What Percent of the MLB is Mexican?
The Major League Baseball (MLB) is comprised of teams that represent cities throughout the United States and Canada. The league is divided into two leagues, the American League and the National League, each with 15 teams. While many of the players in MLB are of American descent, there are a number of players from other countries, including Mexico. As of the 2019 season, 8.1 percent of all MLB players were from Mexico.
MLB International Appeal
Since the 1990s, MLB has been expanding its reach internationally, signing players from all over the world. Mexico is among the countries that has seen a surge in MLB players. According to MLB.com, the number of Mexican-born players in the league has grown from one in 1990 to 35 in 2019.
The rise in the number of Mexican players in the league reflects the growing participation in baseball in Mexico. In recent years, more and more kids have been playing the sport, and MLB teams have taken notice. The Los Angeles Dodgers have been particularly active in signing Mexican players, signing 23 since 2000.
MLB Diversity
MLB has long been known as a diverse league, with players from a variety of different countries. According to MLB’s 2019 Racial and Gender Report Card, the league is comprised of players from 16 different countries. In addition to Mexico, other countries with multiple players in the league include the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Cuba, and Japan.
Overall, MLB is made up of a diverse group of players from all over the world. In addition to Mexican players, the league includes players from a variety of different backgrounds and ethnicities. According to the report, 53.2 percent of players in MLB were from the United States, 15.9 percent were from the Dominican Republic, 10.1 percent were from Venezuela, 5.2 percent were from Cuba, and 8.1 percent were from Mexico.
Notable Mexican Players
Mexico has produced a number of MLB superstars over the years. Among the most notable are Adrián González, José Altuve, Yasiel Puig, and Fernando Valenzuela.
González is one of the most decorated players in MLB history. He has been a five-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger. He is also the only Mexican-born player to win the Gold Glove Award, which he has done four times.
Altuve is another notable Mexican player in MLB. He is a six-time All-Star and the 2017 American League MVP. He is also the only player in MLB history to have five 200-hit seasons.
Puig is a five-time All-Star and the 2018 National League batting champion. He is best known for his bat-flipping celebrations and his fiery personality.
Valenzuela is one of the most beloved players in MLB history. He was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1981 and a six-time All-Star. He is perhaps best known for his “Fernandomania”, which captivated the nation during his rookie season.
MLB in Mexico
In addition to its international players, MLB has made inroads in Mexico itself. The league has held a number of games in Mexico in recent years, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres playing a series in Monterrey in 2018 and 2019. The league has also held games in Mexico City, where the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels played a series in 2019.
MLB has also formed partnerships with Mexican baseball teams. The league signed a partnership with the Mexican League, which is the top baseball league in Mexico, in 2019. The partnership will allow MLB teams to sign players from the Mexican League and will also create development and coaching opportunities.
Mexican Players in the Postseason
Mexican players have also had success in the postseason. Over the past decade, Mexican players have made significant contributions to their teams’ postseason runs.
In 2019, Altuve led the Houston Astros to the World Series, and he was named the ALCS MVP. Puig was also a key contributor for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who made it to the World Series for the third consecutive year. In 2018, González was a key contributor for the Boston Red Sox, who won the World Series.
MLB and Mexican Culture
MLB has had an impact on Mexican culture and vice versa. In recent years, there has been an increase in the popularity of the sport in Mexico. According to the Mexican League, the number of youth playing baseball in Mexico has grown from 2,000 in 2010 to over 10,000 in 2019.
The increased popularity of the sport has been attributed in part to the success of Mexican players in MLB. Seeing players from their homeland succeed in the majors has inspired many children to pursue their own dreams of playing in the MLB.
The Future of Mexican Players in MLB
As MLB continues to expand its reach internationally, it is likely that the number of Mexican players in the league will continue to grow. With the league’s partnership with the Mexican League and its growing popularity in Mexico, there is no shortage of talent coming out of the country.
Notable Mexican MLB Players
- Adrián González: Five-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove Award winner
- José Altuve: Six-time All-Star and the 2017 American League MVP
- Yasiel Puig: Five-time All-Star and the 2018 National League batting champion
- Fernando Valenzuela: National League Rookie of the Year in 1981 and six-time All-Star
Conclusion
As of the 2019 season, 8.1 percent of all MLB players were from Mexico. The rise in the number of Mexican players in the league reflects the growing participation in baseball in Mexico. Mexico has produced a number of MLB superstars over the years, including Adrián González, José Altuve, Yasiel Puig, and Fernando Valenzuela. MLB has also made inroads in Mexico itself, holding games in the country and forming partnerships with Mexican teams. As MLB continues to expand its reach internationally, it is likely that the number of Mexican players in the league will continue to grow.