Salt Lake Bees Won 2026 MiLB Award for Best Identity
The Dirty Sodas brand secured the national title after winning an online fan vote for the best new alternate identity.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Baseball
Live Poll
Do you enjoy when local minor league sports teams adopt quirky, themed alternate identities?
The Salt Lake Bees claimed the 2026 MiLB Award for Best New Alternate Identity, capturing 25 percent of the total fan vote. The team competed as the Dirty Sodas during Wednesday home games to honor a popular local beverage trend.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the success of blending regional culture with minor league baseball branding to drive fan engagement. The identity pays tribute to the local practice of adding cream and syrups to carbonated sodas.
The Dirty Sodas branding secured the top spot with 25 percent of the vote compared to 24 percent for the Columbus Scrambled Dogs and 23 percent for the Louisville Humidity. During Wednesday home games, fans could purchase drinks for $3.
The players
Salt Lake Bees
They are the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and are based in Salt Lake City.
Swig
This beverage chain was founded in 2010 and is owned by the Larry H. Miller Company.
Rare Design
Based in Mississippi, this design firm partnered with the team to develop the brand identity.
Denzer Guzman
He is a professional baseball player who hit an inflatable cup during a May 2026 game.
The details
Developed with Rare Design, the brand was featured during every Wednesday home game at the ballpark. In May 2026, the identity gained attention when Denzer Guzman hit an inflatable Swig cup during game play.
Timeline
2010: Swig was founded.
May 2026: Denzer Guzman hit the inflatable Swig cup.
September 28, 2026: The Dirty Sodas won the MiLB award.
2027: The Bees plan to continue the Dirty Sodas brand.
Season Trajectory
The award marks a successful conclusion to the team's experimental branding initiative, which leveraged regional pop culture to boost ballpark attendance and engagement. This momentum sets a high bar for the organization as they plan to continue the popular brand throughout the 2027 season.
Fans in Salt Lake City can anticipate the continued presence of the Dirty Sodas identity at home games in 2027. The initiative remains a unique draw for ballpark attendees, offering specific pricing on drinks during mid-week games.
The takeaway
Creative, localized branding can effectively bridge the gap between commercial entities and community sports culture. Teams looking to mirror this success should focus on regional trends that resonate deeply with the local fanbase.
What happens next
The Salt Lake Bees are scheduled to continue the Dirty Sodas brand momentum during the 2027 season.
Further reading
Learn more about the team's ongoing season and promotional activities at the Salt Lake City Baseball section.
Live Poll
Do you enjoy when local minor league sports teams adopt quirky, themed alternate identities?
