Minor league teams to adopt Spanish-language identities

Minor League Baseball unveiled a program that targets Hispanic and Latino fans of the sport in the United States. “Es Divertido Ser un Fan” is the Spanish-language version of Minor League Baseball’s “It’s Fun to Be a Fan” campaign, which was launched earlier this year. The program, which will see teams adopt temporary identities and wear specialty uniforms, will debut in four markets in August, with plans for expansion throughout the minors next season.

The Triple-A Las Vegas 51s will become the Reyes de Plata August 1, 8, and 22; the Single-A Visalia Rawhide will play as the Toros August 3-6; the Single-A Kane County Cougars will be Los Cougars August 10-13; and the Triple-A Charlotte Knights will play as the Caballeros August 18-20.

In Las Vegas, the Reyes de Plata (Silver Kings) nickname comes from the state’s mining heritage.

“The Reyes de Plata name plays off the fact that Nevada is the Silver State,” said Las Vegas 51s General Manager Chuck Johnson, quoted on MiLB.com, “and embraces the impact and history that the Hispanic/Latino community had early in the precious metals mining industry.”

The Visalia Toros (Bulls) nickname that the Rawhide will adopt pays homage to the significant population of Mexican-American farmers in the San Joaquin Valley, where Visalia is located.

According to census information, the city of Visalia’s population is more than 40 percent Hispanic.

The Charlotte Knights will adopt the nickname Cabelleros, which is a direct translation of knight.

“We look forward to introducing the Charlotte Caballeros, and fans will notice the Caballeros’ name and associated themes integrated in their experiences at BB&T Ballpark and in the community,” said Charlotte Knights’ General Manager Rob Egan, quoted on MiLB.com. “We will feature special concession items, public address announcements in Spanish, player features on the video board and a festival with live music.”

Finally, the Kane County Cougars will assume the nickname Los Cougars. (The Spanish translation of the word cougar is puma.)

“Our goal has always been to provide affordable, family fun for all area residents,” said Kane County Cougars Vice President and General Manager Curtis Haug, quoted on MiLB.com. “Our Spanish-language outreach will encourage even more families to enjoy Kane County Cougars baseball.”

According to an ESPN Sports poll, more than 18 million Hispanic and Latinos identify as fans of minor league baseball.