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.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
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.
Rainiers Name Rylee Pay Team Broadcaster
TACOMA, WA – The Tacoma Rainiers announced today that Rylee Pay will be the new radio broadcaster for the team. Prior to getting hired by Tacoma, Pay was formerly the Play-by-Play Broadcaster and Media Relations Assistant for the Portland Sea Dogs, Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. She also
Tacoma Adds Six Games to 2025 Home Schedule
TACOMA, WA – Today, Major League Baseball announced that the Tacoma Rainiers will add six home games to their original 2025 schedule. Tacoma and Sacramento were originally scheduled to play a six-game series from June 10-15 on the road at Sutter Health Park. That series has since been changed from
John Russell Returns to Manage Tacoma in 2025
TACOMA, WA – Today, the Seattle Mariners announced Tacoma’s 2025 coaching staff, with all four major coaches returning. For the third consecutive season, John Russell will return to manage the Tacoma Rainiers in 2025. The 64-year-old has led Tacoma to a 159-141 record the past two seasons, including a first-place
Tacoma Rainiers Broadcaster Announces Retirement
TACOMA, WA – Long-time radio broadcaster for the Tacoma Rainiers, Mike Curto, has announced he is retiring at the end of the 2024 calendar year. Curto was the voice of the Rainiers for 26 years (25 seasons) after being hired in 1999 and was a minor league broadcaster for 31
Michael Huie Named Triple-A Groundskeeper of the Year
TACOMA, WA – Today, Minor League Baseball named Tacoma Rainiers’ Director of Field Operations Michael Huie the Pacific Coast League and Triple-A Groundskeeper of the Year for the 2024 season. Huie was given the award over nine other PCL teams and 29 other Triple-A teams, bringing home the award for
Jason Vosler Named PCL All-Star
TACOMA, WA – Today, Minor League Baseball announced Triple-A Awards and All-Star teams, with Jason Vosler being named a Pacific Coast League All-Star. He was the lone member of the Tacoma Rainiers to be named a PCL All-Star. Vosler fell short in his bid for PCL Most Valuable Player, as
Tacoma Wins Season Finale
TACOMA, WA – The Tacoma Rainiers (82-68) came back with three runs in the eighth inning to beat the Round Rock Express (71-77) by a score of 6-4 in their final game of the season, Sunday at Cheney Stadium. Tacoma got in front in the first with an RBI single
September 22 Game Notes: Tacoma Rainiers vs. Round Rock Express
TACOMA RAINIERS (81-68) vs. ROUND ROCK EXPRESS (71-76) Sunday, September 22 • 1:35 PM • Cheney Stadium • Tacoma, WA LHP Rob Kaminsky (1-0, 8.14) vs. RHP Adrian Sampson (8-10, 5.71)
Rainiers Set PCL Record in Shutout Win
TACOMA, WA – The Tacoma Rainiers (81-68) stole their 282nd base of the season, setting a new PCL record for most stolen bases in a single season in their 8-0 victory over the Round Rock Express (71-76), Saturday at Cheney Stadium. Samad Taylor scored in the first on a wild
September 21 Game Notes: Tacoma Rainiers vs. Round Rock Express
TACOMA RAINIERS (80-68) vs. ROUND ROCK EXPRESS (71-75) Saturday, September 21 • 6:05 PM • Cheney Stadium • Tacoma, WA RHP Casey Lawrence (10-11, 6.13) vs. LHP Avery Weems (0-1, 11.57)
Express Win in Extras
TACOMA, WA – The Tacoma Rainiers (80-68) lost by a score of 4-3 in extras to the Round Rock Express (71-75), Friday at Cheney Stadium. Round Rock opened the scoring in the second inning on a two-out double from Kellen Strahm, taking a 1-0 lead. They extended their lead to
September 20 Game Notes: Tacoma Rainiers vs. Round Rock Express
TACOMA RAINIERS (80-67) vs. ROUND ROCK EXPRESS (70-75) Friday, September 20 • 7:05 PM • Cheney Stadium • Tacoma, WA RHP Blas Castano (5-4, 5.24) vs. LHP Jacob Latz (0-0, 2.45)
Rainiers Earn 80th Win
TACOMA, WA – The Tacoma Rainiers (80-67) won their 80th game of the season, beating the Round Rock Express (70-75) by a score of 11-4, Thursday at Cheney Stadium. Jason Vosler gave Tacoma a 2-0 lead in the first inning with his 29th home run of the year. The Rainiers
September 19 Game Notes: Tacoma Rainiers vs. Round Rock Express
TACOMA RAINIERS (79-67) vs. ROUND ROCK EXPRESS (70-74) Thursday, September 19 • 7:05 PM • Cheney Stadium • Tacoma, WA RHP Michael Mariot (9-7, 5.94) vs. RHP Peter Solomon (6-4, 6.27)
Express Even Series
TACOMA, WA – The Tacoma Rainiers (79-67) were eliminated from playoff contention, losing to the Round Rock Express (70-74) by a score of 14-5, Wednesday at Cheney Stadium. Round Rock jumped in front with a three-run home run from Trevor Hauver and an RBI single from Jax Biggers, taking a
September 18 Game Notes: Tacoma Rainiers vs. Round Rock Express
TACOMA RAINIERS (79-66) vs. ROUND ROCK EXPRESS (69-74) Wednesday, September 18 • 6:05 PM • Cheney Stadium • Tacoma, WA RHP Nick Payero (0-0, 1.80) vs. RHP Ryan Garcia (2-3, 3.08)
Rainiers Walk Off Express in Opener
TACOMA, WA – The Tacoma Rainiers (79-66) won a back-and-forth game against the Round Rock Express (69-74) by a score of 14-12 in extras, Tuesday at Cheney Stadium. Tacoma took an early 2-0 lead in the first on singles from Jason Vosler and Jake Slaughter, but Round Rock immediately answered
September 17 Game Notes: Tacoma Rainiers vs. Round Rock Express
TACOMA RAINIERS (78-66) vs. ROUND ROCK EXPRESS (69-73) Tuesday, September 17 • 6:05 PM • Cheney Stadium • Tacoma, WA LHP Rob Kaminsky (1-0, 6.98) vs. RHP Adrian Sampson (8-10, 5.57)
Rainiers Lose Final Road Game of Season
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The Tacoma Rainiers (78-66) lost the series finale to the Oklahoma City Baseball Club (75-69) by a score of 6-4, Sunday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Jason Vosler got Tacoma on the board in the first inning, using an RBI single to make it 1-0. They doubled
September 15 Game Notes: Tacoma Rainiers @ Oklahoma City Baseball Club
TACOMA RAINIERS (78-65) @ OKLAHOMA CITY BASEBALL CLUB (74-69) Sunday, September 15 • 12:05 PM PT • Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark • Oklahoma City, OK RHP Casey Lawrence (10-10, 6.08) vs. RHP Tony Gonsolin (0-0, 0.00)
Oklahoma City Takes Series Lead
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The Tacoma Rainiers (78-65) lost by a score of 9-3 to the Oklahoma City Baseball Club (74-69), Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Oklahoma City jumped in front with a solo home run from Dalton Rushing in the first inning, but Tacoma answered in the second on
September 14 Game Notes: Tacoma Rainiers @ Oklahoma City Baseball Club
TACOMA RAINIERS (78-64) @ OKLAHOMA CITY BASEBALL CLUB (73-69) Saturday, September 14 • 4:05 PM PT • Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark • Oklahoma City, OK RHP Blas Castano (5-3, 4.68) vs. RHP Carlos Duran (0-0, -.--)
Rainiers Even Series with Comeback
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The Tacoma Rainiers (78-64) evened the series, beating the Oklahoma City Baseball Club (73-69) by a score of 10-5, Friday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Ryan Ward opened the scoring in the first inning with a three-run home run, his 30th of the season. Kobe Kato drew
September 13 Game Notes: Tacoma Rainiers @ Oklahoma City Baseball Club
TACOMA RAINIERS (77-64) @ OKLAHOMA CITY BASEBALL CLUB (73-68) Friday, September 13 • 5:05 PM PT • Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark • Oklahoma City, OK RHP Michael Mariot (8-7, 5.89) vs. RHP Tanner Dodson (3-3, 3.36)
Late Comeback Gives Rainiers Win
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The Tacoma Rainiers (77-64) scored seven late runs to beat the Oklahoma City Baseball Club (73-68) by a score of 8-3, Thursday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Tyler Locklear started the scoring in the third inning with an RBI single to give Tacoma a 1-0 lead. It