Bandits cap among leaders for best in Minor League Baseball

Featuring the logo of an iconic raccoon with bandana and cowboy hat, the Quad Cities River Bandits' cap has quickly become among the most recognizable in baseball, and now it among the leaders for the best cap in Minor League Baseball in the Clash of the Caps at MiLB.com.

One cap from each of the 160 Minor League Baseball teams is automatically entered in the contest, and the Bandits' cap is currently running third in the national contest - and is the only Single-A team in the nation currently in the top five. Fans can vote at MiLB.com/ClashoftheCaps or follow the link at riverbandits.com through Wednesday, May 21.

"Fans in the Quad Cities region and across the country have made the River Bandits cap one of the most popular in baseball, and this vote is further evidence of that," said team owner Dave Heller. "Our great fans can now show their Bandits pride to the entire baseball world by helping us win the Clash of the Caps competition."

As of Monday evening, the River Bandits home cap had received the most votes of any Single-A team and ranked No. 3 overall among all 160 minor league teams.

Fans can visit the MiLB.com/ClashoftheCaps) and vote for their favorite cap among randomly selected pairs. Upon voting, they will get another random pair. Fan choices will be recorded through Wednesday, May 21, and the winner will be announced on May 22.

River Bandits caps are available for purchase through the online team store using the link at riverbandits.com, as well at Modern Woodmen Park team store 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and during all home games. A 10 percent discount will be given on all Bandits caps purchased at the ballpark during the competition, and the team will offer a 20 percent discount if it wins the competition.

UP NEXT: The official lighting of the Ferris Wheel will be a part of Markdown Monday when the River Bandits open their next homestand May 19 at Modern Woodmen Park. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and bleacher tickets, as well as hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, nachos, soda and beer are just $2 each for the 7 p.m. game. Tickets are available online at www.riverbandits.com. Don't miss the great light show that comes with the new Ferris Wheel! To order any of the ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 110 feet over the playing field, will open May 24, along with a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded 300-foot long zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.