Minor League Baseball unveils 2020 Copa de la Diversion caps

We wrote back in the November about the 26 new alternate brands that we’ll see in Minor League Baseball’s growing and increasingly popular Copa de la Diversión (Fun Cup) program in 2020. Ninety-two of the 160 affiliated teams will participate this year (provided this season actually takes place at some point), up from 72 in 2019. Now in its fourth year, the initiative involves teams adopting temporary Spanish-language brands.

The 2020 batch of Copa identities will feature 25 all-new identities and one brand new logo for a team name that already existed (Fresno). There are three teams who participated in 2019 who will be back in 2020 with a new name and logo: the Down East Wood Ducks, Durham Bulls, and Reading Fightin Phils.

Below is a look at everything that’s new for 2020, including caps that have been unveiled over the course of the last few days. (For a better look at the logos themselves, visit our post about the unveiling in November.)

Amarillo Sod Poodles, Pointy Boots de Amarillo

“A celebration of fun, self-expression, and creativity, “Pointy Boots” which originated in North-Central Mexico and made their way into Texas, rose in popularity with the progression of tribal-guarachero music. The moniker honors both Amarillo’s young and active hispanic population and the community’s centuries-old rich heritage. ” – MiLB.com

Asheville Tourists, Yacumamas de Asheville

“Legend has it the ferocious, 100-foot-long Yacumama, a snake-like creature known also as the “Mother of Water,” lurks in the waters of both the Amazon River and Western North Carolina. Like its baseball team and community, the mythical creature personifies a storied history of being a fierce and identifiable force.” – MiLB.com

Boise Hawks, Boise Papas Fritas

“A tribute to the potato – Idaho’s state vegetable – and the farming community which drives the state’s economy, the Papas Fritas aim to strengthen their connection between the organization and the neighboring Hispanic community.” – MiLB.com

Bowling Green Hot Rods, Bólidos de Bowling Green

“A nod to the auto industry’s significance in South Central Kentucky, Bowling Green’s vibrant “Bólidos” identity honors the area’s Hispanic community as a translation from their full-time Hot Rods name. Additionally, flames featured within the logo tie in to the Bólidos alternate translation to meteors” – MiLB.com

Burlington Royals, Molinos de Burlington

“A nod to the region’s textile production history, Burlington, North Carolina’s “Molinos” moniker also honors the growing Hispanic community’s contributions to the area’s growing economic impact.” – MiLB.com

Cedar Rapids Kernels, Cinco Estaciones de Cedar Rapids

“Cedar Rapids, Iowa – The City of Five Seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter … and fun! A nod to the importance of family within the Hispanic community, the team’s “Tree of Five Seasons” logo represents the memory-making fun fans will have at the ballpark.” – MiLB.com

Charlotte Stone Crabs, Frijoles Saltarines de Puerto Carlota

“Frijoles saltarines (jumping beans) earn their bouncy moniker when exposed to heat, which is in plentiful supply along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The logo’s color scheme pays tribute to Florida’s cross-gulf neighbors in Mexico, while its pogo stick represents the excitement and joy Minor League Baseball supplies the region.” – MiLB.com

Down East Wood Ducks, Avocados Luchadores de Down East

(2019: Patos Joyuyos de Down East)

A testament to the fighting spirit and showmanship of luchadores, the mighty Avocados Luchadores de Down East will combine on-field work ethic with an enthusiastic, fan-friendly atmosphere at Granger Stadium.” – MiLB.com

Durham Bulls, Cervezas de Durham

(2019: Mal de Ojo de Durham)

“Home to Minor League Baseball’s lone in-stadium craft brewery, Bull Durham Beer Co., beer is a cultural phenomenon in Durham. By becoming the “Cervezas de Durham,” the team connects its memory-making experiences to the community-minded culture associated with its organization and city.” – MiLB.com

Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Guerreros de Fayetteville

“Neighbors to the world’s largest military installation, Fort Bragg, Fayetteville’s “Guerreros” moniker pays tribute to the community’s population of military service members – principally, the 14% of Hispanic active-duty service members. The moniker aims to connect the armed forces community to the area’s growing Hispanic community, celebrating the brave city’s camaraderie and spirit.” – MiLB.com

Fort Wayne TinCaps, Manzanas Luchadoras de Fuerte Wayne

“A staple in Mexican culture, Lucha Libre freestyle wrestling blends showmanship and athleticism through the luchadores’ vibrant wardrobes and rapid-pace movement. An adaption of Fort Wayne’s full-time moniker, the “Manzanas Luchadores” (Fighting Apples), will mimic the flare and skill of the luchadores.” – MiLB.com

Fresno Grizzlies, Fresno Lowriders

(2019: Same name, new logo)

“Serving as mobile canvases onto which artists display tribute to Mexican culture, lowriders’ influence on art, music and fashion is deeply rooted into Fresno’s Hispanic community. The team’s “Lowriders” moniker pays tribute to the city of Fresno’s place in amplifying lowriding culture.” – MiLB.com

Harrisburg Senators, Playeros de Harrisburg

“Harrisburg’s “Playeros” identity, which roughly translates to “beachgoers,” connects the familial bonding of going to the beach to the importance of family to the Hispanic community. The beach-themed moniker also celebrates the team’s home on City Island.” – MiLB.com

Hudson Valley Renegades, Fenomenos Enmascarados del Valle de Hudson

“”Fenómenos Enmascarados,” which directly translates to “Masked Phenoms,” celebrates the rich blend of Hispanic cultures throughout the Hudson Valley. In celebration of Lucha Libre culture, Hudson Valley aims to provide a blend of fighting spirit and showmanship at the ballpark.” – MiLB.com

Idaho Falls Chukars, Madres de Idaho Falls

“Mothers are a consistent source of love, passion, strength and fun. By adopting the “Madres” identity and one of the only female character logos in professional sports, Idaho Falls aims to embody those traits, pay homage to moms everywhere and call back to its days as the Idaho Falls Padres.” – MiLB.com

Portland Sea Dogs, Alces de Maine

“The multi-pronged antlers of the Alces – a direct translation of Maine’s majestic state animal – the moose, represent Portland’s multi-cultural population. By integrating baseball gloves into the antlers, Portland stands ready to catch and embrace the array of cultures that support its community.” – MiLB.com

Northwest Arkansas Naturals, Naturales del Noroeste de Arkansas

“Known for its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife, Arkansas’s “Natural State” nickname inspired Northwest Arkansas’s full-time Naturals moniker. As a direct translation, “Los Naturales” will engage their Hispanic community through celebrating mutually-held values and creating long-lasting memories.” – MiLB.com

Ogden Raptors, Carnívoros de Ogden

“A tribute to the ancient Mayan deity, Quetzalcoatl, the Carnívoros de Ogden will take the field with a similarly ferocious spirit while transforming the ballpark experience to be more welcoming and celebratory of the area’s Hispanic community.” – MiLB.com

Peoria Chiefs, Peoria en el Río

“Representative of the Illinois River’s economic and cultural significance in Peoria, “En el Rio” pays tribute to the river and the Greater Peoria Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s annual festival of the same name.” – MiLB.com

Reading Fightin Phils, Peleadores de Reading

(2019: Peleadores de Reading)

“Wrapped in layers of symbolism, including physical city landmarks and representations of industry and heritage, Reading’s “Luchadores” moniker represents the organization’s commitment to fight for a better tomorrow for its city.” – MiLB.com

Rochester Red Wings, Cocos Locos de Rochester

“A tribute to Rochester’s prominent LatinX community, the team will take on the “Cocos Locos” moniker and bring a taste of Hispanic culture, including the popular rum-based drink of the same name, to the ballpark. ” – MiLB.com

Rocky Mountain Vibes, Lloronas de Montaña Rocosa

“The curse of La Llorona details the spine-chilling tale of a cursed ghost mother, dressed in a white gown, forsaken to roam rivers and creeks throughout the Southwest in search of her lost children. Rocky Mountain pays tribute to popular Hispanic folklore and other spooky stories of rivers sprinkled throughout the region.” – MiLB.com

Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, Campesinos de Salem-Keizer

“A tribute to their hard work, Salem-Keizer’s “Campesinos” moniker pays tribute to the collective contributions of farm workers toward establishing Oregon as one of the leading agricultural regions in the United States.” – MiLB.com

South Bend Cubs, Cabritos Maldichos de South Bend

“A subtle nod to the famed Curse of the Billy Goat, South Bend (a Chicago Cubs affiliate) will take on the “Cabritos Maldichos” (Cursed Goats) moniker to celebrate the tenacity and persistence of its Hispanic players and community members in the face of adversity.” – MiLB.com

Springfield Cardinals, Cardenales de Springfield

“The Springfield Cardinals are proud to adopt the “Cardenales” name and logo – just one season after the same milestone took place at Busch Stadium – welcoming all members of the Latino and Hispanic community and paying homage to their rich tradition throughout the entire Cardinals organization.” – MiLB.com

Tri-City ValleyCats, Puentes de Tri-City

“Paying homage to the Hudson River’s geographic, economic and cultural influence, Tri-City’s “Puentes” identity celebrates the role of bridges in connecting New York’s Capital Region. In reverence to the physical connection bridges form, Tri-City aims to use baseball’s connective tissue to span cultural divides and celebrate the region’s diversity through a shared experience.” – MiLB.com

The remaining teams will reprise brands introduced in 2017, 2018, and 2019.