The Mexican Baseball Fiesta Returns to the Phoenix Area

By Francisco Romero. – The Mexican Baseball Fiesta, in its sixth edition, returns to Arizona, although it has expanded its horizon taking it as far as Fresno, California and Round Rock, Texas.

The Aguilas de Mexicali and the Naranjeros de Hermosillo played each other in a couple of games last weekend in Fresno, California at Chukchansi Park, home of the Fresno Grizzlies.

The Mexican Baseball Fiesta will make its next stop in the Valley of the Sun with the Naranjeros de Hermosillo playing the Tomateros de Culiacan Friday and Saturday at Hohokam Stadium (A’s Spring Training Home) in Mesa, Arizona. The game on Friday starts at 7:00 pm and 7:30 pm on Saturday.

The games are not only intended for getting the players ready for the upcoming winter baseball season, but to place the fans in the unique atmosphere of experiencing a baseball game as it is experienced south of the border with its non-stop music, food, mascots and the cheering that make many players nervous.

“The Mexican Pacific League, is as popular in Mexico as Major League Baseball is in the U.S., if not more so,” said Francisco Gamez, Mexican Baseball Fiesta, founder and LLC partner. Gamez played over 10 years in the Mexican Pacific League as well as in the Milwaukee Brewers organization in the states. Constant excitement is the best way to describe the Mexican Baseball Fiesta.  The energy of the fans, the music and fun make this a unique experience for all baseball fans. This event embraces our Mexican friends and visitors.”

Mike Feder, President of the Mexican Baseball Fiesta, said “We are extremely excited to announce the move to the Oakland A’s newly renovated Spring Training facility in Mesa. It’s important to continue to play in Mesa because of the great partnership we have with our Title Sponsor – Visit Mesa”. Feder was a general manager in minor league baseball for 30 years (15 years in Tucson) and is currently the Executive Director of the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl.

Fans will be able to purchase tickets at www.MexicanBaseballFiesta.com, Restaurant Sinaloa, 2601 E. Bell Road in Phoenix, La Gran Bota Locations (3) and at Hohokam Stadium.

Naranjeros de Hermosillo

The team based in the Capital of Sonora has a great following and strong attendance. The Naranjeros de Hermosillo are one of the most popular and successful teams in the Mexican Pacific League, having won 16 league titles and two Caribbean Series title. The Naranjeros won the Caribbean Series title in 2014. They became the first Mexican team to win the Caribbean Series after winning the title in 1976. Former Hermosillo players include Curt Schilling, Larry Walker, Fernando Valenzuela, Erubiel Durazo and Vinny Castilla. Hermosillo will be managed by former big league infielder and Tucson resident Lorenzo Bundy.

Tomateros de Culiacan

The Tomateros are one of the most popular teams in the Mexican Pacific League. They have won nine Mexican Pacific League Championships, most recently in 2004. In that same year they went on to win the Caribbean Series with a lineup that featured several Major League players like Rodrigo Lopez, Oliver Perez, Luis Ayala, Jose Silva and Benji Gil. The Tomateros are managed by Lino Rivera. Currently on the roster is San Francisco Giants player Ramiro Pena and former MLB IF Oscar Robles.