Minor League Baseball is continuing their outreach efforts to Hispanic/Latino communities with Copa de la Diversión. Last year, only three MiLB teams participated with one being the Chicago White Sox AAA affiliate, Charlotte Knights. You might remember they were called Caballeros and the uniforms went from black/gold to purple/gold. Charlotte will be participating again, but this year MiLB sees a vast increase from three teams to 33, including two additional White Sox affiliates with Winston-Salem and Kannapolis.
While most enjoy the goofy uniforms we see from the Minor Leagues during promotional events, even though I'm a big fan of the brat uniforms this year for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, these Hispanic/Latino inspired uniforms will make the White Sox prospects look sharp.
CHARLOTTE CABALLEROS
MiLB description: Charlotte has called its baseball team the “Knights” for the past 30 years. In that time, the city has seen tremendous growth, including its Hispanic population which now makes up more than 13 percent
of the city’s population.
As a nearly-direct translation, the Knights and “Caballeros” share the definition of “gentlemanly horseman” which is the perfect fit for the Queen City of the South, and this celebration of its entire community now and for generations to come.
WINSTON-SALEM RAYADOS
MiLB description: “Rayados” translates to “the Striped Ones,” and is born out of a collaboration with the baseball team and the Hispanic League of Winston-Salem. The name recalls the pinstripes worn from previous Winston-Salem teams, and the term “Rayo” also loosely translates to “Bolt,” the Dash’s mascot.
LOS RÁPIDOS DE KANNAPOLIS
MiLB description: Deep in the heart of racing country, a new kind of speed has begun to make itself known. Growing, working, learning, and even dancing faster than any other, the Latin American community is on the rise.
The diversities of Latin culture come together as one to celebrate their fast-paced, positive impact here as “Los Rápidos de Kannapolis.”
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I'm a fan of how the Charlotte Knights and Birmingham Barons look, but not so much for the Winston-Salem Dash or the Kannapolis Intimidators. Yes, it is NASCAR country there, and I'm sure it appeals to the locals to have racing themes associated with the team. I just think their Copa de la Diversión look is better and upgrade on what they regularly wear. Especially the roadrunner for Kannapolis. Big improvement on whatever is going on with the K monster.
The ballcaps are already in team stores, and you can purchase one by clicking on the link below:
