Founded on June 28, 1925, the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol, or the Mexican Baseball League, is the highest level of professional baseball in Mexico. Whether you are an avid follower of the LMB or just getting acquainted, this guide will walk you through the most significant dates of the 2022 Liga Mexicana de Béisbol season and introduce the clubs competing for the Serie del Rey.
Countdown to Opening Day
The 97th rendition of the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol kicks off on Thursday, April 21, 2022, when the reigning champion Toros de Tijuana hosts the Diablos Rojos del Mexico at the iconic Estadio Chevron in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.
Schedule & Playoff Format
The 2022 Liga Mexicana de Béisbol season runs from April 21 to August 7, with the LMB All-Star Game held from June 17-19 in Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico, featuring the league’s most prominent players.
The 2022 LMB Playoffs are set for August 9 to September 17, featuring the top six North and South Zone teams. There are four rounds in the LMB Playoffs: First Round, Zone Series, Championship Series, and the King’s Series, commonly known as the Serie del Rey. The First Round features a best-of-five game series, and the Zone Series, Championship Series, and Serie del Rey highlight a best-of-seven game series.
Liga Mexicana de Béisbol Clubs
As we approach the 97th edition of the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol, let’s meet the 18 teams split between two divisions, North Zone and South Zone, set to play 90 games each, vying to take home the coveted Serie del Rey.
Acereros de Monclova
The Acereros del Norte, or Northern Steelers, made their Mexican Baseball League debut on March 23, 1974. In their 47-year history, the Northern Steelers have captured three North division titles (1998, 2015, 2019) and the Serie del Rey in 2019. Since 1975, the Steelers have competed at the Estadio de Béisbol Monclova, the site of the 2022 LMB All-Star Game, which can accommodate 8,500 fans.
Former Chicago Cubs infielder Addison Russel and the Northern Steelers amassed a 35-31 record in the 2021 season, good for the 4th seed in the North Zone. They advanced to the Zone Series before falling to the soon-to-be LMB champion Tijuana Bulls.
Algodoneros de Unión Laguna
Established on September 15, 1932, formerly known as the Unión Laguna de Torreón, the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna, or Union Laguna Cotton Farmers, have captured four North Zone division titles (1974, 1976, 1978, 1990) and two Serie del Rey’s (1942, 1950). The Algodoneros contest in front of 9,935 spectators at the Estadio Revolución, the oldest professional baseball stadium in Mexico.
Led by the trio of Carlos Rivera, Isaias Tejada, and Nick Torres, the Algodoneros finished 6th in the North Zone in the 2021 LMB season with a 31-33 record. The Algodoneros lost the first three games in the First Round versus the top-seeded Mariachi’s but battled back to even the series at three games apiece before ultimately losing Game 7.
Generales de Durango
Founded in 2016, the Generales de Durango, or Durango Generals, are the second youngest club in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol. The Generals made their LMB debut for the 2017 season and have yet to win either a North Division title or Serie del Rey. Initially built in 1972 and remodeled in 2017, the Generals contend at Francisco Villa Stadium, housing 4,983 fans.
The Generals finished last in the North Zone in 2021 and tied for the worst record in the league. Though, Carlos Paulino and Aneury Tavarez expect to flip the script in the 2022 LMB season.
Mariachis de Guadalajara
The Mariachis de Guadalajara, or Guadalajara Mariachi, are the most novel team in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol, who made their LMB debut on May 21, 2021. Initially constructed for the 2011 Pan American Games, the Mariachi’s play their home games at the 16,500-seat Pan American Stadium.
Led by Jesse Castillo, Leonardo Heras, Luis Sardinas, and Niko Vasquez, who averaged over .300 in the 2021 season, the Mariachis posted a 46-17 regular season record in 2021, becoming the North Zone division champions and registering the best record in the league. Despite falling to LMB champion Toros de Tijuana in the Championship Series, the Mariachis are primed to succeed in the 2022 season.
Rieleros de Aguascalientes
The Rieleros de Aguascalientes, also known as the Rieleros Baseball Club of Aguascalientes or the Aguascalientes Railroad Workers, is a professional baseball team that has played the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol since 1975. The Rieleros participated in the South Zone from 1975-1978, winning the South division and the Serie del Rey in 1978. The Rieleros later relocated to the North Zone for the 1984 LMB season, where they have remained ever since, winning the North division in the 2012 season LMB season. Built in 1938, the Rieleros contend at Alberto Romo Chávez Park, which houses 6,496 fans.
Led by Michael Wing, who recorded nine home runs, 44 RBIs, 17 doubles, and a .345 batting average, the Rieleros finished one game under .500 in the 2021 season. The Rieleros were up in the series 3-2 over the Tijuana Bulls in the First Round, eventually losing in seven hard-fought games.
Saraperos de Saltillo
The Saraperos de Saltillo, or Saraperos from Saltillo, are one of the most dominant clubs in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol since its emergence in 1970. The Saraperos battle in the North Zone, where they’ve achieved eights North division titles (1971, 1972, 1973, 1988, 2004, 2005, 2009, and 2010). They’ve also won the Serie del Rey three times (1980, 2009, and 2010) in their rich 52-year history. With a capacity of 16,000, the Saraperos Francisco I. Madero Stadium is one of the largest ballparks in the league.
Guided by Rainel Rosario, the Saraperos were one of the best power-hitting teams last year, featuring six players with double-digit home runs. The Saraperos posted a 36-30 record in the 2021 season, good for 3rd place in the North Zone. Despite their power-hitting prowess, the Saraperos succumbed to the Aceros de Monclova in the first round of the 2021 postseason.
Sultanes de Monterrey
Initially recognized as Carta Blanca from 1939-1941, the Monterrey Industrialists from 1942-1948, and presently the Sultanes de Monterrey, the Sultanes are one of the oldest teams in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol. Through 83 years in the LMB, the Sultanes is one of the most decorated clubs in league history, capturing 11 North Zone titles (1986, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2013, and both the Spring and Autumn division title in 2018. The Sultanes have also accumulated 10 LMG titles (1943, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1962, 1991, 1995, 1996, 2007, and most recently in the Autumn rendition of the 2018 season. The Sultanes contend at the 21,906-seat Monterrey Stadium, the most expansive stadium in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol.
The Sultanes, led by Victor Mendoza’s 11 home runs, 45 RBIs, 16 doubles, and .365 batting average, finished three games under .500 in the 2021 season, finishing just a half-game out of playoff contention.
Tecolotes de Dos Laredos
The Tecolotes de Dos Laredos, or Two Laredos Owls, have been around since 1940, initially known as La Junta de Nuevo Laredo. The club has a rich history of departure, redirecting its path to other cities six times, now officially known as the Tecolotes de Dos Laredos since the 2017 LMB season. In its storied history, the Tecolotes have won six North Zone division titles (1977, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1992, and 1993), including five Serie del Rey’s (1953, 1954, 1958, 1977, and 1989.) The Tecolotes, which can accommodate 6,000 spectators, competed at Parque la Junta from 1947-2003, and 2019 to present-day
The Tecolotes finished in 7th place in the North Zone in the 2021 season, despite a strong performance from Rudy Flores and Balbino Fuenmayor. Regardless of recent struggles, all signs indicate an improvement in the 2022 LMB season.
Toros de Tijuana
Established in 2004, the Tijuana Bulls participated in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol for one season, soon being renamed the Potros de Tijuana before their resurgence in the 2014 season. Since 2004, the Tijuana Bulls have won four division championships and two Serie del Rey’s, where they’ve competed at the Estadio Chevron with a capacity of 17,000 fans.
Led by league MVP Leandro Castro, and the league’s best relief pitcher in former 17-year MLB veteran Fernando Rodney, the Tijuana Bulls recorded a 40-25 record in the 2021 LMB season, the 2nd best in the North Zone. The Bulls defeated the Rieleros, Acereros, Mariachis, and Leones en route to capturing the 2021 Serie del Rey, with Efren Navarro earning the Finals MVP award.
Bravos de León
Since the Alijadores de Tampico relocated to León in 1979, the club has been recognized as the Bravos de León, Braves of León, or Cubs of León. The Cubs, who compete in the South Zone, captured both the South Zone division title and Serie del Rey in 1990. Initially opened in 1973, with a remodeling completed in 2017, the Cubs contend at Domingo Santana Stadium in front of 6,500 in the stands.
Despite solid efforts from Xavier Batista and Matt Clark, the Cubs finished 7th in the South Zone in the 2021 LMB season, 3.5 games out of the postseason.
Diablos Rojos del México
The Diablos Rojos del México, or Red Devils of Mexico, are one of the oldest, and most successful clubs in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol. Since its inception in 1940, the Red Devils have accumulated 12 South Zone division titles, five North Zone division titles, and two Central Zone division titles, which was an LMB division from 1996-2001. The Red Devils have also achieved the most Serie del Rey titles in LMB history, with 16. The Red Devils compete at iconic Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium, which can accommodate 20,576 fans, the 2nd largest stadium in the league.
The Red Devils, helmed by Japhet Amador and Jon Singleton, won the South Zone in the 2021 LMB season. While the Red Devils fell to Leones de Yucatán in the Championship Series, they look to return to their winning ways in the 2022 LMB season.
El Águila de Veracruz
The El Águila de Veracruz, or The Eagle of Veracruz, is the most storied baseball club in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol, with a rich 118-year history, dating back to September 16, 1903. The Eagle of Veracruz competes in the South Zone, where they’ve racked up three division titles (1937, 1970, and 2012) and six Serie del Rey’s (1937, 1938, 1952, 1961, 1970, and 2012.) The Eagle of Veracruz embraces 7,782 fans at Veracruz Sports Stadium, commonly known as “The Eagles Nest.”
The Eagle of Veracruz, led by Alexi Amarista’s 14 home runs, 41 RBIs, and .369 batting average, finished 4th in the South Zone in 2021 before falling to the Leones de Yucatán in the First Round of the playoffs.
Guerreros de Oaxaca
The Guerreros de Oaxaca, otherwise known as the Oaxacan Warriors, broke ground on March 14, 1996, competing in the former Liga Mexicana de Béisbol Central Zone. In their third season in the LMB, the Warriors won both the Central Zone and the Serie del Rey. The Warriors then pivoted to the South Zone after the 2001 season, where they achieved the South Zone division title in 2018. Eduardo Vasconcelos Stadium is home to the Warriors, accommodating 7,200 spectators.
Despite Jose Urena’s 17 home runs, 40 RBIs, and .323 batting average, the Warriors finished the 2021 LMB season with the worst record in the South Zone and tied with Generals for the lowest winning percentage in the league.
Leones de Yucatán
The Leones de Yucatán, or Yucatan Lions, first participated in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol in the 1954 season. Leones competed in the LMB until 1959, becoming the Rojos del Águila. The Lions returned to the LMB in 1970, competing until 1974, until relocating to Villahermosa, Tabasco. Since 1979, Leones has contended and remained in Yucatán, capturing seven South Zone division titles (1984, 1989, 2006, 2007, Spring 2018, 2019, and 2021). Leones also took home the Serie del Rey in 1957, 1984, 2006, and Spring 2018. The Lions have played at Kukulcan Alamo Park since March 23, 1982, which can harbor 14,917 Yucatán Lions fans.
The Yucatán Lions, led by Art Charles, Yadir Drake, and Alex Liddi, finished 3rd in the South Zone regular-season standings and made a deep run in the 2021 LMB playoffs. After leading the Tijuana Bulls 3-0 in the 2021 Serie del Rey, the Lions ultimately lost four consecutive games in heartbreaking fashion.
Olmecas de Tabasco
Initially called the Cardinals, followed by the Planteros, and then the Ganaderos, the franchise has been dubbed the Olmec Baseball Club of Tabasco, or Olmecas, since 1990. In their 47-year history, the Olmecas have achieved just one South Zone division title and Serie del Rey, both occurring in the 1993 LMB season. The Centenario 27 de Febrero has been home to the Olmecas since their stint as the Cardinals, with a capacity of 8,500.
Led by Jesus Arredondo, Herlis Rodriguez, and Maikel Serrano, the Olmecas went 36-30 in the 2021 LMB season, just six games back of the first-place Red Devils. The Olmecas defeated the Pericos de Puebla in the First Round before losing to the Yucatán Lions in the Zone Series.
Pericos de Puebla
The Pericos de Puebla Baseball Club is the 2nd oldest franchise in the South Zone, founded in 1938, and competing in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol since 1940. In its 84-year history, the Parakeets have won six South Zone division titles (1979, 1986, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2017), including four Serie Del Rey’s (1963, 1979, 1986, and 201). The Puebla Parakeets have competed at the 12,112-seat Hermanos Serdan Stadium since 1973.
Led by the power-hitting duo of David Olmedo-Barrera and Danny Ortiz, the Puebla Parakeets finished .500 in the 2021 LMB season, good for 5th in the South Zone. After winning Game 1 of the First Round of the 2021 LMB postseason, the Parakeets lost four consecutive games to the Olmecas.
Piratas de Campeche
The Piratas de Campeche was founded in 1980 after acquiring the Alcacranes de Durango, who now plays in the Liga Mayor de la Laguna (LMBL). The two years the Pirates captured the South Zone division title, they also went on to win the Serie del Rey (1983, 2004). Since 2001, the Pirates have competed at the 6,000-seat Nelson Barrera Romellón Stadium, named after Nelson Barrera Romellón, one of the greatest ballplayers in LMB history.
The Piratas de Campeche, led by Diego Madero and former major leaguer Luis Jimenez, posted a 24-39 record in the 2021 LMB season, finishing 16.5 games back of the first-place Red Devils and 7.5 games out of playoff contention.
Tigres de Quintana Roo
The Tigres de Quintana Roo were founded in 1955 in Mexico City as the Tigres Capitalinos. After 46 seasons in Mexico City and five seasons in Puebla, the Tigers moved to Cancún, Quintana Roo, in 2007, where they remain. The Tigers have captured 12 division titles, nine in the South Zone and three in the North Zone, in addition to 12 Serie del Rey’s, the second-most titles in LMB history after the Red Devils. The Tigers compete in front of 20,500 fans at Beto Avila Stadium, named after Veracruz “Beto” Avila, one of the most prominent Mexican baseball players, who spent 11 seasons in the MLB.
Led by shifty Reynaldo Rodriguez, who recorded four home runs, 38 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases across 63 games, the Tigers went 32-33 in the 2021 LMB season, good for 6th place in the South Zone and the final playoff spot. After blowing out the Red Devils 12-2 in Game 1 of the First Round, the Tigres de Quintana Roo lost four straight to end their season.
For the Love of Béisbol
Now that you’re accustomed to the structure of the LMB and met the 18 clubs contending for the coveted Serie del Rey, the countdown begins to the highly anticipated 2022 Liga Mexicana de Béisbol season.
Originally posted 2022-04-07 15:24:00.
