Standout efforts in Copa de la Diversión 2023
Each month, MiLB.com spotlights an aspect of Copa de la Diversión, Minor League Baseball's Hispanic fan engagement initiative sponsored by Nationwide, the program's official insurance partner. This edition looks back on some Copa efforts that stand out from the 2023 season. Check out our look at the Copa-inspired ballpark entertainment,
Each month, MiLB.com spotlights an aspect of Copa de la Diversión, Minor League Baseball's Hispanic fan engagement initiative sponsored by Nationwide, the program's official insurance partner. This edition looks back on some Copa efforts that stand out from the 2023 season. Check out our look at the Copa-inspired ballpark entertainment, the similar design styles used in many Copa logos, the new on-field identities for 2023, the clubs' community connections and the ballpark food that helps create the Copa experience. To shop the Copa de la Diversión collection, follow this link here.
Party Starters: Rocket City Trash Pandas
Thirteen new identities that arrived in Copa this season, including eight clubs joining the program for the first time. Among the newcomers were the Double-A Trash Pandas, who announced their Lunaticos identity in their own fun-loving style with a party at their ballpark, Toyota Field.
A week before the season began, Rocket City held a “Fiesta at the Field,” which featured food trucks on the concourse, face painting for the kids and plenty of drinks and music. During the fiesta, the club unveiled the name and logos for its Lunaticos identity.
Hometown Heroes: Albuquerque Isotopes
More than 1.4 million fans attended games during Copa de la Diversión celebrations this season. And Triple-A Albuquerque seems to have benefitted the most from the Copa attendance boom.
The Mariachis de Nuevo México hosted the two best-attended Copa nights of the season at Isotopes Park. For their game on May 5, more than 15,000 fans were in attendance. In addition to a jersey giveaway and postgame fireworks, the club hosted what they called “the most New Mexican event ever,” featuring a live performance from Albuquerque’s own Al Hurricane Jr.
An Al Hurricane, Jr. concert on 5/05 at 5:05 PM and in the 505? This may be the most New Mexican event ever.
— Albuquerque Isotopes (@ABQTopes) April 27, 2023
Get your tickets for our Cinco de Mayo Celebration, complete with an Adult Jersey giveaway, pre-game concert, Mariachis game & Fireworks!
🎟 https://t.co/nWELqHvgvA pic.twitter.com/WQLdtoULvT
Best Promo Announcement: Frisco RoughRiders
Among Minor League Baseball promotions, there are few things that are as popular as the show “The Office.” So when Double-A Frisco needed a way to promote its Copa celebration at Riders Field – complete with a Quesos Friscos luchador mask giveaway and a meet-and-greet with professional wrestler Chavo Guerrero Jr. – they honored the subtle humor of “The Office” to create this hilarious video.
Ya mero es tiempo para conocer a Chavo Guerrero Jr. 💪
— Frisco RoughRiders (@RidersBaseball) June 3, 2023
Sesión de autógrafos será en Herman Marshall Whiskey Saloon de 7 – 8 pm
🎟 por solo $15: https://t.co/Tq1VVysWmi pic.twitter.com/cjR7ElIYTE
Most Ambitious Promotion: Modesto Nuts
This was covered in greater detail last month, but any months-long faux “kidnapping” that ends in a battle royale between mixed Nuts mascots and professional luchadores is going to get a curtain call. Seriously, masks off to Single-A Modesto and Pro Wrestling Revolution for maintaining the act for so long and having the final event pay off huge in the end at John Thurman Field.
Unofficial Face of Copa: Luisangel Acuña
Luisangel Acuña is the top Mets prospect, a legitimate five-tool talent, a leader for Double-A Binghamton in the Eastern League Finals and his older brother will probably be the National League MVP this season. But for some reason he’s also the Unofficial Face of Copa de la Diversión. And it’s based purely on coincidence.
Acuña opened the season with Double-A Frisco before being traded for Max Scherzer and finishing the year with the Rumble Ponies. But he was also featured in two bobblehead giveaways by High-A Hickory, for whom the Venezuela native played 54 games last season. The bobblehead depicted Acuña in a full Llamas de Hickory uniform and helmet.
From there, Acuña’s face kept appearing in Copa promotions.
When the RoughRiders were promoting one of their Copa nights, a photo of Acuña wearing a Quesos Friscos uniform was used in the lineup graphic the club posted to social media. Oddly enough, this fan even knew Acuña was the guy to feature in a Copa post almost two months prior.
After the trade, who do you think was featured in the Cóndores de Binghamton social media posts promoting their Copa nights? You guessed it. And yes, this actually happened three times.
Now is this enough to declare Acuña the Official Face of Copa? Certainly not. But is it a coincidence that’s fun to point out? Absolutely.
Coolest 'Not Quite Copa' Story: Reading Fightin’ Phils
This is a unique story about a man named Pedrique Lawyer finally meeting the person for which he was named, Al Pedrique -- who happens to be the Double-A Reading manager. According to this post from the club, “When Lawyer's mom was in labor, his dad rushed to the hospital. On his way in, he discovered a mint-condition Al Pedrique rookie baseball card in the hospital's parking lot.” So what does this have to do with Copa? Well, when Pedrique Lawyer finally did meet Al Pedrique on the field at FirstEnergy Stadium, the skipper was wearing the club’s Luchadores de Reading Copa hat and jersey.
On Friday night, Pedrique Lawyer celebrated his birthday in the best way possible; by meeting the person he was named after in Fighitn Phils Manager Al Pedrique. (1/5) pic.twitter.com/lWgAdvNUTp
— Reading Fightin Phils (@ReadingFightins) September 2, 2023
Drinkable Wordplay: Louisville Bats and Eugene Emeralds
It doesn’t really matter if the folks at Atrium Brewing or whoever else had a different style in mind for the novelty beer to help promote Triple-A Louisville’s Murciélagos de Louisville identity. The wordplay was just too perfect: the Murcielager.
Craft beer and Minor League Baseball are the perfect match. In honor of that, MiLB.com has run the Draft Picks series throughout the season. Thanks to the folks in Louisville, a Copa identity enters the brew.
Please join the NPRCC Louisville Chapter for the launch of the official beer of the Louisville Bats "Copa de la Diversión" the "Murcielager" There will be networking, and the event is open to the public at no cost. pic.twitter.com/7ckdcDmnjW
— NPR Chamber of Commerce (@NPRChamber) July 6, 2023
Not to be outdone, Eugene – who also knocked the community connections aspect of Copa out of the park this season – teamed up with a local cafe to create Monarca-chata. The creation even got the stamp of approval from a pair of Monarcas players.
The Monarca-chata gets the stamp of approval from Edison Mora and Adrian Sugastey👏
— Eugene Emeralds (@EugeneEmeralds) July 8, 2023
We will see you tomorrow at PK Park for Mariachi Night where Palace Coffee and Bakery will be selling the limited-edition drink! #ArraigadoAquí pic.twitter.com/8gEWTLvcWc
Copa vs. Copa: Reno Aces and El Paso Chihuahuas
Participating clubs often bring their alternate identities on the road to create unusual matchups, especially when it comes to two Copa identities. This season was the first for the Micheladas de Reno. So when Triple-A El Paso was coming to Reno's Greater Nevada Field at the end of August, as many were already reaching for that late-season cocktail, the Micheladas squared off against the Margaritas. Sure, there were many clubs that did an excellent job in coordinating Copa vs. Copa matchups this season. But this one raised the bar.
TONIGHT: 🍻 Micheladas v. Margaritas 🍓
— Reno Aces (@Aces) August 31, 2023
Our Copa de la Diversion game just got a lot more fun 🍻
Come out as the Micheladas de Reno take on the El Paso Margaritas!
Purchase tickets ⬇️https://t.co/DyKh8ngKIw pic.twitter.com/BqHtL3y8HT
Community Leadership: Wichita Wind Surge
There was more written about this earlier in the year, but Double-A Wichita invented a community service award in the spirit of Copa de la Diversión. The honor is called the Wind Surge/Tumba Vacas Hispano Y Latinx Premio de Impacto/Hispanic & LatinX Impact Award. The club honors multiple people, businesses or organizations during each of its Copa nights at Riverfront Stadium.
Menu of the Year: Round Rock Express
Many clubs add some sort of specialty food or drink to their concessions during Copa celebrations. For their game as the Chupacabras de Round Rock on Sept. 15, the Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate got into the Sunday-dinner spirit with an impressive list of menu items. From the Al Pastor Nachos to the Tex Mex Express Dog to the Dulce de Leche Milkshake, the culture was well-represented at the concessions at Dell Diamond.
#RRChupacabras food options are back September 15! 🔥
— Round Rock Express (@RRExpress) September 14, 2023
💚 Al Pastor Nachos | Nachology
💚 Churros
💚 The Cabra Claw | White Claw Bar
💚 Tex Mex Express Dog | Goodstock Grill
💚 Street Corn | Ragin' Bowl
💚 Dulce de Leche Milkshake | Fairlanes
💚 Fiesta Dog | Ono Pacific Grill pic.twitter.com/V2HSMhn16U
Biggest Glow Up: South Bend Cubs
Don’t get us wrong, the original look of Los Cabritos Maldichos de South Bend is as loveable as it is terrifying. But the new look, brought to life by the club’s bobblehead giveaway in August, traded in the comedy and an almost inspirational, deity-like figure. While the overall identity is an homage to the famed Curse of the Billy Goat, the new logo better represents the post-2016 era of the Cubs franchise.
Seeing it Through: Jersey Shore Blue Claws
When we last caught up with the Phillies’ High-A affiliate, the club was accepting submissions for the Medusas de Jersey Shore scholarship program for local Latino/a high school seniors. During its first Copa celebration in June, the club had the honor of rewarding the scholarship to four local students. Check out more about the scholarship here.
Gerard Gilberto is a reporter for MiLB.com.
Copa de la Diversión FAQs
Have you heard of the Xolos de Gwinnett, Chupacabras de Round Rock or Flying Chanclas de San Antonio -- or seen the creative and colorful logos and uniforms on the field -- and wondered what they're all about? Below is a quick guide to Minor League Baseball's Copa de la
San Jose Churros win 2024 Copa de la Diversión
Minor League Baseball announced the San Jose Churros (San Jose Giants) were selected as the 2024 winner of MiLB’s season-long event series, Copa de la Diversión™.
Triple-A Worcester, playing as 'Los Wepas,' celebrates Clemente's legacy
Los Wepas nights in Worcester certainly live up to the name. So of course, when the club had an opportunity to celebrate Puerto Rican heritage and Roberto Clemente, they made it a great one.
Soñadores howl ¡Viva la Raza! for Copa
For High-A Hillsboro, wholly embracing the values of Copa de la Diversión made a typical Soñadores game one of the best celebrations in the Minors. The club’s Copa efforts were on full display during July's ¡Viva la Raza! Night.
Charleston hits the books with ‘Festival de Lectura’
The Charleston RiverDogs’ “Festival de Lectura” reading program has taken on new life since its advent in 2019. The program began as part of the club’s community outreach efforts for Copa de la Diversión, a league-wide initiative sponsored by Nationwide. The success of Copa nationally is tied directly to programs
Isotopes strike a chord with latest Copa victory
The Isotopes understand the role that art plays in connecting with the local Albuquerque community. “If you talk to people in New Mexico, they won't really tell you that they're artists. It's just sort of in the soil here. Everyone is in some way connected to art,” said Ana Romero,
Party on! Pensacola celebrates Monterrey series
Technically, the Minor League season at non-Triple-A affiliates doesn’t begin until Friday. But at Double-A Pensacola, things got off to a bright and colorful start.
Tipping the cap for rebrands, alternate identities
Minor League Baseball is all about fun, and that extends to team logos and on-field caps. A few MiLB clubs have rebranded or revealed new looks for their primary uniforms. Many, in keeping with the freewheeling spirit of the Minors, will be adopting creative alter-ego identities at various points throughout
Check out the new Copa de la Diversión identities
2024 marks the seventh season of Minor League Baseball's Copa de la Diversión program in which teams assume alternate identities that engage with and celebrate their region's Hispanic fan base. Nighty-eight MiLB teams are participating in Copa de la Diversión this season, the most ever, for a total that represents
Mariachis de Nuevo Mexico win 2023 Copa de la Diversión
LAS VEGAS -- The Mariachis de Nuevo Mexico were selected as the 2023 winner of MiLB’s season-long event series, Copa de la Diversión™. The award, presented by Nationwide, was announced during Minor League Baseball’s Fall Business Meetings Awards Reception in Las Vegas. As a proud partner of Copa de la
Copa celebrations bring la Diversión
Each month, MiLB.com spotlights an aspect of Copa de la Diversión, Minor League Baseball's Hispanic fan engagement initiative sponsored by Nationwide, the program's official insurance partner. This edition celebrates the unique ballpark entertainment that lives up to the spirit of the Copa program. Check out our look at the similar
El Día de los Muertos … in July!
Each month, MiLB.com spotlights an aspect of Copa de la Diversión, Minor League Baseball's Hispanic fan engagement initiative sponsored by Nationwide, the program's official insurance partner. This edition examines a similar design style used in the creation of many Copa logos. Check out our look at the new on-field identities
Copa de la Diversión transforms ballpark fare
Each month, MiLB.com spotlights a particular aspect of Copa de la Diversión, Minor League Baseball's Hispanic fan engagement initiative sponsored by Nationwide, the program's official insurance partner. After focusing on the new on-field identities for 2023 and some of the clubs' community connections, this edition dives into the ballpark food
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
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
‘Pok-Ta-Pok’ identity honors indigenous culture
There will be a new version of the old ball game coming to the Southern League in 2023. No, not the one with pitch timers and pickoff limits. This is a much, much older ball game. One that dates back nearly 4,000 years. The game is Pok-Ta-Pok, and it’s coming
Copa de la Diversión continues to grow in 2023
NEW YORK -- Minor League Baseball has unveiled the schedule of games and the 95 on-field Hispanic identities for this season’s Copa de la Diversión (or "Fun Cup") event series. Continuing its annual expansion into more communities, eight new teams joined Copa this season, with four teams returning with rebranded
Hillsboro Hops named Copa champion for 2022
SAN DIEGO -- Minor League Baseball (“MiLB”) announced the Soñadores de Hillsboro were selected as the 2022 winner of MiLB’s season-long event series, Copa de la Diversión™. The award, presented by Nationwide, was announced during the Baseball Winter Meetings Opening Night Reception in San Diego. As a proud partner of
Udders up: Wichita tips its way into Copa field
Every year, more and more teams join Copa de la Diversión, and every year, the new identities at the heart of the Hispanic fan engagement program take center stage. Perhaps the most eye-catching in this year’s class was Double-A Wichita’s “Tumba Vacas.” Translated from Spanish, Tumba Vacas can mean "cow
Zorros de Somerset dart onto the Copa field
Many Copa de la Diversión identities make reference to a creature of folklore and a moment of significance for a team. In its first year in the program, Double-A Somerset managed to check both boxes. On Saturday, the Patriots took the field as Zorros de Somerset for the first time.
Get in the ring: Copa's Luchador teams
Eighty-five Minor League teams are currently participating in the Copa de la Diversión program, adopting colorful, folkloric identities as part of a larger effort to engage with the local Hispanic community. Food and drink-related alter egos are the most common Copa motif, but six teams have combined to form a
Copa de la Diversión provides plenty to chew on
Go anywhere in the world, and there’s no better cultural education than a home cooked meal and a traditional cocktail. So it should come as no surprise that Copa de la Diversión -- with 85 teams participating this season -- provides a healthy bounty of food and drink identities around
Copa brings celebration to even more communities
Minor League Baseball has unveiled the schedule of games and the 85 on-field Hispanic identities for this season’s Copa de la Diversión (Fun Cup) event series. Continuing its annual expansion into more communities, eight new teams joined Copa this season, with five teams returning with rebranded personas. The 387-game event
Wepa! WooSox win Copa de la Diversión
ORLANDO, Florida -- What started as a fan suggestion in 2020 led to a championship in 2021. The Worcester Red Sox were named winners of the Copa de la Diversión event series for their Los Wepas identity, receiving the recognition and the "Fun Cup” at the Baseball Winter Meetings Major