Copa de la Diversión (transl. Fun Cup) is an initiative by Minor League Baseball to promote the sport and connect its teams to their Hispanic/Latino communities. Teams adopt a culturally-relevant on-field persona for certain games each season.
History.
The promotion started in 2017 with the "Es Divertido Ser Un Fan" ("It's Fun to Be a Fan") fan engagement program. Four teams participated: the Las Vegas 51s, who took the field as the Reyes de Plata ("Silver Kings"); the Charlotte Knights as the Charlotte Caballeros; the Visalia Rawhide, who played as the Visalia Toros; and the Kane County Cougars, who did not change their name for the promotion.
In 2018, the program was renamed "Copa de la Diversión" and expanded to 33 teams. A trophy (the "Fun Cup") was awarded to the Albuquerque Isotopes franchise, who played as the Mariachis de Nuevo México and set new attendance records during "Copa" games. In 2019, participation increased to 72 teams. Six teams that participated in 2018 using direct Spanish translations of their usual team name adopted new identities for 2019. The number of participants increased to 92 for the 2020 season.
In addition to changing monikers for "Copa" games, teams also utilize alternate logos, color schemes, jerseys, and hats. The re-branding inspirations have ranged from historical, such as the Reyes de Plata in reference to the contributions migrant workers made to the mining industry of Nevada, to culinary, with the Columbia Fireflies playing as the Chicharrones de Columbia.
The 2020 minor league season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the 2020 season, Major League Baseball assumed control of Minor League Baseball in a move to increase player salaries, modernize facility standards, and reduce travel. This reorganization and elimination of some teams reduced "Copa" participants to 76 clubs in 2021. Following the 2021 season, the Worcester Red Sox, who played "Copa" games as "Los Wepas de Worcester", were awarded the Fun Cup trophy.
In 2022, participation grew to 85 teams.
In 2024, Minor League Baseball reached an agreement with Estrella TV to air select games from the tournament.
References.
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