Copa de la Diversión

The promotion started in 2017 with the Es Divertido Ser Un Fan ("It's Fun to Be a Fan") fan engagement program.[3] Four teams participated: the Las Vegas 51s, who took the field as the Reyes de Plata ("Silver Kings");[4] the Charlotte Knights as the Charlotte Caballeros;[5] the Visalia Rawhide, who played as the Visalia Toros;[6] 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.[7] 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.[8][9] In 2019, participation increased to 72 teams.[10] Six teams that participated in 2018 using direct Spanish translations of their usual team name adopted new identities for 2019.[11] The number of participants increased to 92 for the 2020 season.[12]

In addition to changing monikers for Copa games, teams also utilize alternate logos, color schemes, jerseys, and hats.[13] 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,[14] to culinary, with the Columbia Fireflies playing as the Chicharrones de Columbia.[15]

The 2020 minor league season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[16] 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.[17] This reorganization and elimination of some teams reduced Copa participants to 76 clubs in 2021.[18] Following the 2021 season, the Worcester Red Sox, who played Copa games as "Los Wepas de Worcester", were awarded the Fun Cup trophy.[19]

In 2022, participation grew to 85 teams.[20]

• Official website