Tigres del México Team (1955)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
International origin
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Mexico. Anecdotally, some historical accounts state that the country's first baseball game took place during the war against the United States in 1847.
Out on home (1969)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Historical curiosities
At that time, US soldiers fighting the Mexican army near Xalapa captured the wooden leg of Antonio López de Santa Anna as he retreated from the battlefield and used it as a bat in their leisure time.
"Saltillo" player watching rain (1968)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Mexico's game
However, it was not until the end of the 19th century that this sport began to be played in different regions of the Republic, thanks to the influence of sailors and workers from the United States, who taught the local inhabitants the rules of the game.
Ramón "El Diablo" Montoya (1968)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A national tradition
Although various sources attribute the birthplace of baseball in Mexico to regions such as Guaymas in Sonora, Nuevo Laredo in Tamaulipas, and Cadereyta Jiménez in Nuevo León, it was not until 1887 that a baseball team was founded in the capital of the Republic: the Club México.
Duel of nationalities
Later, at the initiative of the 'Mexican Herald' newspaper, young people from the capital were called upon to form new teams. Thanks to this project, two teams came into being: the 'Masters,' composed of Americans, and the 'Señores,' made up of local residents.
Player from the Diablos Rojos of Mexico (1965)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
The origin of baseball
These teams played in a match considered the first documented baseball game in Mexico, which took place in 1899. From then on, teams and local leagues were founded in different regions of the Mexican Republic.
Sonora Team (1950)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Rapidly popular
In cities like Monterrey, Torreón, Hermosillo, and Guaymas in the north, as well as Veracruz, Yucatán, and Oaxaca in the south, this sport gained great popularity and became one of those most played by young people.
Player from the Águila de Veracruz (1970)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Revolutionary problems
During the Mexican Revolution, baseball experienced a stagnation in its development due to the decrease in promoters and investors as a result of political and social turmoil.
UNAM Pumas Team (1970)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
University resurgence
However, the sport continued to be played daily by amateurs on the plains of the capital, as well as on university fields, where a League of Professional Schools was established that kept the sporting enthusiasm alive.
Safe on third base Tigres player (1958)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Presidential boost
Around 1916, baseball in Mexico received a new boost once the country's political situation began to stabilize, following the military victory of the Carrancista faction in the armed conflict.
"Saltillo" team bench (1940)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Organizing a league
Sports promoters and writers took the initiative to reorganize baseball and establish an association capable of regulating and organizing games in the capital, with the goal of professionalizing the practice.
Roberto "Beto" Ávila (1954)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Various league initiatives
In 1917, at the initiative of the newspaper 'El Universal,' the Liga France was created in the capital of the Republic. This first attempt to institutionalize the sport did not prosper, although it managed to reawaken the interest of promoters and businessmen.
Safe on third base Puebla player (1955)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
First Mexican league
In 1925, through the initiative of the promoters Alejandro Aguilar Reyes 'Fray Nano' and Ernesto Carmona, the Mexican Baseball League was founded: the first professional circuit that brought together six of the country's clubs, from Veracruz, Guanajuato, Puebla, and Mexico City.
Players guard Aurelio López (1965)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Mexican tradition
Since then, the Mexican Baseball League has undergone different stages of development and expanded throughout the national territory. Today, baseball continues to enjoy great popularity and has become a deeply rooted tradition among Mexicans.
This story was created with information and support from Instituto Nacional de Estudios Históricos de las Revoluciones de México.
