Los Cucuys, A Team On & Off The Field

For eight games this year at San Manuel Stadium, the 66ers transform into 'Los Cucuys,' as part of our inclusion of, 'La Copa De La Diversion,' the Hispanic and Latino initiative Minor League Baseball introduced for the 2018 season. 
A sell-out crowd of nearly 7,000 on May 3 witnessed the first, of many more Cucuys games to come to San Bernardino.
"I love this," 66ers fan Joe Beserra said. "And I am very happy to see that Minor League Baseball is doing this."
The 66ers are one of the select few of just 33 organizations across the entire country asked to participate in the english translation of the 'Fun Cup.' 
Merchandise featuring the Cucuys logos and script have been flying off of the shelves. Shirts, hats, and other apparel have been ordered by fans throughout the United States as well as Latin America. According to Minor League Baseball and New Era, Cucuys merchandise is sixth overall in sales.
"I want to get this brand well-known, General Manager of the 66ers Joe Hudson said. "I want people to be familiar with the Cucuys, and know it is something that can be a staple for the Inland Empire."
An integral part of this brand awareness Hudson talks about is not only having guests visit the ballpark to see the Cucuys, but also the team making an effort to travel outside the friendly confines of San Manuel Stadium, and bring the Cucuys to different communities. 
66ers Players donned in Cucuys gear traveled to Canyon Springs Little League, Hesperia American Little League, and San Bernardino PONY over the month of May to meet and greet with the up and coming baseball players in these regions. Players spoke English and Spanish, discussing their hard work and dedication to get where they are now in their careers, as well as give tips to the youngsters on the fundamentals of baseball.
"It felt great to encourage the youth on the aspects of playing ball, and just overall self-confidence," 66ers Starting Pitcher Erik Manoah Jr. described. "Getting on the field with the kids and playing in their game was my favorite part."

The little-leaguers got to take pictures with the pros, as well as take home their very own Cucuys caps and drawstring bags as tangible mementos of the memories that will last a lifetime.
"The Cucuy is something the kids know about, and it was fun to see their reactions to us wearing the jerseys, and giving them their own hats," 66ers Relief Pitcher Daniel Procopio said.

Fans are encouraged to reach out to the 66ers for any inquiries on how to participate in our Cucuys nights. So far, the 66ers have hosted a myriad of performance groups, clubs, and organizations entirely comprised of Hispanic and Latino members. 

"The Cucuys are here to stay, and we are already planning big things for next year," Hudson said.

The Cucuys will appear on every Thursday home game during the 2018 regular season at San Manuel Stadium. Remaining dates are June 28, July 5, July 26, August 2, and August 30.