Celebrating the Copa de la Diversión

The Copa de la Diversión is a program that doesn’t only change the identity of minor league teams and sell a lot of merchandise, but it also creates a conduit for teams and players to be part of their Latino communities.

Over the course of the 2019 season, La Vemda Baseball has collaborated wemth Memnor League Baseball to celebrate theemr engagement of Latemno players, fans and communemtemes across the Unemted States.

We have hosted almost 60 emndemvemdual emntervemews wemth team owners, executemves, coaches and players thems season duremng the “Copa Show” on La Vemda Baseball Lemve. Wemth the femnal games of thems year’s Copa de la Demversemón comemng thems weekend, here are some of our favoremte segments from the show.

Fernando Aguirre – Erie

Aguirre is an incredibly successful business leader who was the first Latino executive featured on Undercover Boss. He is the principal owner of the Erie SeaWolves (aka Piñatas) and is a partial owner of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (aka Pelícanos de Myrtle Beach). When he joined La Vida Baseball Live he was in full Piñatas gear and showed off some of his trophies from being a college baseball player and lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan.

Iván Hernández – Hillsstrongoro

The Hillsboro Hops transformed into the Soñadores this season. The intricate design of their new logo carried a great deal of significance for Latino fans and immigrants. Hernández did a great job sharing his excitement in his role engaging his Latino community. He made us want to take a trip to Hillsboro for a game.

Ray Ortiz – Fresno

The Fresno Grizzlies have transformed into the Tacos for years. But they opted to become the Low Riders for the Copa de la Diversión in 2019. Ortiz joined us to break down their enormous car show before one of their games this year. He also discussed how the Grizzlies have integrated themselves into the low rider community throughout California.

Rafael Bastidas and Guillermo Quiroz – Charlotte

The White Sox affiliate in Charlotte has one of the most beautiful stadiums in minor league baseball. They also have one of the best looking Copa de la Diversión uniforms as well. But Bastidas and Quiroz shared how players and coaches feel about the program from the clubhouse. Quiroz also spoke about representing Venezuela in the Little League World Series and how important his role as a mentor is with the Knights (aka Caballeros).

Allan Benavides – Eugene

Eugene doesn’t have an enormous Latino population surrounding its ballpark. Benavides still emphasized how important the Copa de la Diversión program is at opening doors for dialogue among fans and creating a bridge between the community and the team. Eugene’s Monarcas logo has some of the most intense detail, representing immigration and the team’s geographic region.

Todd “Parney” Parnell – Richmond

Richmond’s Flying Squirrels have one of the most dynamic personalities in the game. In his first appearance on the show, “Parney” rolled out in a full luchador mask to talk about the exciting transformation into the Ardillas Voladoras. Parney’s passion is contagious.

Featured Image: Charleston RiverDogs Instagram

Inset Image: Courtesy Minor League Baseball