Introduction to Professional Baseball Teams in Mexico
The sport of baseball is widely popular throughout the world, and it is especially beloved in Mexico. Professional baseball teams in Mexico are an important part of the country’s culture and history, and they have been in operation since the late 19th century. In this article, we will discuss the history and current state of professional baseball teams in Mexico. We will also answer the question of how many professional baseball teams are in Mexico.
History of Professional Baseball Teams in Mexico
Professional baseball teams in Mexico have been around since the 1870s and 1880s. Mexico’s first professional baseball team, the Mexican League, was founded in 1881. The league was founded by the Mexican government and was initially made up of six teams. In the early years, the Mexican League was mostly made up of teams from Mexico City, but teams from other cities soon joined.
In the early 20th century, the Mexican League experienced great growth. By the 1930s, the Mexican League had 20 teams and was the most popular sport in Mexico. During this period, the league was dominated by teams from Mexico City, but teams from other cities such as Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Puebla were also very successful. During the 1940s and 1950s, the Mexican League continued to grow in popularity and teams from other countries such as the United States and Cuba began to join the league.
Current State of Professional Baseball Teams in Mexico
Today, the Mexican League is made up of 16 teams from all over the country. The teams are divided into two divisions, the North and South. The teams that make up the North division are Aguascalientes, Durango, Jalisco, Laguna, Mazatlan, Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo, Saltillo, and Tijuana. The teams that make up the South division are Campeche, Cancun, Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puebla, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Veracruz.
The Mexican League is one of the most competitive and successful professional baseball leagues in the world. The league has produced some of the greatest players in the history of the game, including Hall of Famers such as Ivan Rodriguez, Fernando Valenzuela, and Adrian Gonzalez. The Mexican League is also known for its great rivalries and passionate fans.
How Many Professional Baseball Teams Are in Mexico?
There are currently 16 professional baseball teams in Mexico. These teams are divided into two divisions, the North and South. The North division consists of nine teams and the South division consists of seven teams. The teams in the North division are Aguascalientes, Durango, Jalisco, Laguna, Mazatlan, Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo, Saltillo, and Tijuana. The teams in the South division are Campeche, Cancun, Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puebla, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Veracruz.
Types of Baseball Played in Mexico
In addition to the professional teams, there are also several other types of baseball played in Mexico. These include amateur leagues, youth leagues, and international leagues.
Amateur Leagues
Amateur leagues in Mexico are typically organized by local governments, non-profit organizations, or private companies. These leagues usually consist of teams from the same city or region and are usually divided into divisions based on age, skill level, and gender.
Youth Leagues
Youth leagues in Mexico are typically organized by local governments, non-profit organizations, or private companies. These leagues are aimed at younger players and typically consist of teams from the same city or region.
International Leagues
International baseball leagues in Mexico are typically organized by private companies or non-profit organizations. These leagues usually consist of teams from different countries and usually involve teams from Mexico, the United States, Cuba, and other countries in Latin America.
Popular Professional Baseball Players from Mexico
Since the Mexican League was founded in 1881, it has produced some of the greatest professional baseball players in the world. Some of the most popular Mexican baseball players include:
- Ivan Rodriguez: Rodriguez is a Hall of Fame catcher who played for the Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers. Rodriguez is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive catchers in the history of the game.
- Fernando Valenzuela: Valenzuela is a Hall of Fame pitcher who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals. Valenzuela is widely considered to be one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the game.
- Adrian Gonzalez: Gonzalez is a four-time All-Star first baseman who has played for the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays. Gonzalez is widely regarded as one of the best hitters in the game today.
- Oliver Perez: Perez is a three-time All-Star pitcher who has played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, and Washington Nationals. Perez is known for his ability to pitch in high-pressure situations.
- Yovani Gallardo: Gallardo is a two-time All-Star pitcher who has played for the Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, Baltimore Orioles, and Seattle Mariners. Gallardo is known for his sharp curveball and his ability to pitch effectively in any situation.
Mexican Baseball Stadiums
The Mexican League teams play their home games in a variety of stadiums throughout Mexico. Some of the most iconic stadiums in the league include Estadio Gasmart in Tijuana, Estadio Fray Nano in Mexico City, and Estadio de Béisbol Monterrey in Monterrey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are currently 16 professional baseball teams in Mexico. These teams are divided into two divisions, the North and South. The Mexican League has produced some of the greatest players in the history of the game and is known for its great rivalries and passionate fans. Professional teams in Mexico have been around since the late 19th century and will continue to be an important part of Mexican culture for many years to come.