Copa de la Diversión caps compete for top bill
Migrant workers, urban legends, churros. In its third iteration, Copa de la Diversión or “Fun Cup” continues to celebrate the culture and values of Hispanic/LatinX communities. Ninety-two Minor League teams created culturally relevant on-field identities, and now it’s your turn to pick the best! Register and vote here! The contest
Migrant workers, urban legends, churros.
In its third iteration, Copa de la Diversión or “Fun Cup” continues to celebrate the culture and values of Hispanic/LatinX communities. Ninety-two Minor League teams created culturally relevant on-field identities, and now it’s your turn to pick the best! Register and vote here!
The contest -- which gives fans a chance to win exclusive prizes, including ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and official on-field Copa caps from Minor League Baseball -- begins May 26 and goes until June 11, with the winning cap being announced the following day. Before you enter to determine which team has "The Greatest Gorra," take a look at a few prime matchups to keep an eye out for.
Chicharrones de Columbia vs. Flying Chanclas de San Antonio
Oftentimes mascots are meant to be menacing. And there are few thoughts more menacing than an abuelita ready to hurl her chancla (sandal) at you. Triple-A San Antonio pays homage to the matriarchal figure of discipline and love with bright colors in a look that has been one of the most popular since Copa began. The Flying Chanclas go up against Class A Columbia’s ode to the classic pork dish served in many LatinX homes. While the snack traditionally features pork belly or rinds, the chicharrones showcases the whole pig with cut lines straight from the butcher. This matchup boils down to chef versus dish.
El Paso Margaritas vs. Viñeros de Tri-City
You must be 21 or older to vote in this matchup. OK, not really, but this pairing celebrates two aspects of the adult beverage industry. Triple-A El Paso honors the cocktail many believe originated in the Texas city while Class A Short Season Tri-City pays tribute to the migrant agricultural workers in the Washington wine region. The Margaritas’ shades of blue and green bring you poolside on a summer day, and the bat and grapes-carrying Viñero reminds you to celebrate those who work under the same sun to make these refreshments possible. ¡Salud!
Cabritos Maldichos de South Bend vs. Cardenales de Springfield
One of the biggest rivalries in baseball gets a Copa twist with two first-year identities. Double-A Springfield carries on a moniker started at Busch Stadium when St. Louis honored the Latino and Hispanic community with Fiesta Cardenales. In this version, Springfield shows how a team can take their everyday name and give it a Latin flair. Class A South Bend also paid tribute to something that happened at their affiliate’s big league stadium with the Cabritos Maldichos, which translates to “cursed goats.” The unwelcomed guest may have stopped the North Siders for 71 years, but now it is a force to be reckon with in the Midwest League and this matchup.
Avocados Luchadores de Down East vs. Carnívoros de Ogden
Another battle of the first-timers, this clash features two feisty figures. Rookie Advanced Ogden honors the ancient Mayan deity Quetzalcoatl and its ferocious spirit with a logo of bright colors surrounded by black. And its worthy adversary? Avocado fighters. Yes, Class A Advanced Down East combined the energy of luchadores with the ever-popular avocado, and a logo that captures the punches and purity of the union. While Carnívoros may seem more intimidating, the Avocados Luchadores could run away with this digital contest, given how much millennials love both avocados and sharing their opinions online (speaking as a millennial, of course).
Vihuelas de Nashville vs. Soñadores de Hillsboro
A dreamer and a guitar often go hand and hand, but here they go head-to-head. Triple-A Nashville’s homage to the higher-pitched Mexican guitar celebrates the city’s music history while also the LatinX musicians who play there. The logo incorporates a Día de los Muertos-inspired skeleton reflecting an artist’s individual style. Class A Short Season Hillsboro hits on a similar note with the Soñadores, or dreamers. The message of chasing achievements and personal growth -- whether you’re a prospect or fan -- in hopes of a better tomorrow is personified with the howling wolf and bright colors busting through the dark blue.
Kelsie Heneghan is a writer for MiLB.com. Follow her on Twitter @Kelsie_Heneghan.