Hops live out dream with Copa mascot

An alebrije is a spirit animal in Mexican culture, one with a predilection for dreams.

And so with High-A Hillsboro's new Copa de la Diversión mascot, an alebrije named Bacaanda, the Hops -- whose Copa identity is the Soñadores, or "Dreamers" -- are paying homage to all their fans who are dreamers. Bacaanda's introduction on Aug. 26 addressed both the diverse cultures in Hillsboro as well as the aspirations everyone has from a young age.

“The main focus with our Copa identity was authenticity,” said Iván Hernández, the Hops' community development director. “We want to have folks come to the ballpark and feel that their communities are being well represented and that they feel that it is something they can connect with.”

While the D-backs' affiliate has sported an alternate jersey for the Soñadores de Hillsboro since 2019, bringing in the mascot enabled them to further explore the identity and connect with their fans at a deeper level. (Note that the San Antonio Missions unveiled a Copa mascot in 2018 -- Mamapeno, who represents the San Diego affiliate's Flying Chanclas de San Antonio Copa identity.)

Just like they’re portrayed in the Pixar film “Coco,” alebrijes can come in all different colors and combinations. Bacaanda is a blue, pink and purple coyote with a unique jagged stripe pattern. The word "Bacaanda" means dream in zapoteco, the native language spoken in Oaxaca, Mexico.

“One of the beauties of working with the alebrije concept is that it can be anything, just like dreams,” said Hernández, who was born and raised in Mexico. “In Minor League Baseball, the guys on the field have a dream and they are working very hard to make that dream happen.”

To celebrate the new mascot and local culture, the Hops hosted multiple Copa nights throughout the season highlighting the heritage of their fans. Bacaanda made his initial arrival at Ron Tonkin Field in a lowrider car to kick off the festivities for Caribbean Night.

Bacaanda made his arrival via low rider and honestly we kinda love that. #TodosSomosSoñadores pic.twitter.com/R5MkL7w6De

— Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) August 27, 2023

“It’s very important that each game is not just a Soñadores game, it’s not just a Latino night. I am very focused on representing different segments of the Latino community,” Hernández said.

To that end, the Hops welcomed a live salsa band, blared atmospheric music through the stadium speakers and served up Caribbean food. The fans also got some bonus baseball when the Hops game against the Emeralds went into extra innings.

Bacaanda made his second appearance a few weeks later on Sept. 8 on El Grito Night in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. Hillsboro emerged victorious over the Spokane Indians as attendees enjoyed fireworks and dinner from a Latino food vendor selling tamales, tacos, quesadillas and shaved ice.

“It celebrates the independence of six Latin American countries and Mexico, and we want to cater to our Latinos, we want them to feel accepted and welcome at the ballpark,” Hernández said.