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.
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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.
Comets Announce Special Promotions, Theme Nights, Group Offers and New Ticket Flex Plan for 2025 Season
OKLAHOMA CITY – The newly rebranded Oklahoma City Comets will take the field for the first time at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in April and the team’s upcoming 2025 baseball schedule will offer unique special promotions, fun theme nights, group offers, weekly promotions and more to celebrate the Comets’ inaugural season.
From Oklahoma City to the World Series
Pitcher Walker Buehler recorded the final three outs of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ season to earn a save. Infielder Kiké Hernández tied for the team lead with two hits. Infielder Gavin Lux recorded a RBI. Catcher Will Smith scored a run. While Buehler, Hernández, Lux and Smith each contributed to
Comets Era Lands in OKC
The lights dimmed at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark the night of Oct. 26 and an eager crowd of about 3,000 people turned their gaze to the center field video board. Soon an image of a glowing comet soaring through the night sky illuminated the screen as the next chapter in Oklahoma
Introducing the Oklahoma City Comets!
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City’s Triple-A baseball team is now known as the Oklahoma City Comets. The OKC Comets name pays homage to Oklahoma baseball legend Mickey Mantle, whose nickname was the "Commerce Comet.” The brand’s light blue and red colors and logo, with a baseball shooting through the sky
Oklahoma City Comets FAQ
How was the new Oklahoma City Comets name and brand developed? Previously, the Los Angeles Dodgers were part of our team ownership group until 2021. The Dodgers allowed us to continue to use their name as we transitioned to new ownership with Diamond Baseball Holdings and up to our current
James Outman Named 2024 Pacific Coast League All-Star
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Baseball Club outfielder James Outman was named to the Pacific Coast League All-Star Team as announced by Minor League Baseball. All-Star selections were determined by voting among league managers. Outman, 27, played in 69 games with Oklahoma City while splitting time this season with the
OKC Closes Out 2024 Season with 3-1 Win in Salt Lake
Oklahoma City Baseball Club — 3 Salt Lake Bees — 1 Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 – Smith's Ballpark – Salt Lake City, Utah Game Summary: Drew Avans recorded a game-high three hits, including a go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning, as the Oklahoma City Baseball Club defeated the Salt
OKC Celebrates 21st Night of September with Six Homers
Oklahoma City Baseball Club — 13 Salt Lake Bees — 2 Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 – Smith's Ballpark – Salt Lake City, Utah Game Summary: The Oklahoma City Baseball Club hit a season-high six home runs, including five within the first four innings, as OKC rolled to a 13-2 win
OKC Unable to Overcome Early Deficit
Salt Lake Bees — 6 Oklahoma City Baseball Club — 4 Friday, Sept. 20, 2024 – Smith's Ballpark – Salt Lake City, Utah Game Summary: The Salt Lake Bees scored four runs in the first inning, putting the Oklahoma City Baseball Club in too big of a hole to dig
Offense Stays Hot During 9-3 Win
Oklahoma City Baseball Club — 9 Salt Lake Bees — 3 Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 – Smith's Ballpark – Salt Lake City, Utah Game Summary: The Oklahoma City Baseball Club offense stayed hot and the pitching staff turned in a solid all-around performance during a 9-3 win over the Salt
Duplantier, Offense Dominates in Salt Lake
Oklahoma City Baseball Club — 20 Salt Lake Bees — 6 Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024 – Smith's Ballpark – Salt Lake City, Utah Game Summary: Jon Duplantier tossed six perfect innings, and the offense piled up 23 hits, including five home runs, as the Oklahoma City Baseball Club defeated the
Avans Sets Hits Record as OKC Falls in Salt Lake
Salt Lake Bees — 11 Oklahoma City Baseball Club — 1 Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024 – Smith's Ballpark – Salt Lake City, Utah Game Summary: Drew Avans became the all-time hits leader in Oklahoma City’s Bricktown era, but the Salt Lake Bees erupted for nine runs in the sixth inning
Outman Homers Twice in OKC's Home Season Finale Win
Oklahoma City Baseball Club — 6 Tacoma Rainiers — 4 Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: James Outman hit two home runs and racked up five RBI as the Oklahoma City Baseball Club defeated the Tacoma Rainiers, 6-4, Sunday afternoon in OKC’s
OKC's Offense Breaks Out in 9-3 Win Saturday
Oklahoma City Baseball Club — 9 Tacoma Rainiers — 3 Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: Dalton Rushing and Andre Lipcius homered as the Oklahoma City Baseball Club defeated the Tacoma Rainiers, 9-3, Saturday night at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. OKC recorded its
Avans Ties OKC Career Hits Mark; Ward Belts 30th Homer of Season in Friday Loss
Tacoma Rainiers — 10 Oklahoma City Baseball Club — 5 Friday, Sept. 13, 2024 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: The Tacoma Rainiers scored nine runs through five innings as they overcame an early deficit to defeat the Oklahoma City Baseball Club, 10-5, Friday night at
Tacoma Rallies for 8-3 Win in OKC
Tacoma Rainiers — 8 Oklahoma City Baseball Club — 3 Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: The Tacoma Rainiers scored seven runs over two late innings to take the lead and send the Oklahoma City Baseball Club to an 8-3 loss Thursday
Walk-Off Win Wednesday Gives OKC 2-0 Series Lead
Oklahoma City Baseball Club — 7 Tacoma Rainiers — 6 (10 innings) Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: Kody Hoese lined a RBI single into left field in the 10th inning to secure a 7-6 walk-off win for the Oklahoma City Baseball
OKC Opens Series with Walk-Off Win in 10 Innings
Oklahoma City Baseball Club — 7 Tacoma Rainiers — 6 (10 innings) Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: Drew Avans hit a walk-off RBI double in the 10th inning Tuesday night to send the Oklahoma City Baseball Club to a 7-6 win
OKC Baseball Club Opens Final Home Series of 2024 Tonight at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark
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OKC Falls in Series Finale, 7-2, Sunday
Sugar Land Space Cowboys — 7 Oklahoma City Baseball Club — 2 Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: The Sugar Land Space Cowboys took an early lead and led the rest of the game as they sent the Oklahoma City Baseball Club
OKC Offense Stalled by Space Cowboys Saturday in 4-1 Loss
Sugar Land Space Cowboys — 4 Oklahoma City Baseball Club — 1 Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: The Oklahoma City Baseball Club was limited to one run for a third straight game in a 4-1 loss to the Sugar Land Space
Four OKC Pitchers Shut Out Sugar Land, 1-0, Friday
Oklahoma City Baseball Club — 1 Sugar Land Space Cowboys —0 Friday, Sept. 6, 2024 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: Alec Gamboa pitched six scoreless innings to lead the way as four Oklahoma City Baseball Club pitchers combined for a 1-0 shutout win against the
Lipcius Homers in OKC's 3-1 Loss
Sugar Land Space Cowboys — 3 Oklahoma City Baseball Club — 1 Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: Andre Lipcius hit a home run in the ninth inning and the Oklahoma City Baseball Club went on to bring the potential game-tying run
Space Cowboys Send OKC to 8-3 Loss
Sugar Land Space Cowboys — 8 Oklahoma City Baseball Club — 3 Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: The Sugar Land Space Cowboys scored runs in each of the final five innings as they sent the Oklahoma City Baseball Club to an
OKC Drops Opener to Sugar Land, 4-2
Sugar Land Space Cowboys — 4 Oklahoma City Baseball Club — 2 Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla. Game Summary: Kody Hoese and James Outman hit solo home runs for the Oklahoma City Baseball Club, but the Sugar Land Space Cowboys took an early