RailRiders Copa de la Diversión Identity Announced
MOOSIC, PA (March 18, 2019) -- The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are excited to announce that for six games during the 2019 season they will be playing as the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Vejigantes. This is the first year the RailRiders participating in Minor League Baseball's Copa de la Diversión® (Fun Cup™) that now includes
MOOSIC, PA (March 18, 2019) -- The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are excited to announce that for six games during the 2019 season they will be playing as the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Vejigantes. This is the first year the RailRiders participating in Minor League Baseball's Copa de la Diversión® (Fun Cup™) that now includes 72 teams across the country playing nearly 400 games under Latinx identities.
"We could not be more excited to be involved in such an important and fun initiative with Minor League Baseball," said Josh Olerud, the RailRiders President and General Manager. "We recognize how important it is to involve all Northeast Pennsylvania residents at PNC Field and we know that participating in the 'Copa de la Diversion' is a small first step in what will be a lasting effort to connect with our local Hispanic community."
The cornerstone of MiLB's U.S. Hispanic/Latino fan engagement initiative, Copa de la Diversión established an innovative new platform authentically connecting MiLB teams with their diverse communities, embracing the culture and values that resonate with most Hispanics/Latinos nationwide. Teams participating take on new identities for select games during the course of the season, donning unique uniforms and altering their brand to pay tribute to this heritage.
A "Vejigante" is a folkloric masked character, boasting roots from a wide spectrum of cultures. The eccentric jester-like Vejigante is often characterized during Carnival and other celebrations, engaging in mischievous and entertaining antics alike. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre adopted the moniker to unite the region's growing Latinx population. The RailRiders will reveal the Vejigantes uniforms as part of the Meet the RailRiders event April 2 at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center.
Click here to buy Vejigantes gear!
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will host Copa de la Diversión games on June 9 (against the Syracuse Mets), June 22 (Durham Bulls), July 16 (Columbus Clippers), July 21 (Louisville Bats), August 4 (Lehigh Valley IronPigs) and on August 31 (Buffalo Bisons).
These six games throughout the season will each be specifically themed, featuring matching live music and in-game entertainment:
June 9: Interfaith Day
June 22: Carnival
July 16: Youth Baseball/Softball Night
July 21: Food Truck Festival
August 4: Heritage Day
August 31: Scranton Latin Festival
Plans also include a
The biggest fanfare of any of the games might July 16 when Roberto Clemente's No. 21 will be retired at PNC Field. That night, the first 500 children 12 and under will receive a commemorative Roberto Clemente replica t-shirt presented by La Tolteca.
"The growth we're seeing in team participation for Copa is outstanding," said Kurt Hunzeker, Vice President of Marketing Strategy and Research for Minor League Baseball. "We like to say that you don't attend a Minor League Baseball game, you feel it. To extend that feeling to a previously underserved fan base is remarkable."
The RailRiders are proud to partner with La Tolteca for their 2019 Copa de la Diversión initiative.
The RailRiders are just a few weeks away from Opening Day at PNC Field, April 11 against the Buffalo Bisons. For more information about tickets, visit www.swbrailriders.com and for more information regarding Scranton/Wilkes-Barre's involvement with Copa de la Diversión, visit www.swbrailriders.com/fans/copa.