 p.m. game and
Raines, Ribault continue rivalry with sixth annual High School Heritage Classic
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are bringing the sixth annual High School Heritage Classic back under the lights as historic Duval County Public Schools rivals William M. Raines High School and Jean Ribault High School will meet in an exhibition game at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 7
Jumbo Shrimp to hold preseason job fairs Feb. 19, March 15, March 18
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are building their team for another season of Affordable Family Fun at VyStar Ballpark. The club will hold three job fairs for 2025 gameday and food & beverage positions from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, March 15
New manager David Carpenter heads up 2025 Jumbo Shrimp field staff
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In conjunction with the Miami Marlins, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp have unveiled their on-field coaching staff for the 2025 season. Along with new manager David Carpenter, the field staff features newcomers Jorge Hernandez (bench coach), Rob Marcello (pitching coach), Mike Marjama (hitting coach), Tyler Lough (athletic trainer)
Jumbo Shrimp start registration for Feb. 12 National Anthem auditions
REGISTRATION FORM JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp prepare to open their 2025 schedule of 75 home games on April 1, the club is inviting the talent of Northeast Florida to audition to perform the National Anthem before a Jumbo Shrimp home game during the upcoming season. Individuals
Jumbo Shrimp make offseason additions to staff
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp have announced the hiring of four new front office members in preparation for the 2025 season. A’Niya Sconiers has joined the club as an accounting supervisor. Abby Decker is the Jumbo Shrimp’s new promotions coordinator. Lindsay Plymale has been hired as an account
121 Financial Ballpark becomes VyStar Ballpark
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are excited to announce that 121 Financial Ballpark is now VyStar Ballpark, pending approval of the Jacksonville City Council. The naming rights to Jacksonville’s illustrious ballpark are part of VyStar Credit Union’s merger agreement with 121 Financial Credit Union and will run through
10 days of giving returns with memorabilia, experience-based prizes
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are celebrating the holiday season with 10 Days of Giving, the club’s annual two-week promotion that awards memorabilia and experience-based prizes for 2025 home games. This year’s rewards includewatching fireworks from the field, ceremonial first pitch, PNC Homeplate Club seats, 2025 season parking
Jumbo Shrimp offer Holiday Packs for gift-giving season
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are providing the perfect gift and stocking stuffer for the 2024 holiday season. Fans have the choice of two different holiday packs that feature undated ticket vouchers for the 2025 season, an adjustable Jumbo Shrimp cap and a $25 e-gift card to the
Holiday season to feature Black Friday & Cyber Monday deals
PURCHASE BLACK FRIDAY BOGO DUGOUT FLEX PLAN (SALE RUNS NOV. 29-DEC. 2) PURCHASE CYBER MONDAY SUITE (AVAILABLE DEC. 2 ONLY) JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are excited to roll out their second annual Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to help provide unforgettable gifts and memories for the
Jumbo Shrimp to host seventh annual Very Shrimpy Christmas on Dec. 7
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Fun 4 First Coast Kids are inviting families to kick off the holiday season with the seventh annual Very Shrimpy Christmas from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, December 7 at 121 Financial Ballpark. Admission is only $1 per person at the home
Jumbo Shrimp announce staff promotions, awards
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp have promoted a trio of front office staff and announced several winners of the club’s annual staff awards for the 2024 season. David Ratz has been named the Jumbo Shrimp’s vice president, promotions & special events. Cody Davis has also been promoted to
Fall Festival comes Oct. 26 to 121 Financial Ballpark
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Jax Melanin Market’s Fall Festival kicks off the club’s offseason event schedule and comes to 121 Financial Ballpark from 12-4 p.m. on Saturday, October 26. An afternoon of fun awaits with trick-or-treating at vendor tables, craft tables, a face painter, balloon twisters,
Jacksonville takes season finale over Gwinnett 5-1
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Behind a four-home run performance, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp beat the Gwinnett Stripers 5-1 in front of 6,280 fans on Sunday at 121 Financial Ballpark. Jacksonville (73-76, 38-36) ambushed Gwinnett (72-78, 37-38) starting with the first batter of the bottom of the first. Dane Myers (2) launched
Hostetler, Marsee lead Jumbo Shrimp to Saturday victory against Stripers
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Strong performances from Bennett Hostetler and Jakob Marsee were vital in the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s 5-3 victory over the Gwinnett Stripers on Saturday in front of 9,180 fans from 121 Financial Ballpark. Behind 1-0, Jacksonville’s (72-76, 37-36) offense awoke in the bottom of the second. With one
Sixto Sánchez to begin rehab assignment with Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Miami Marlins right-handed pitcher Sixto Sánchez will begin his MLB rehab assignment presented by H2 Health with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp with Saturday’s 6:35 p.m. contest against the Gwinnett Stripers. The right-hander is making his first appearance in Jacksonville since 2019, when he tossed 103.0 innings for
Late-inning electricity fuels Jacksonville over Gwinnett 3-2
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Behind a seven-strikeout performance from Robby Snelling, who made his Triple-A debut, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp came from behind to beat the Gwinnett Stripers 3-2 in front of 7,960 fans on Friday at 121 Financial Ballpark. Jacksonville (71-76, 36-36) trailed Gwinnett (72-76, 37-36) 2-1 starting the bottom
Jacksonville cannot overcome early deficit against Gwinnett
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A six-run first inning for Gwinnett was too much to overcome for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, who fell to the Gwinnett Stripers 9-4 in front of 6,004 fans Thursday from 121 Financial Ballpark. Gwinnett (72-75, 37-35) scored early and often in the top of the first. With
Bruján’s late three-run homer powers Jacksonville over Gwinnett 7-3
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Behind a three-hit game from Agustín Ramírez, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp came from behind to beat the Gwinnett Stripers 7-3 on Wednesday night at 121 Financial Ballpark. Jacksonville (70-75, 35-35) trailed Gwinnett (71-75, 36-35) 3-1 going into the bottom of the seventh inning. With one out, Ramírez