Copa de la Diversión en la comunidad

Copa de la Diversión is a multi-faceted fan engagement platform focused on embracing the cultures and values that resonate most with local Latino/a communities.

Indeed, some of the greatest success stories within Copa -- sponsored by Nationwide, the platform's official insurance partner -- relate to each club’s ability to make community connections. For many, like Triple-A Worcester, those connections begin even before the first Copa games are even played.

During its five years in Copa, the High-A Eugene Emeralds have exemplified those efforts to get outside the ballpark and into the local communities. While forming their Monarcas de Eugene identity in 2018, the club sought feedback from a panel of local activists, community members and non-profit organizations.

The name Monarcas de Eugene pays homage to the monarch butterfly and its annual migration to the region. The goal for the moniker, according to the club’s official description, is to “honor the presence, contributions, and dreams of our rapidly diversifying community.”

The exchange of ideas between the club and community didn’t end with the name selection. This season, Eugene has eight Copa nights planned at PK Park. Each game will have a different theme honoring an aspect of the local Latin culture.

“My goal for Monarcas was to make sure that everything that the Eugene and Springfield area has to offer to the local Latinx community here is highlighted,” said community relations manager Nina-Grace Montes.

Last week, the club hosted “Dia de los Libros” night, which the local libraries helped to set up. For the game, two local bilingual children’s book authors threw out the first pitch. There was also a place for families to register for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a bilingual story walk outside of the ballpark and book raffles throughout the game.

Eugene also themed two Monarcas games as Mariachi Nights and featured two local high schools, Springfield and Willamette, that have active mariachi programs. There’s also a “Noche de Cine” night scheduled for June 4, which was planned in partnership with a local theater that creates plays about migrants and minority groups.

On Aug. 18, the club plans to host “Farm and Agricultural Appreciation Night,” which is a theme that truly resonates with the Monarcas name.

“Especially in Oregon and, honestly, all around the U.S., farm workers and agricultural workers are so important to everything that we do,” Montes said. “And so it's very important to highlight it. And 90 percent of farm workers in Oregon identify as Hispanic or Latino.”

During the game, the club plans to have exhibits from the University of Oregon’s Traveling Latino Roots museum throughout the concourse. There will also be a Migrant Education Program with a spotlight on “Pineros Y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste” (PCUN), which is the largest farm workers union in the state, and the organization behind a number of advocacy programs for migrant workers.

“We're working with [PCUN] to make sure that they're honored properly, and what makes sure that they feel welcome and just make the night all about them,” Montes said.

Introducing this year's #CopadelaDiversión map!

Let us know which team you'll be rooting for this season ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/0iec95UXYJ

— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) March 29, 2023

There are many clubs whose Copa de la Diversión efforts extend beyond the ballpark. Here are some a few of the stories behind the community connections formed through the Copa program:

Jersey Shore Blueclaws - Medusas de Jersey Shore

In partnership with one of their bigger sponsors, New Jersey Natural Gas, the club has created the Medusas de Jersey Shore scholarship program for local Latino/a high school seniors that plan to further their education. The four scholarships will go to the winners of an essay contest that can also provide letters of recommendation from community influences. At the Medusas’ first Copa game of the season on June 2, the club plans to have an on-field ceremony before the game to honor the winners.

San Jose Giants – Churros de San José

The Giants’ Single-A affiliate found a creative way to get the community involved in the attendance spike that Copa theme nights tend to create. The club formed the Park Packer Program, where local Latino/a organizations sell tickets to Churros games at a discounted rate, and are eligible to receive a portion of those ticket sales as a donation. During their game on May 5, participating organizations included Cashion Cultural Legacy, Amigos de Guadalupe, SOMOS Mayfair, Los Lupeños and Las Madres Neighborhood Playgroups.

Tacoma Rainiers – Familia de Tacoma

The Mariners’ Triple-A affiliate teamed up with the BECU, a locally created not-for-profit credit union to sponsor a ticket package for their Copa games. A portion of sales made within this package have benefitted Sea Mar - Community Health Centers, which specializes in service to Latino/a community. At the end of the season, the club will also auction off Familia de Tacoma jerseys, with 100 percent of those proceeds going to Sea Mar as well. Last year, the club raised $13,275 through this program.

Wichita Wind Surge – Tumba Vacas de Wichita

The Tumba Vacas were one of the biggest hits among the new identities in 2022. This year, the club created the Hispano Y Latinx Premio de Impacto (Hispanic & LatinX Impact) Awards, which aims to honor local Wichita community leaders who “create a positive impact and create a better, safe and amazing Wichita Hispanic & Lainx community.” The club intends to honor a different community leader at each Tumba Vacas game.