The Broncos de Reynosa traveled to Mexico City to take on the Diablos Rojos on Tuesday and came up short in an 8-2 loss. The Broncos and the Diablos are both 1-2 early in the 2015 Liga Mexicana de Beisbol season.
Reynosa starter, Omar Espinoza worked 5 1/3 innings allowing 5 hits and 4 runs while striking out 3 and issuing 2 walks. Marco Duarte picked up the win giving up 5 hits and 2 runs while striking out 6 in 5 2/3 innings.
The Diablos got on the board in the bottom of the 3rd. Carlos Figueroa singled, stole second and went to third on a throwing error by the Broncos catcher. Figueroa would score on a 4-3 ground out by Sergio Gastelum. With one out, Ivan Terrazas walked and scored in front of a 2 run home run to left by Japhet Amador that gave the Diablos a 3-0 lead.
Reynosa answered with a run of their own in the top of the 4th. With 2 outs, Cole Garner and Rodolfo Amador singled. Christhian Presichi then singled to score Garner and the Mexico lead was cut to 3-1.
Gabriel Gutierrez led off the bottom of the 4th with a double for Mexico and scored on a sac fly by Jesus Lopez for a 4-1 Diablos lead.
Cole Garner hit a solo home run to left in the top of the 6th for the Broncos to shave the Diablos lead to 4-2.
Mexico answered that score in the bottom of the 6th. With one out, Juan Carlos Gamboa doubled. One out later, Carlos Figueroa drew a walk. Sergio Gastelum singled to score Gamboa and Ivan Terrazas followed that with a single that scored Figueroa to up the Diablos lead to 6-2.
In the bottom of the 7th, Ruben Rivera and Emmanuel Avila hit back-to-back singles to lead off the inning. Gabriel Gutierrez hit into a 4-6-3 double play that scored Rivera to make it a 7-2 Diablos lead.
With two outs in the bottom of the 8th, Sergio Gastelum doubled and scored on a single by Ivan Terrazas. Manny Corpas, the fourth pitcher of the night for the Diablos, shut down the Broncos in the top of the 9th to preserve the win for Duarte.
Cole Garner was 2 for 4 with the home run, an RBI and 2 runs scored while Cristhian Presichi went 1 for 4 with an RBI and Rodolfo Amador was 2 for 4 for the Broncos.
The 2, 3 and 4 hitters for the Diablos went 6 for13 with 6 RBIs and 3 runs scored. Sergio Gastelum was 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs, Ivan Terrazaz went 3 for 3 with 2 walks and 2 RBIs. DH and clean up hitter Japhet Amador was 1 for 5 with the home run and 2 RBIs.
In other LMB Games:
Veracruz 8, Ciudad del Carmen 5
The Aguilas built a 7-0 lead after 2 innings and coasted to an 8-5 win over the Delfines. Both teams are 2-1 on the year. Carlos Morales had a home run for the Delfines and Eder Salcedo had a 2 run blast for the Aguilas.
Monclova 4-2 Winners At Home
The Acereros used a 3 run 2nd inning to hold off the Rieleros 4-2. Jose Oyervidez picked ip the win while Ramon Ramirez took the loss for Aguascalientes.
Tabasco Comes Back To Defeat Campeche 9-5
The Olmecas scored 6 times in the 7th inning to come from a 5-0 deficit and beat the Piratas 9-5. Donell Linares had a home run and 3 RBIs for Tabasco while Campeche's Roberto Lopez hit a home run and drove in 2 in the loss.
Puebla Scores 5 In The 9th To Top Quintana Roo 9-4
The Pericos improved to 3-0 on the year behind a Miguel Tejada grand slam home run in the 9th as Puebla broke open a tie ball game. Tejada was 2 for 5 on the night with 4 RBIs. Adrian Ramirez took the loss for the Tigres.
Laguna 10-9 Comeback Winners Over Saltillo
The vaqueros scored 3 runs in the last two innings to overcome an early 9-4 deficit and defeat the Saraperos 10-9. Oswaldo Morejon singled to center to score Diego Madero for the walk off, come from behind victory.
Yucatan 5-1 Win At Home
The Leones pitchers held the Guerreros to just 4 hits and 1 run over 9 innings in the 5-1 win. The Guerreros did not score until the top of the 9th. Mario Quevedo recorded the win for Yucatan.
Tijuana 4-2 Over Monterrey
CJ Retherford hit a 2 out 3 run home run in the bottom of the 4th to lead the Toros over the Sultanes 4-2. Alejandro Martinez got the win and Ramon Ramirez picked up his 2nd save of the year. The Toros moved to 3-0 on the season.
W.D. Barr's unique perspective on what's important in the world of Mexican Baseball!
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Monday, April 6, 2015
Puebla Hangs On To Best Oaxaca 10-6
PERICOS WITH 17 HITS AND 10 RUNS
The Pericos de Puebla scored 7 runs in the 5th inning on their way to a 10-6 victory over the Guerreros de Oaxaco to move to 2-0 in the Southern Division of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol.
The Guerreros would open the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd. Singles by Alejandro Gonzalez and Mario Valenzuela put runners at second and third with one out. Puebla starter, Hector Galvan, allowed Gonzalez to score from third for the early Oaxaca 1-0 lead.
Puebla sent 12 men to the plate in the top of the 4th and 7 of them scored. Miguel Tejada opened the inning with a single. Cesar Tapia reached safely as the Oaxaca first baseman was unable to field the throw to first by Yunesky Sanchez. Brent Cleven drew a walk to load the bases with no outs. Rolando Acosta doubled to left to score Tejada and Tapia. Jon Del Campo followed with a double to left center that scored Cleven and Acosta. Willie Taveras singled to score Del Campo. Taveras stole second and scored on a single by Luke Scott. A wild pitch moved Scott to second and he scored on a single by Cesar Tapia. The Pericos were on top by a 7-1 margin.
Jon Del Campo hit a solo home run to right center to give the Pericos an 8-1 lead.
Oaxaca scored a run in the bottom of the 6th on singles by Tim Torres, Yunesky Sanchez and a double by Alejandro Gonzalez that scored Torres. The Guerreros had narrowed the gap to 8-2.
Alan Sanchez led of the bottom of the 7th for Oaxaca with a single. Yancarlo Angulo hit into a 5-4 fielder's choice. After Tim Torres drew a one out walk, Mike Jacobs singled to plate Angulo. With two outs, Alejandro Gonzalez singled to score Torres and the lead was down to 8-4.
With oun out in the bottom of the 8th, Alan Sanchez struck out swinging but reached first on a wild pitch by Peubla reliever Hugo Castellanos. Luis Medina reached on a 6-4 fielder's choice. Tim Torres walked and Medina scored on a single by Mike Jacobs. The score was now 8-5.
Sandy Madera singled to lead of the top of the 9th for Puebla. Pinch Runner Ivan Jimenez scored on a double by Cesar Tapia and following a single by Rolando Acosta, Tapia scored on a single by Jon Del Campo. The Pericos had increased their lead to 10-5.
Alejandro Gonzalez led off the bottom of the 9th with a single, moved to second on a wild pitch by Puebla reliever, JC Romero, and scored on a single by Mario Valenzuela but it wasn't enough and the Guerreros fell to the Pericos by a 10-6 score.
Hector Galvan got the win for Puebla going 5 innings, giving up 4 hits and a run while striking out 7. The Guerreros starter, Sergio Valenzuela took the loss. He pitched 3 innings allowing 6 hits and 5 runs.
Willie Taveras was 3 for 5 on the night with an RBI and a run scored for the Pericos. Jon Del Campo went 3 for 5 with a home run and 4 RBIs. Rolando Acosta was also 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs. Cesar Tapia went 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs.
For the Guerreros, Alejandro was 4 for 5 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Mike Jacobs went 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs and Mario Valenzuela had an RBI on a 2 for 3 night at the plate.
Monterrey Wins 9-5 At Home
The Sultanes de Monterrey used a 14 hit attack to defeat the Broncos de Reynosa 9-5. Ramon Rios had a home run and drove in 3 on a 4 for 5 night. Max Ramirez had a 3 run home run. Ruben Agramon homered for the Broncos.
Tabasco 1-0 Victory in 11 Innings
With the bases loaded in the bottom of the 11th, Veracruz reliever, Victor Marte walked Christian Quintero to force in the winning run. Marte took the loss for the Aguilas and Raul Carrillo picked up the win in relief for the Olmecas.
Delfines Over Piratas 4-1
Demetrio Guiterrez picked up the win for Ciudad del Carmen and Josh Leuke earned his 2nd save of the young season in the 4-1 win over the Piratas de Campeche. Gerardo Bustamante was 1 for 3 with a 2 run home run for del Carmen while Eliseo Aldazaba went 3 for 4 with a home run for Campeche.
Tigres Even Series With 4-2 Win Over The Leones de Yucatan
Jarrett Grube got the win for Quintana Roo and francisco Rodriguez notched a save as the Tigres beat the Leones 4-2 in Merida. Jorge Cantu was 3 for 4 with an RBI for the Tigres as Jesus Valdez went 2 for 4 with an RBI for the Leones.
Rieleros In Slugfest Win, 12-10 Over Vaqueros
The Rieleros scored 10 runs in the 7th to top the Vaqueros de la Laguna 12-10. There were no home runs hit in the game. Jesus Castillo was 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs for Aguascalientes as Carlos Orrantia went 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs and saul Soto added a 3 run double. Both Oswaldo Morejon and JC Linares were 2 for 5 with 3 RBIs for Laguna.
Saraperos Start Season With a 6-2 Victory In Monclova
Michael Nix notched a season opening win for satillo allowing 2 runs over 5 innings of work. Josh Lowey took the loss for the Acereros. Luis Borges was 3 for 5 with an RBI for Satillo while Ruben Gotay had a 2 for 4 night with 2 RBIs. Jesus Arredondo went 2 for 3 and DH Jose Ruiz was 2 for 4 with an RBI in a losing effort for Monclova.
Toros Top Diablos 3-1
The Toros de Tijuana got a home run and 2 RBIs from Miguel Olivo and collected 10 hits on their way to a 3-1 win over the Diablos Rojos de Mexico. The Toros are 2-0 on the year while the defending LMB Champion Diablos fell to 0-2.
The Pericos de Puebla scored 7 runs in the 5th inning on their way to a 10-6 victory over the Guerreros de Oaxaco to move to 2-0 in the Southern Division of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol.
The Guerreros would open the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd. Singles by Alejandro Gonzalez and Mario Valenzuela put runners at second and third with one out. Puebla starter, Hector Galvan, allowed Gonzalez to score from third for the early Oaxaca 1-0 lead.
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| Alex Gonzalez courtesy Oaxaca Facebook |
Puebla sent 12 men to the plate in the top of the 4th and 7 of them scored. Miguel Tejada opened the inning with a single. Cesar Tapia reached safely as the Oaxaca first baseman was unable to field the throw to first by Yunesky Sanchez. Brent Cleven drew a walk to load the bases with no outs. Rolando Acosta doubled to left to score Tejada and Tapia. Jon Del Campo followed with a double to left center that scored Cleven and Acosta. Willie Taveras singled to score Del Campo. Taveras stole second and scored on a single by Luke Scott. A wild pitch moved Scott to second and he scored on a single by Cesar Tapia. The Pericos were on top by a 7-1 margin.
Jon Del Campo hit a solo home run to right center to give the Pericos an 8-1 lead.
Oaxaca scored a run in the bottom of the 6th on singles by Tim Torres, Yunesky Sanchez and a double by Alejandro Gonzalez that scored Torres. The Guerreros had narrowed the gap to 8-2.
Alan Sanchez led of the bottom of the 7th for Oaxaca with a single. Yancarlo Angulo hit into a 5-4 fielder's choice. After Tim Torres drew a one out walk, Mike Jacobs singled to plate Angulo. With two outs, Alejandro Gonzalez singled to score Torres and the lead was down to 8-4.
With oun out in the bottom of the 8th, Alan Sanchez struck out swinging but reached first on a wild pitch by Peubla reliever Hugo Castellanos. Luis Medina reached on a 6-4 fielder's choice. Tim Torres walked and Medina scored on a single by Mike Jacobs. The score was now 8-5.
Sandy Madera singled to lead of the top of the 9th for Puebla. Pinch Runner Ivan Jimenez scored on a double by Cesar Tapia and following a single by Rolando Acosta, Tapia scored on a single by Jon Del Campo. The Pericos had increased their lead to 10-5.
Alejandro Gonzalez led off the bottom of the 9th with a single, moved to second on a wild pitch by Puebla reliever, JC Romero, and scored on a single by Mario Valenzuela but it wasn't enough and the Guerreros fell to the Pericos by a 10-6 score.
Hector Galvan got the win for Puebla going 5 innings, giving up 4 hits and a run while striking out 7. The Guerreros starter, Sergio Valenzuela took the loss. He pitched 3 innings allowing 6 hits and 5 runs.
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| Sergio Valenzuela courtesy Oaxaca Facebook |
Willie Taveras was 3 for 5 on the night with an RBI and a run scored for the Pericos. Jon Del Campo went 3 for 5 with a home run and 4 RBIs. Rolando Acosta was also 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs. Cesar Tapia went 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs.
For the Guerreros, Alejandro was 4 for 5 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Mike Jacobs went 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs and Mario Valenzuela had an RBI on a 2 for 3 night at the plate.
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| Tavares Steals 2nd courtesy Oaxaca Facebook |
Monterrey Wins 9-5 At Home
The Sultanes de Monterrey used a 14 hit attack to defeat the Broncos de Reynosa 9-5. Ramon Rios had a home run and drove in 3 on a 4 for 5 night. Max Ramirez had a 3 run home run. Ruben Agramon homered for the Broncos.
Tabasco 1-0 Victory in 11 Innings
With the bases loaded in the bottom of the 11th, Veracruz reliever, Victor Marte walked Christian Quintero to force in the winning run. Marte took the loss for the Aguilas and Raul Carrillo picked up the win in relief for the Olmecas.
Delfines Over Piratas 4-1
Demetrio Guiterrez picked up the win for Ciudad del Carmen and Josh Leuke earned his 2nd save of the young season in the 4-1 win over the Piratas de Campeche. Gerardo Bustamante was 1 for 3 with a 2 run home run for del Carmen while Eliseo Aldazaba went 3 for 4 with a home run for Campeche.
Tigres Even Series With 4-2 Win Over The Leones de Yucatan
Jarrett Grube got the win for Quintana Roo and francisco Rodriguez notched a save as the Tigres beat the Leones 4-2 in Merida. Jorge Cantu was 3 for 4 with an RBI for the Tigres as Jesus Valdez went 2 for 4 with an RBI for the Leones.
Rieleros In Slugfest Win, 12-10 Over Vaqueros
The Rieleros scored 10 runs in the 7th to top the Vaqueros de la Laguna 12-10. There were no home runs hit in the game. Jesus Castillo was 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs for Aguascalientes as Carlos Orrantia went 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs and saul Soto added a 3 run double. Both Oswaldo Morejon and JC Linares were 2 for 5 with 3 RBIs for Laguna.
Saraperos Start Season With a 6-2 Victory In Monclova
Michael Nix notched a season opening win for satillo allowing 2 runs over 5 innings of work. Josh Lowey took the loss for the Acereros. Luis Borges was 3 for 5 with an RBI for Satillo while Ruben Gotay had a 2 for 4 night with 2 RBIs. Jesus Arredondo went 2 for 3 and DH Jose Ruiz was 2 for 4 with an RBI in a losing effort for Monclova.
Toros Top Diablos 3-1
The Toros de Tijuana got a home run and 2 RBIs from Miguel Olivo and collected 10 hits on their way to a 3-1 win over the Diablos Rojos de Mexico. The Toros are 2-0 on the year while the defending LMB Champion Diablos fell to 0-2.
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Leones de Yucatan Shutout Tigres de Cancun 4-0
The Leones' Jon Leicester and three relief pitchers combined for a 4 hit 4-0 shutout of the Tigres de Cancun to start their Liga Mexicana de Beisbol season with a win.
Leicester got the win for the Leones while Amauri Sanit took the loss for the Tigres
Yucatan scored their four runs on ten hits. Two of those runs came on solo home runs by Jose Aguilar and Kevin Flores.
Corey Wimberly got things started for the Leones getting hit by a pitch to lead off the game. Wimberly stole second and went to third on a throwing error by the Tigres catcher, Iker Franco. A sac fly to left by Jose Aguila scored Wimberly as the Leones took a 1-0 lead.
Willy Aybar led off the 5th for the Leones by drawing a walk. Luis Garcia followed with a single. With one out, Jesus Valdez singled to score Aybar and Yucatan was up 2-0.
The visiting Leones got solo home runs by Jose Aguilar in the 6th inning and Kevin Flores in the 8th as they built a 4-0 lead.
The Leones pitchers allowed just 4 hits, all by starter Jon Leicester, walked 2 struck out 2 in the win. The five Tigres pitchers gave up 4 runs on 10 hits, 4 walks and 7 strikeouts.
Jose Aguilar was 1 for 4 for the Leones with a home run and 2 RBIs. Kevin Flores had a home run in his 3 at bats while Jesus Valdez went 3 for 5 with an RBI.
Carlos Gastelum had 2 of the 4 hits for the Tigres on a 2 for 3 hitting night.
Veracruz 12-1 Over Tabasco
The Aguilas scored 12 runs on 15 hits to top the Olmecas 12-1. The Olmecas could manage just 2 hits off of the Aguilas pitchers and committed 4 errors in the game. Irving Jimenez took the loss for Tabasco as Jose Pina picked up the win.
Puebla 7-2 Winners At Home Against Oaxaca
The Pericos used a 4 run 3rd inning along with 10 hits to top the Guerreros 7-2. Mauricio Lara pitched 5 innings for the win while Marlon Arias gave up 6 runs in 2 1/3 innings of work and took the loss. Von Hayes, rookie manager for the Pericos notched his 1st LMB win.
Reynosa 6-3 Over Monterrey
Hector Navarro rode the home run bats of Travis Denker, Christhian Presichi and Cole Garner to a 6-3 victory against the Sultanes de Monterrey. Jose Valdez had a blown save and took the loss for the Sultanes. Cole Garner was 3 for 4 while Travis Denjer was 1 for 4 and DH Christhian Presichi had a home run in 3 at bats.
Aguascalientes 10 Laguna 3
Lorenzo Barcelo used a 2 run home run by Jesus Castillo, while pitching 6 strong innings, to pick up the win for the Rieleros. Scott Maine, Vaqueros starter, took the loss, giving up 5 runs in 4 1/3 innings and Laguna wasted a home run by Jose Orozco in the loss. Jesus Castillo went 4 for 4 with 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored for the Rieleros. Oswaldo Morejon was 2 for 3 with an RBI for Laguna.
Ciudad del Carmen 4-2 At Home Over Campeche
Mario Gonzalez pitched 5 innings for the Delfines for the win and Josh Leuke picked up the save. Daryl Thompson, of the Piratas. was charged with the loss, going 3 innings and allowing 4 runs on just 3 hits.
The game between the Acereros de Monclova and the Serapas de Saltillo was postponed.
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| Jon Leicester / Leones facebook |
Leicester got the win for the Leones while Amauri Sanit took the loss for the Tigres
Yucatan scored their four runs on ten hits. Two of those runs came on solo home runs by Jose Aguilar and Kevin Flores.
Corey Wimberly got things started for the Leones getting hit by a pitch to lead off the game. Wimberly stole second and went to third on a throwing error by the Tigres catcher, Iker Franco. A sac fly to left by Jose Aguila scored Wimberly as the Leones took a 1-0 lead.
Willy Aybar led off the 5th for the Leones by drawing a walk. Luis Garcia followed with a single. With one out, Jesus Valdez singled to score Aybar and Yucatan was up 2-0.
The visiting Leones got solo home runs by Jose Aguilar in the 6th inning and Kevin Flores in the 8th as they built a 4-0 lead.
The Leones pitchers allowed just 4 hits, all by starter Jon Leicester, walked 2 struck out 2 in the win. The five Tigres pitchers gave up 4 runs on 10 hits, 4 walks and 7 strikeouts.
Jose Aguilar was 1 for 4 for the Leones with a home run and 2 RBIs. Kevin Flores had a home run in his 3 at bats while Jesus Valdez went 3 for 5 with an RBI.
Carlos Gastelum had 2 of the 4 hits for the Tigres on a 2 for 3 hitting night.
Veracruz 12-1 Over Tabasco
The Aguilas scored 12 runs on 15 hits to top the Olmecas 12-1. The Olmecas could manage just 2 hits off of the Aguilas pitchers and committed 4 errors in the game. Irving Jimenez took the loss for Tabasco as Jose Pina picked up the win.
Puebla 7-2 Winners At Home Against Oaxaca
The Pericos used a 4 run 3rd inning along with 10 hits to top the Guerreros 7-2. Mauricio Lara pitched 5 innings for the win while Marlon Arias gave up 6 runs in 2 1/3 innings of work and took the loss. Von Hayes, rookie manager for the Pericos notched his 1st LMB win.
Reynosa 6-3 Over Monterrey
Hector Navarro rode the home run bats of Travis Denker, Christhian Presichi and Cole Garner to a 6-3 victory against the Sultanes de Monterrey. Jose Valdez had a blown save and took the loss for the Sultanes. Cole Garner was 3 for 4 while Travis Denjer was 1 for 4 and DH Christhian Presichi had a home run in 3 at bats.
Aguascalientes 10 Laguna 3
Lorenzo Barcelo used a 2 run home run by Jesus Castillo, while pitching 6 strong innings, to pick up the win for the Rieleros. Scott Maine, Vaqueros starter, took the loss, giving up 5 runs in 4 1/3 innings and Laguna wasted a home run by Jose Orozco in the loss. Jesus Castillo went 4 for 4 with 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored for the Rieleros. Oswaldo Morejon was 2 for 3 with an RBI for Laguna.
Ciudad del Carmen 4-2 At Home Over Campeche
Mario Gonzalez pitched 5 innings for the Delfines for the win and Josh Leuke picked up the save. Daryl Thompson, of the Piratas. was charged with the loss, going 3 innings and allowing 4 runs on just 3 hits.
The game between the Acereros de Monclova and the Serapas de Saltillo was postponed.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Toros Top Diablos Rojo 9-2 In Liga Mexicana de Beisbol Season Opener
TOROS POWER 3 HOME RUNS
Dennys Reyes, the 38 year old former MLB lefty, picked up the first win of the year of the 2015 Liga Mexicana de Beisbol season with 2/3 of an inning of relief work for the Toros de Tijuana. Jonathan Albaladejo was saddled with the loss as the Toros de Tijuana bested the Diablos Rojos del Mexico, 9-2, in the season opener of the LMB.
The game was scoreless until the top of the 4th. Eduardo Arredondo, 4 for 5 on the night, doubled to lead off the inning, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a fielding error by the Diablos shortstop to stake the Toros to an early 1-0 lead.
Japhet Amador led off the bottom of the 4th for the Diablos with a single but was thrown out at second trying to stretch the single into a double. Ruben Rivera followed with a double to left center and scored on a single by Emmanuel Avila to tie the score at 1.
Juan Carlos Gamboa doubled to lead off the bottom of the 5th, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a single by Carlos Figueroa to give the Diablos a 2-1 lead.
CJ Retherford hit a one out solo home run to left in the top of the 7th as the Toros tied the game at 2 apiece.
The flood gates opened for the Toros in the top of the 9th. CJ Retherford and Roman Pena drew walks and moved up on a sacrifice bunt. After a pitching change for the Diablos, Jesus Valenzuela singled to score Retherford. Pena scored on a bunt single by Eduardo Arredondo and Luis Suarez followed with a 3 run home run to left that upped the Toros lead to 7-2. Oscar Robles singled and, with two outs, scored in front of a home run to right by Adan Munoz.
The score would remain 9-2 as the Diablos were unable to score in the bottom of the 9th and the Toros had the first win of the 2015 Liga Mexicana de Beisbol season.
Eduardo Arrendo was 4 for 5 with an RBI and 2 runs scored for the Toros while Luis Suarez had the big 3 RBI home run. The Toros had 3 home runs on the night.
Carlos Figueroa went 2 for 5 with an RBI for the Diablos while Juan Carlos Gamboa was 3 for 4. Emmanuel Avila had 2 hits in his 4 trips to the plate with an RBI.
Video Highlights
Dennys Reyes, the 38 year old former MLB lefty, picked up the first win of the year of the 2015 Liga Mexicana de Beisbol season with 2/3 of an inning of relief work for the Toros de Tijuana. Jonathan Albaladejo was saddled with the loss as the Toros de Tijuana bested the Diablos Rojos del Mexico, 9-2, in the season opener of the LMB.
The game was scoreless until the top of the 4th. Eduardo Arredondo, 4 for 5 on the night, doubled to lead off the inning, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a fielding error by the Diablos shortstop to stake the Toros to an early 1-0 lead.
Japhet Amador led off the bottom of the 4th for the Diablos with a single but was thrown out at second trying to stretch the single into a double. Ruben Rivera followed with a double to left center and scored on a single by Emmanuel Avila to tie the score at 1.
Juan Carlos Gamboa doubled to lead off the bottom of the 5th, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a single by Carlos Figueroa to give the Diablos a 2-1 lead.
CJ Retherford hit a one out solo home run to left in the top of the 7th as the Toros tied the game at 2 apiece.
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| CJ Retherford HR / Toros Facebook |
The flood gates opened for the Toros in the top of the 9th. CJ Retherford and Roman Pena drew walks and moved up on a sacrifice bunt. After a pitching change for the Diablos, Jesus Valenzuela singled to score Retherford. Pena scored on a bunt single by Eduardo Arredondo and Luis Suarez followed with a 3 run home run to left that upped the Toros lead to 7-2. Oscar Robles singled and, with two outs, scored in front of a home run to right by Adan Munoz.
The score would remain 9-2 as the Diablos were unable to score in the bottom of the 9th and the Toros had the first win of the 2015 Liga Mexicana de Beisbol season.
Eduardo Arrendo was 4 for 5 with an RBI and 2 runs scored for the Toros while Luis Suarez had the big 3 RBI home run. The Toros had 3 home runs on the night.
Carlos Figueroa went 2 for 5 with an RBI for the Diablos while Juan Carlos Gamboa was 3 for 4. Emmanuel Avila had 2 hits in his 4 trips to the plate with an RBI.
Video Highlights
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
"Take Me Out To The Ballgame..."
Since the game of baseball began, fans have enjoyed a pleasant repast while taking in the national pastime. The most famous of which is the hotdog, that innocuous concoction of meat that fits nicely into a bun and can be held in one hand while imbibing a cold beer with the other.
“Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks…” became a symbol of the game of baseball. I remember walking out of Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia with peanut shells crunching under every footstep. We certainly loved our peanuts.
As the game has progressed, so have our stadium eating habits. One can eat sushi on the west coast and crab cakes on the east coast. There are more eating choices than ever. If truth be told, it can become a chore to find a simple hotdog anymore.
The year 2015 finds some crazy options at the ballpark. Take, for example, Miller Park in Milwaukee, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. This season the stadium concessionaires will offer the “Inside the Park Nachos”, a hunk of beef stuffed with refried beans, rolled in Doritos, deep fried and drizzled with sour cream and cheese. All this on a stick to leave the other hand free to keep score or maybe quaff a brew or two.
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| Wisconsin Ave Brat/Delaware North |
The “Down Wisconsin Avenue Brat” is an 18” brat covered in gravy, french fries, cheese curds, cheese sauce, fried sauerkraut and fried jalapenos topped with sour cream and chives.
Also offered this season in Milwaukee is the “Miller Park Bratchos”, a delicious sounding combination of 4 sausages, chorizo, Italian, Polish and bratwurst chopped and served on kettle chips with sour cream, fried jalapenos and sauerkraut.
The latest from the Brewers is in response to delicacies already available in other major league parks.
The Arizona Diamondbacks offer the “D-Bat Dog”, an 18” corn dog with an equally large amount of french fries.
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| Churro Dog/ESPN.Com |
In an effort to innovate and satisfy their many fan’s tastes, The DBacks offer the “Churro Dog”. What is a Churro Dog you ask? Well, it’s a cinnamon churro inside a glazed chocolate doughnut bun topped by a frozen yogurt sundae.
Not to be outdone, the Texas Rangers have on their menu the “Totally Rossome Boomstick”, the grandaddy of all hot dogs. A 24” monstrosity that weighs in at 1 pound topped with nachos, smoked brisket, pico de gallo, sour cream and Doritos.
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| The Boomstick/eatocracy.cnn.com |
The Tampa Bay Rays have a “Fan V Food” burger which, if you can eat it will get you 2 tickets to a future game and a “T” shirt. This cheeseburger weighs 4 pounds and is topped with tomato, lettuce, onion, cucumber and bacon.
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| Fan V Food/Tampabay.com |
The Pirates have “The Closer”. a quadruple grilled cheese sandwich with 9 types of cheese, candied bacon and apple compote.
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| The Closer/Gamedayr.com |
For the sophisticated tastes, head to Camden Yards in Baltimore for the “Old Bay Roma”, sausage wrapped in a pretzel roll smothered in Old Bay Crab Dip, or the “Crab Waffle Fries”, waffle cut fries drowning in Old Bay Crab Dip.
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| Old Bay Roma/Twicsy.com |
Whatever your culinary senses crave, you are sure to find what you desire at one of the Major League ballparks.
Buen Provecho!
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
JJ Watt Contnues To Help Texans...Even In The Off Season
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| Photo courtesy chron.com |
Watt was due to receive a $10 million roster bonus but he has agreed to a $10 million signing bonus instead.
What is the difference you ask? The entire roster bonus would count against the Texan's salary cap while the signing bonus can be spread over the next 5 years. Don't worry though, JJ will get his $10 million this year and the Texans can sure use the $8 million savings.
Read the full ESPN article here.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Saraperos de Saltillo Top Sultanes de Monterrey 7-6 In Torneo de Tequila
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| Torneo de Tequila in Guadalajara |
On Sunday the 22nd, the Saraperos de Saltillo outlasted the Sultanes de Monterrey 7-6 in a game that saw 27 hits, a home run, 3 triples and 5 double plays. Throw in a hit batter, 5 walks and some sloppy base running and the game was fun for the fans to watch.
The Sultanes used 7 pitchers while the Saraperos sent 5 to the mound. Adrian Garza took the loss for Monterrey while Armando Rodriguez gained the victory for the Saraperos.
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| Monterrey pitcher |
Saltillo started the scoring in the 1st inning on a double by Luis Terrero and an RBI single by Refugio de Cervantes.
Monterrey took the lead in the bottom of the 1st on a single, a double and a single, by the Sultanes Designated Hitter, that scored 2 and gave the Sultanes a 2-1 lead.
In the top of the 2nd, with runners on first and second and 2 outs, Christian Zazueta tripled to deep left center to clear the bases and put the Saraperos back on top at 3-2.
4 singles and a walk helped the Sultanes score 3 runs in the bottom of the 5th as Monterrey retook the lead 5-3. There could have been more runs scored. With the bases loaded and 1out, a fly ball to left scored the 3rd run of the inning but the runne
The Saraperos put two men on base in the top of the 7th on a walk and a single. Rufino Candelario lined a shot to the right field corner that scored a run and when the right fielder bobbled the ball, Candelario headed to second as the second run scored. The throw from right field got away from the second baseman and headed to left field. The Sultanes third baseman and shortstop chased down the errant throw leaving third base uncovered. Candelario used some heads up base running as he easily took third on the fielding miscue by the Sultanes.
Jonathan Aceves, in for the starting Saraperos catcher, led off the top of the 8th with a booming home run to left that nearly cleared the outfield stands. The ball traveled close 400 feet. The solo home run gave Saltillo a 6-5 lead.
Following a one out triple in the top of the 9th, Rufino Candelario singled to drive in his 3rd RBI of the game and stake the Saraperos to a 7-5 lead.
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| One of three triples on the day |
The Sultanes staged a comeback in the bottom of the 9th on a lead off double and two ground balls to short. The second ground out, by Ramon Rios, drove in the sixth run for Monterrey but it wasn't enough as the next batter hit a high fly ball to the Saraperos second baseman that ended the game and gave the Saraperos de Saltillos a 7-6 victory.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Wilfredo "Willie" Romero - Leones de Yucatan Manager 2015
Wilfredo Romero, better known as Willie, born in Maracay Venezuela, was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1990 and in 8 years climbed as high as Triple A Albuquerque in the organization.
Romero played for 17 years in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol for 4 different clubs. During his professional career, Willie compiled a .318 batting average in 1,794 games. He collected 2,121 hits with 414 doubles, 52 triples and 172 home runs. He drove in 1,055 runs in his career.
His best season in the LMB was with the Leones de Yucatan when he hit .366 with 150 hits in 104 games with 24 doubles, 101 RBIs and 243 total bases. In 2002, with the Saraperos de Saltillo, Romero hit .387 to lead the league. That year he had 142 hits with 29 doubles, 219 total bases and 77 RBIs while scoring 85 runs.
Romero played on LMB Championship teams for the Leones de Yucatan in 2006 and the Tigres de Quintana Roo in 2011.
In 2012, Romero took over as the manager of the Tigres de Yucatan part way through the year as a player manager. He was also a player manager for the Acereros de Monclova in 2013 before managing the Tigres de Quintana Roo in 2014.
The Leones de Yucatan named Romero as their manager for the 2015 season in September of 2014.
Romero played for 17 years in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol for 4 different clubs. During his professional career, Willie compiled a .318 batting average in 1,794 games. He collected 2,121 hits with 414 doubles, 52 triples and 172 home runs. He drove in 1,055 runs in his career.
His best season in the LMB was with the Leones de Yucatan when he hit .366 with 150 hits in 104 games with 24 doubles, 101 RBIs and 243 total bases. In 2002, with the Saraperos de Saltillo, Romero hit .387 to lead the league. That year he had 142 hits with 29 doubles, 219 total bases and 77 RBIs while scoring 85 runs.
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| Romero with the Saraperos |
Romero played on LMB Championship teams for the Leones de Yucatan in 2006 and the Tigres de Quintana Roo in 2011.
In 2012, Romero took over as the manager of the Tigres de Yucatan part way through the year as a player manager. He was also a player manager for the Acereros de Monclova in 2013 before managing the Tigres de Quintana Roo in 2014.
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| Manager of the Acereros de Monclova |
The Leones de Yucatan named Romero as their manager for the 2015 season in September of 2014.
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| Leones de Yucatan |
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Eddie Diaz - Toros de Tijuana Manager 2015
The Dominican born Eddie Diaz has been named as the Manager of the Toros de Tijuana for the 2015 season.
Diaz began a playing career in the NY Yankees organization in 1980 and spent two years in the Cleveland Indians farm system from 1983-1984. He maintains a connection with the big leagues through his scouting ties with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cleveland Indians.
The Cafeteros de Cordoba named Diaz their interim manager in 1999 to begin a long and productive career as a manager in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol and the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico. Eddie has managed the Piratas de Canpeche, the Leones de Yucatan, The Rieleros de Aguascalientes, the Rojos del Aguilas de Veracruz, the Guerreros de Oaxaca, the Diablos Rojos de Mexico and his latest stop with the Toros de Tijuana.
Eddie took over a Guerreros team in 2009 that languished in the cellar of the LMB and in 2010 had achieved an 18 game turn around, taking a 42-63 team to a record of 60-45 and a finals spot in the LMB that year. For his efforts, Diaz was named Manager of the Year.
The Venados de Mazatlan, of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico, chose Diaz as their manager in 2009 where he managed for one year before moving on to the Yaquis de Obregon in 2010. His stay in Obregon brought three consecutive league championships to the Yaquis and in 2011 and 2013, Diaz led the Yaquis to championships in the Serie de Caribe. Diaz became the first non Mexican manager in the LMP to win three championships.
Diaz began a playing career in the NY Yankees organization in 1980 and spent two years in the Cleveland Indians farm system from 1983-1984. He maintains a connection with the big leagues through his scouting ties with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cleveland Indians.
The Cafeteros de Cordoba named Diaz their interim manager in 1999 to begin a long and productive career as a manager in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol and the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico. Eddie has managed the Piratas de Canpeche, the Leones de Yucatan, The Rieleros de Aguascalientes, the Rojos del Aguilas de Veracruz, the Guerreros de Oaxaca, the Diablos Rojos de Mexico and his latest stop with the Toros de Tijuana.
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| Diaz introduced as Toros manager |
Eddie took over a Guerreros team in 2009 that languished in the cellar of the LMB and in 2010 had achieved an 18 game turn around, taking a 42-63 team to a record of 60-45 and a finals spot in the LMB that year. For his efforts, Diaz was named Manager of the Year.
The Venados de Mazatlan, of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico, chose Diaz as their manager in 2009 where he managed for one year before moving on to the Yaquis de Obregon in 2010. His stay in Obregon brought three consecutive league championships to the Yaquis and in 2011 and 2013, Diaz led the Yaquis to championships in the Serie de Caribe. Diaz became the first non Mexican manager in the LMP to win three championships.
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| Yaquis de Obregon skipper |
Monday, March 9, 2015
Brian Broderick Appears In 2nd Game For Kansas City Royals
Brian Broderick, late of the Charros de Jalisco, and reigning Reliever of the Year in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico, made his second appearance for the Kansas City Royals this spring.
Broderick pitched a scoreless 8th inning for the Royals, giving up 2 hits with no walks and no strikeouts as the undefeated Royals beat the winless Milwaukee Brewers 6-4.
Meanwhile, Eric Farris, from the LMP Champion Tomateros de Culiacan, was 0-1 as the Minnesota Twins and Pittsburgh Pirates played to a 1-1 tie.
Rico Noel, a teammate of Farris on the Tomateros, went 0 for 1 for the San Diego Padres in a 6-3 win over the Chicago Cubs.
Broderick pitched a scoreless 8th inning for the Royals, giving up 2 hits with no walks and no strikeouts as the undefeated Royals beat the winless Milwaukee Brewers 6-4.
Meanwhile, Eric Farris, from the LMP Champion Tomateros de Culiacan, was 0-1 as the Minnesota Twins and Pittsburgh Pirates played to a 1-1 tie.
Rico Noel, a teammate of Farris on the Tomateros, went 0 for 1 for the San Diego Padres in a 6-3 win over the Chicago Cubs.
Hector Estrada - Rojos del Aguilas de Veracruz Manager 2015
Hector Estrada, the newest manager of the Red Eagles of Veracruz, began playing baseball in the Mexican League in 1986. Estrada played for 23 years as a catcher and 1st baseman for 11 different teams. In the years 2000-2007, Hector hit .255 with 57 home runs and 246 RBIs.
In 2000, Estrada hit 19 home runs and drove in 83 for the Leones de Yucatan. His .356 batting average in 1991 for the Diablos Rojo de Mexico was his best. Either the pitching was poor or the baseballs were juiced because Estrada finished 18th in the league in batting that year.
Estrada played for the Pericos de Puebla, Charros de Jalisco, Diablos Rojos de Mexico, the Pericos again, Langostenos de Quintana Roo, Acereros del Norte Monclova, Leones de Yucatan, Algodoneros de Torreon, Vaqueros de Laguna, the Cafeteros de Cordoba and the Piratas de Campeche during his career.
He began his managerial career while still a player for the Vaqueros de Laguna taking over the reigns late in the 2005 season. Estrada became the player-manager for the Piratas de Campeche in 2007, his last year as a player. He managed the Piratas until part way through the 2010 season when he assumed the duties as field boss for the Vaqueros de Laguna.
Hector was the 3rd base coach for the Diablos Rojo de Mexico for the 2011 and 2012 seasons prior to being named as the manager of the Guerreros de Oaxaca in 2013. Estrada would manage the Guerreros until the end of the 2014 season. He became the manager of the Rojos del Aguilas in the fall of 2014.
The Liga Mexicana del Pacifico offered Estrada extra managerial experience in the winter league. He was a coach for the Yaquis de Obregon in 2013 when they won the Serie de Caribe in front of the home crowd in Hermosillo.
Estrada managed the Aguilas de Mexicali for the 2014-2015 season where he led the team to a 37-31 record. The Aguilas were defeated by the eventual League Champion Tomateros de Culiacan in the semi-final round.
In 2000, Estrada hit 19 home runs and drove in 83 for the Leones de Yucatan. His .356 batting average in 1991 for the Diablos Rojo de Mexico was his best. Either the pitching was poor or the baseballs were juiced because Estrada finished 18th in the league in batting that year.
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| Manager of the Aguilas de Mexicali |
Estrada played for the Pericos de Puebla, Charros de Jalisco, Diablos Rojos de Mexico, the Pericos again, Langostenos de Quintana Roo, Acereros del Norte Monclova, Leones de Yucatan, Algodoneros de Torreon, Vaqueros de Laguna, the Cafeteros de Cordoba and the Piratas de Campeche during his career.
He began his managerial career while still a player for the Vaqueros de Laguna taking over the reigns late in the 2005 season. Estrada became the player-manager for the Piratas de Campeche in 2007, his last year as a player. He managed the Piratas until part way through the 2010 season when he assumed the duties as field boss for the Vaqueros de Laguna.
Hector was the 3rd base coach for the Diablos Rojo de Mexico for the 2011 and 2012 seasons prior to being named as the manager of the Guerreros de Oaxaca in 2013. Estrada would manage the Guerreros until the end of the 2014 season. He became the manager of the Rojos del Aguilas in the fall of 2014.
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| Manager of the Guerreros de Oaxaca |
The Liga Mexicana del Pacifico offered Estrada extra managerial experience in the winter league. He was a coach for the Yaquis de Obregon in 2013 when they won the Serie de Caribe in front of the home crowd in Hermosillo.
Estrada managed the Aguilas de Mexicali for the 2014-2015 season where he led the team to a 37-31 record. The Aguilas were defeated by the eventual League Champion Tomateros de Culiacan in the semi-final round.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Juan "Chico" Rodriguez - Saraperos de Saltillo Manager 2015
Juan Francisco "Chico" Rodriguez played 2nd base in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol for 19 years. He compiled a .293 batting average in 1,924 games with 1,948 hits, 7 times hitting better than .300. Rodriguez drew 841 walks while striking out just 345 times. He also stole 196 bases.
During 15 years of play in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico, Chico saw action in 885 games and delivered 837 hits. Rodriguez scored 420 runs, drove in 225 and stole 93 bases.
Rodriguez' managerial career began in 1997 with the Rieleros de Aguascaliente. He managed the Broncos de Reynosa, the Acereros de Norte Monclova, the Sultanes de Monterrey, the Rieleros de Aguascaliente, the Tuneros de San Luis Potosi and the Dorados de Chihuahua before being named manager of the Vaqueros de la Laguna in 2011.
The Saraperos named Rodriguez their field manager in 2013 and Chico led the team to a 63-50 record with a second place finish in the LMB Championship that year.
Juan has also coached in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico for a number of years with several teams. In 2015 he will head the Caneros de los Mochis, the team he led to the LMP Championship in 2002-2003. For his efforts that year, Rodriguez was named as the Manager of the Year in the LMP.
In 2003, Rodriguez managed the Mexican National team to a Bronze Medal in the Pan American Games.
His outstanding career as a player and then manager for both the LMB and the LMP culminated in induction to the Salon de Fama in September of 2012.
During 15 years of play in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico, Chico saw action in 885 games and delivered 837 hits. Rodriguez scored 420 runs, drove in 225 and stole 93 bases.
Rodriguez' managerial career began in 1997 with the Rieleros de Aguascaliente. He managed the Broncos de Reynosa, the Acereros de Norte Monclova, the Sultanes de Monterrey, the Rieleros de Aguascaliente, the Tuneros de San Luis Potosi and the Dorados de Chihuahua before being named manager of the Vaqueros de la Laguna in 2011.
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| Rodriguez as Vaqueros Manager |
The Saraperos named Rodriguez their field manager in 2013 and Chico led the team to a 63-50 record with a second place finish in the LMB Championship that year.
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| Saraperos Manager 2013-2015 |
In 2003, Rodriguez managed the Mexican National team to a Bronze Medal in the Pan American Games.
His outstanding career as a player and then manager for both the LMB and the LMP culminated in induction to the Salon de Fama in September of 2012.
Friday, March 6, 2015
Rod Tafoya The Ageless Arm
Rod Tafoya has a passion for life and an unending passion for baseball. All ballplayers that dream of becoming a major leaguer have a passion for the game. The passion that left handed pitcher Tafoya has kept him pitching, and searching for places to pitch for over 32 years. Rod turned 50 in 2014 and continues to pitch.
He credits his elder brother Jack, now 65, for all of his on-field successes."When I was two years old my brother Jack tied my right arm behind my back to make me a lefty when we played catch,” said Tafoya, a natural right-hander. 48 years later it is safe to say that Jack had a vision. "To this day Jack comes to my games and charts pitches for me. I would be lost without him.”
Rod credits his mother for instilling in him the perseverance to continue with his dream no matter who or what got in his way.
More importantly, however, is Rod’s approach to the game and to life. "Any milestone, no matter its size, is achievable,” starts Tafoya. "All you have to do is believe in yourself, have faith, passion, and work ethic.Your love for what you do will take you where you need to go. The happiness it brings you will fulfill your life and make all your dreams come true."
There have been quite a few accomplishments along the journey for Tafoya. His baseball, and for that matter his business, resume is impressive. After completing college, and obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Newman University in 1985, Rod signed his first professional baseball contract with the Delfines de Puerto Vallarta. The Delfines were a Double A team in the Mexican winter leagues.
In 1987, while pitching for the Double A Tabasquena League's Comalcalco Cocaoteros, he was optioned to the Triple A Liga Mexicana de Beisbol's Rieleros de Aguascaliente in June.
Rod has an interesting story about his "optioning". It seems as the team bus was headed north and passed near to Aguascaliente, the bus stopped and the manager told Rod he had been traded and needed to get off the bus here. At 20 years old, on a deserted part of the highway leading into Aguascaliente, Rod dusted himself off and walked into the city, found his team and finished up the year.
By 1989, Rod had signed a contract to play for the Boise Hawks and then the Class A Erie Sailors. Rod was unable to advance and after some arm trouble was released. He did not quit though and at age 33 returned to the minor leagues with the Regina Cyclones of the Prairie League.
Tafoya continued play ball after his release from the Cyclones and his desire to play and to encourage people of all ages to pursue their dreams, led Rod Tafoya to write an autobiography in 2012 called "Ageless Arm...My Passion Lives in the Core". The book is about his love for the game of baseball and life itself.
Some of the interesting facts about Tafoya's baseball career that speak to his perseverance follow.
* He has thrown over 70,000 pitches in competition
* Pitched for 84 different teams from 1986-2014
* Averaged 15 wins for 20 straight years while losing just 3 games per year
* Has won 23 Championships - 14 State Championships, 8 National Titles and 1 Professional Championship
* Threw a no hitter at age 47 while striking out 14 batters
* At age 35 went 17-0 with a 1.17 ERA
* Has thrown 5 no hitters and 1 perfect game
In October of 2014, Rod Tafoya was inducted into the MSBL Hall of Fame.
Some may look at his 300+ wins and think that the competition he faced wasn't the best or that he never reached Triple A in the US Minor Leagues but Tafoya has pitched, and pitched well, for over 32 years and has no thoughts of retiring. There are not many players, let alone pitchers, who have pitched competitively past the age of 50 with the success that Rod has achieved.
He credits his elder brother Jack, now 65, for all of his on-field successes."When I was two years old my brother Jack tied my right arm behind my back to make me a lefty when we played catch,” said Tafoya, a natural right-hander. 48 years later it is safe to say that Jack had a vision. "To this day Jack comes to my games and charts pitches for me. I would be lost without him.”
Rod credits his mother for instilling in him the perseverance to continue with his dream no matter who or what got in his way.
More importantly, however, is Rod’s approach to the game and to life. "Any milestone, no matter its size, is achievable,” starts Tafoya. "All you have to do is believe in yourself, have faith, passion, and work ethic.Your love for what you do will take you where you need to go. The happiness it brings you will fulfill your life and make all your dreams come true."
There have been quite a few accomplishments along the journey for Tafoya. His baseball, and for that matter his business, resume is impressive. After completing college, and obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Newman University in 1985, Rod signed his first professional baseball contract with the Delfines de Puerto Vallarta. The Delfines were a Double A team in the Mexican winter leagues.
In 1987, while pitching for the Double A Tabasquena League's Comalcalco Cocaoteros, he was optioned to the Triple A Liga Mexicana de Beisbol's Rieleros de Aguascaliente in June.
Rod has an interesting story about his "optioning". It seems as the team bus was headed north and passed near to Aguascaliente, the bus stopped and the manager told Rod he had been traded and needed to get off the bus here. At 20 years old, on a deserted part of the highway leading into Aguascaliente, Rod dusted himself off and walked into the city, found his team and finished up the year.
By 1989, Rod had signed a contract to play for the Boise Hawks and then the Class A Erie Sailors. Rod was unable to advance and after some arm trouble was released. He did not quit though and at age 33 returned to the minor leagues with the Regina Cyclones of the Prairie League.
Tafoya continued play ball after his release from the Cyclones and his desire to play and to encourage people of all ages to pursue their dreams, led Rod Tafoya to write an autobiography in 2012 called "Ageless Arm...My Passion Lives in the Core". The book is about his love for the game of baseball and life itself.
Some of the interesting facts about Tafoya's baseball career that speak to his perseverance follow.
* He has thrown over 70,000 pitches in competition
* Pitched for 84 different teams from 1986-2014
* Averaged 15 wins for 20 straight years while losing just 3 games per year
* Has won 23 Championships - 14 State Championships, 8 National Titles and 1 Professional Championship
* Threw a no hitter at age 47 while striking out 14 batters
* At age 35 went 17-0 with a 1.17 ERA
* Has thrown 5 no hitters and 1 perfect game
In October of 2014, Rod Tafoya was inducted into the MSBL Hall of Fame.
Some may look at his 300+ wins and think that the competition he faced wasn't the best or that he never reached Triple A in the US Minor Leagues but Tafoya has pitched, and pitched well, for over 32 years and has no thoughts of retiring. There are not many players, let alone pitchers, who have pitched competitively past the age of 50 with the success that Rod has achieved.
Enrique Reyes - Guerreros de Oaxaca Manager 2015
Enrique Reyes has been involved in Mexican baseball for 32 years. His resume starts as a player with the Tecolotes de Nuevo Laredo team of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol in 1983. From 1985-1989, the team became known as the Tecolotes Dos Laredos.
As the name implies, the team represented both Laredo, Texas and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Home games were split among the two cities and the National Anthems of both countries were played prior to the beginning of each game. The Tecolotes were the first, and only, baseball team to represent two nations.
Reyes played for the Tecolotes until 1989. He moved to the Tuneros de San Luis Potosi in 1990 and then to the Industriales de Monterrey. Enrique finished his playing days with the Rieleros de Aguascaliente in 1992.
A long and productive career as a manager in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol began for Reyes when the Rieleros de Aguascaliente hired him to manage the club in 1998. He managed the Rieleros for two seasons before moving to the Pericos de Puebla in 2000 and then the Tecolotes Dos Laredos in 2001.
The Langosteros de Cancun was Reyes' next stop in the league. He coached there for the 2002 season. As the manager for the Pericos de Puebla, Enrique was named the Manager of the Year in the LMB for 2004.
In 2006, Reyes won the LMB League Championship with the Tigres de Angelopolis.
While managing the Tigres de Quintana Roo in 2007, Reyes was picked to Manage the Mexican National team in the World Cup of Baseball. Reyes also managed the National Team in 2009.
From 2009, Reyes managed the Rojos del Aguila de Veracrus, the Olmecas de Tabasco, and the Sultanes de Monterrey.
Reyes managed the Mexican National Team to a Silver medal in the 2010 Central American and Caribbean games despite the fact that some of Mexico's finest players were involved in the LMB Championships that year.
Enrique was named Manager of the Year in the LMB in 2012 while managing the Rielros de Aguascaliente.
2014 found Reyes in Tabasco for a second go round. In late 2014 the Guerreros de Oaxaca named reyes as their manager for the 2015 season.
Reyes has managed in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico since 2012.
As the name implies, the team represented both Laredo, Texas and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Home games were split among the two cities and the National Anthems of both countries were played prior to the beginning of each game. The Tecolotes were the first, and only, baseball team to represent two nations.
Reyes played for the Tecolotes until 1989. He moved to the Tuneros de San Luis Potosi in 1990 and then to the Industriales de Monterrey. Enrique finished his playing days with the Rieleros de Aguascaliente in 1992.
A long and productive career as a manager in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol began for Reyes when the Rieleros de Aguascaliente hired him to manage the club in 1998. He managed the Rieleros for two seasons before moving to the Pericos de Puebla in 2000 and then the Tecolotes Dos Laredos in 2001.
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| Rieleros de Aguascaliente |
The Langosteros de Cancun was Reyes' next stop in the league. He coached there for the 2002 season. As the manager for the Pericos de Puebla, Enrique was named the Manager of the Year in the LMB for 2004.
In 2006, Reyes won the LMB League Championship with the Tigres de Angelopolis.
While managing the Tigres de Quintana Roo in 2007, Reyes was picked to Manage the Mexican National team in the World Cup of Baseball. Reyes also managed the National Team in 2009.
From 2009, Reyes managed the Rojos del Aguila de Veracrus, the Olmecas de Tabasco, and the Sultanes de Monterrey.
Reyes managed the Mexican National Team to a Silver medal in the 2010 Central American and Caribbean games despite the fact that some of Mexico's finest players were involved in the LMB Championships that year.
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| LMB Manager of the Year 2012 |
2014 found Reyes in Tabasco for a second go round. In late 2014 the Guerreros de Oaxaca named reyes as their manager for the 2015 season.
Reyes has managed in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico since 2012.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Brian Broderick Debuts For Royals In Spring Training
Brian Broderick, Reliever of the Year in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico, made his Major League debut on Thursday for the Kansas City Royals against the Texas Rangers. The Royals beat the Rangers 5-4.
Broderick, closer for the Charros de Jalisco, pitched the 6th and 7th innings allowing 3 hits and an unearned run in his two innings of work. Brian didn't give up any walks but neither did he record any strikeouts.
Here is the Royals Vs Rangers box score.
Broderick, closer for the Charros de Jalisco, pitched the 6th and 7th innings allowing 3 hits and an unearned run in his two innings of work. Brian didn't give up any walks but neither did he record any strikeouts.
Here is the Royals Vs Rangers box score.
Lino Rivera - Vaqueros de Laguna Manager 2015
The manager of the Vaqueros de Laguna, Lino Rivera, born in Rio Piedras Puerto Rico, pitched for 8 years in the minor leagues. As a right hander pitching for the Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers and the St. Louis Cardinals from 1987-1994, he struck out 564 batters in 706 innings.
He also pitched for the Acereros del Norte de Monclova and the Tigres de Mexico in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol from 2001 through 2003.
Rivera's managing career began in 2004 with the Acereros de Monclova. He managed the team through 2005 before moving on to the Leones de Yucatan from 2005-2011. In 2006 Rivera won the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol Championship with the Leones.
The Sultanes de Monterrey named Rivera their manager in 2012.
In the fall of 2013 the announcement was made by the Vaqueros de Laguna that Lino Rivera would be their manager for the 2014 season. Rivera led the team to a 58-54 record and a trip to the playoffs where the Vaqueros fell in 6 games to the eventual League Champion Diablos Rojos de Mexico.
The Liga Mexicana del Pacifico, the Mexican Winter league, offered opportunity for Rivera to add to his managing resume with field leader stops for the Algodoneros de Guasave, Tomateros de Culiacan and his present position with the Naranjeros de Hermosillo.
He also pitched for the Acereros del Norte de Monclova and the Tigres de Mexico in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol from 2001 through 2003.
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| Rivera with the Leones |
The Sultanes de Monterrey named Rivera their manager in 2012.
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| Managing the Sultanes |
In the fall of 2013 the announcement was made by the Vaqueros de Laguna that Lino Rivera would be their manager for the 2014 season. Rivera led the team to a 58-54 record and a trip to the playoffs where the Vaqueros fell in 6 games to the eventual League Champion Diablos Rojos de Mexico.
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| Laguna Manager 2014-2015 |
The Liga Mexicana del Pacifico, the Mexican Winter league, offered opportunity for Rivera to add to his managing resume with field leader stops for the Algodoneros de Guasave, Tomateros de Culiacan and his present position with the Naranjeros de Hermosillo.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Felix Fermin - Delfines de Ciudad Carmen Manager 2015
Born in the Dominican Republic, Felix Fermin played in the major leagues from 1987-1996. In 10 years in the big league he played for the Pirates, Indians, Mariners and the Cubs. He compiled a .259 batting average with 718 hits, scoring 294 runs, hit 4 home runs and drove in 207.
In 1989, while playing for the Cleveland Indians, Fermin tied a major league record with 4 sacrifice bunts in one game. He led the majors in sacrifice bunts that year with 32.
Felix coached the Aguilas Cibaenes in the Dominican Winter League from 2000-2009, winning 5 championships and reaching the finals 10 times.
The Aguilas retired his number 10 to put him alongside some notable player/managers such as Tony Pena, Julian Javier and Franklin Taveras.
From 2009-2010, Fermin managed the Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican League.
The Delfines de Ciudad del Carman named Fermin their manager in 2011 and he starts his 5th year with the club in 2015.
Fermin had an opportunity to coach the Lara Cardinals of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League but preferred to stay in the Dominican Republic and signed to manage in the Winter League again in 2015, with the Toros del Este.
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| Fermin with the Indians |
In 1989, while playing for the Cleveland Indians, Fermin tied a major league record with 4 sacrifice bunts in one game. He led the majors in sacrifice bunts that year with 32.
Felix coached the Aguilas Cibaenes in the Dominican Winter League from 2000-2009, winning 5 championships and reaching the finals 10 times.
The Aguilas retired his number 10 to put him alongside some notable player/managers such as Tony Pena, Julian Javier and Franklin Taveras.
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| Aguilas Manager Felix Fermin |
From 2009-2010, Fermin managed the Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican League.
The Delfines de Ciudad del Carman named Fermin their manager in 2011 and he starts his 5th year with the club in 2015.
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| Cd del Carman Manager |
Fermin had an opportunity to coach the Lara Cardinals of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League but preferred to stay in the Dominican Republic and signed to manage in the Winter League again in 2015, with the Toros del Este.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Eagles Trade LeSean McCoy To Bills For Kiko Alonso
The Philadelphia Eagles, it seems, have traded a star running back, LeSean McCoy, to the Buffalo Bills for 3rd year linebacker Kiko Alonso.
Eagles coach, Chip Kelly, seems to want to rebuild the Eagles with Oregon Duck grads. Just this week we have heard that Kelly wants to trade up to take Ducks' QB Marcus Mariota in the 2015 draft.
First, let's see what McCoy has done for the Eagles. Drafted in the second round of the 2009 draft, McCoy was the 53rd person taken. In 6 years for the Eagles, LeSean has rushed 1,461 times for 6,792 yards and scored 44 touchdowns. He also caught 300 passes for 2.282 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Kiko Alonso had 159 tackles, 3rd in the league in his rookie season of 2013 but missed the entire 2014 season with a torn ACL. That's it. Those are his stats. His only qualification is that Kelly coached Alonso at Oregon.
A source told ESPN's Adam Caplan that Alonso's rehab has gone very well and he has increased his training activities and has started running.
Although the NFL is perceived as a passing league, tell that to the Dallas Cowboys and the Seattle Seahawks. Without a running game, the passing game suffers especially when you have the less experienced QBs such as Mark Sanchez and Nick Foles.
McCoy's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, took to Twitter to say that no deal has yet been finalized.
Meanwhile, Rex Ryan gets the "ground and pound" runner he needs to take the heat off of his quarterbacks, something he lacked while the coach of the NY Jets.
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| LeSean McCoy |
Eagles coach, Chip Kelly, seems to want to rebuild the Eagles with Oregon Duck grads. Just this week we have heard that Kelly wants to trade up to take Ducks' QB Marcus Mariota in the 2015 draft.
First, let's see what McCoy has done for the Eagles. Drafted in the second round of the 2009 draft, McCoy was the 53rd person taken. In 6 years for the Eagles, LeSean has rushed 1,461 times for 6,792 yards and scored 44 touchdowns. He also caught 300 passes for 2.282 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Kiko Alonso had 159 tackles, 3rd in the league in his rookie season of 2013 but missed the entire 2014 season with a torn ACL. That's it. Those are his stats. His only qualification is that Kelly coached Alonso at Oregon.
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| A healthy Kiko Alonso |
A source told ESPN's Adam Caplan that Alonso's rehab has gone very well and he has increased his training activities and has started running.
Although the NFL is perceived as a passing league, tell that to the Dallas Cowboys and the Seattle Seahawks. Without a running game, the passing game suffers especially when you have the less experienced QBs such as Mark Sanchez and Nick Foles.
McCoy's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, took to Twitter to say that no deal has yet been finalized.
Meanwhile, Rex Ryan gets the "ground and pound" runner he needs to take the heat off of his quarterbacks, something he lacked while the coach of the NY Jets.
Derek Bryant - Sultanes de Monterrey Manager 2015
Derek Bryant played in the Oakland Athletics organization for several years before beginning is managerial career as a player/manager for the Sultanes de Monterrey of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol in 1988.
In 1993 he managed the Naranjeros de Hermosillo to a league championship in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico. He would return to the Naranjeros for another LMP Championship in 2000.
During his second stint with the Sultanes, Bryant won LMB Championships in 1995 and 1996.
After two years as manager of the High Desert Mavericks, a Class A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the California League, in 1999 and 2000, Bryant returned to the Sultanes for the 2001 and 2002 seasons.
2003 found Derek Bryant manager of the Acereros de Monclova before Bryant managed the Saraperos de Satillo from 2004 until 2007.
Derek Bryant was named to the Salon de la Fama del Beisbol Profesional de Mexico, better known as the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010.
The Vaqueros de Laguna named Bryant their field boss in 2011.
In November of 2014, Bryant was again named as the manager of the Sultanes de Monterrey.
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| Derek Bryant in his younger days |
In 1993 he managed the Naranjeros de Hermosillo to a league championship in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico. He would return to the Naranjeros for another LMP Championship in 2000.
During his second stint with the Sultanes, Bryant won LMB Championships in 1995 and 1996.
After two years as manager of the High Desert Mavericks, a Class A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the California League, in 1999 and 2000, Bryant returned to the Sultanes for the 2001 and 2002 seasons.
2003 found Derek Bryant manager of the Acereros de Monclova before Bryant managed the Saraperos de Satillo from 2004 until 2007.
Derek Bryant was named to the Salon de la Fama del Beisbol Profesional de Mexico, better known as the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010.
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| Mexican Hall of Fame |
The Vaqueros de Laguna named Bryant their field boss in 2011.
In November of 2014, Bryant was again named as the manager of the Sultanes de Monterrey.
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| Bryant named as manager of the Sultanes |
Monday, March 2, 2015
Dan Firova - Piratas de Campeche Manager 2015
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| Dan Firova with the Indians |
Starting his managerial career in Laredo Texas in 1993, Dan moved to the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol where he became the leader of the Tigres de Puebla and then the Tigres de Mexico where he won league titles in 1887, 2000 and 2001.
Firova has also coached the Sultanes de Satillo, the Tuneros de San Luis Potosi, the Dorados de Chihuahua, the Vaqueros de Laguna, the Olmecas de Tabasco and the Piratas de Campeche.
During the 2014 season with the Piratas, Firova became the winningest non Mexican manager in league history. Dan has an LMB record on 1013-866 during his lengthy career.
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| Managing the Piratas |
In the off season, Firova has managed the Venados de Mazatlan, the Aguilas de Mexicali and most recently, the Mayos de Navojoa in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico. He has more than 100 victories in the LMP.
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