Eating Baseball

A corner that keeps the flame of the king of sports alive

Home Plate Restaurant (2020) by Sonoran Institute of CultureSonoran Institute of Culture

Origins of "Home"

In the heart of Magdalena de Kino, Don Manuel founded the 'Home Plate' restaurant, inspired by an article in 'Super Hit' magazine reporting that his idol Johnny Bench had a restaurant with a similar name.

Home Plate Restaurant (2020) by Sonoran Institute of CultureSonoran Institute of Culture

Magdalena, Magdalena
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Passionate discussions

As is the tradition among fans, after each game the space is filled with music, conversations, debates, and anecdotes, bringing to life the statistics and strategies that make baseball the King of Sports.

Home Plate Restaurant (2020) by Sonoran Institute of CultureSonoran Institute of Culture

Traditional cooking

The wood stove never rests: hot menudo, refried beans, machaca, and authentic Sonoran talega coffee are some of the dishes for which the Acosta family is known. Each dish tells the intertwined story of a family and their land.

Home Plate Restaurant (2020) by Sonoran Institute of CultureSonoran Institute of Culture

Corners of history

The real essence of 'Home Plate' lies in its walls, which are filled with photographs marking not only the history of baseball, but that of a family in love with the art of the 'Home Run'.

Eating baseball (2022) by Instituto Sonorense de CulturaSonoran Institute of Culture

Home Plate Restaurant (2020) by Sonoran Institute of CultureSonoran Institute of Culture

Family history

Javier Acosta, son of the founder Don Manuel, remembers how his parents left baseball to start the restaurant. With a growing family and eight siblings, 'Home Plate' became their home and legacy.

Home Plate Restaurant (2020) by Sonoran Institute of CultureSonoran Institute of Culture

Walls with history

From the valuable photo of Babe Ruth to photographs depicting the history of the Membrilleros and the Naranjeros de Hermosillo, each relic narrates the restaurant's respect, admiration, and deep connection with baseball's history.

Home Plate Restaurant (2020) by Sonoran Institute of CultureSonoran Institute of Culture

Don Manuel's jewel

A visit from the executives of the Los Angeles Dodgers left a mark on 'Home Plate'. In gratitude, they delivered a personalized bat for Don Manuel, a treasure that is now proudly displayed.

Home Plate Restaurant (2020) by Sonoran Institute of CultureSonoran Institute of Culture

A corner of legends

Great stars such as the legendary Fernando Valenzuela and El Kalimán Robles have frequented the place. Each visit from a baseball personality adds a new chapter to the history of the Acosta family and Magdalena de Kino.

Home Plate Restaurant (2020) by Sonoran Institute of CultureSonoran Institute of Culture

A living legacy

Although he passed away in 2010, Don Manuel's impact lives on in 'Home Plate', a restaurant that has become a mandatory stop for baseball lovers.

Home Plate Restaurant (2020) by Sonoran Institute of CultureSonoran Institute of Culture

A sanctuary

With its unique blend of tradition, gastronomy, and sport, 'Home Plate' has established itself as a sanctuary for lovers of baseball and Sonoran cuisine, celebrating the best of both passions.

Credits: Story

This story was created with information and support of Instituto Sonorense de Cultura.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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