Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about mexican baseball league teams.
What is the Mexican Baseball League (LMB)?
The LMB is Mexico's premier professional baseball league, founded in 1930, and operates independently of Major League Baseball. It fields 16 franchises spread across major cities and regional hubs throughout the country.
How long is a typical LMB season and when does it run?
A standard campaign spans roughly March through October, with a regular season of about 140 games per team followed by a multi-round postseason. The exact start and end dates shift slightly year to year depending on the schedule.
What is the LMB championship called and how is it decided?
The title round is known as the Serie del Rey, a best-of-seven series between the two surviving playoff teams. The winner earns the league's championship banner and represents Mexico in the Caribbean Series.
How many teams compete in the LMB and where are they based?
Sixteen clubs split into two geographic divisions (North and South) and draw from cities such as Monterrey, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Mérida, and Culiacán. Each franchise carries a local identity and a dedicated fan base in its home market.
How does the LMB differ from Major League Baseball?
The LMB is a separate, independently owned league with its own roster rules, season length, and governance, though it occasionally borrows or lends players to MLB organizations. Game rules are essentially the same, but the shorter season and different scheduling create a distinct pace.
Who are some of the most recognizable figures in LMB history?
Icons like Fernando Valenzuela, who pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers in MLB but also starred in the LMB, and managers such as Tommy Horman have become household names in Mexican baseball. The league has also produced home-run records and pitching feats that still define its lore.
Where should a newcomer start to follow the LMB?
Watching a single franchise's full regular season is the easiest on-ramp, since you quickly learn the roster, the home ballpark, and the local rivalries. Following the Serie del Rey in October gives you the full playoff drama in one concentrated stretch.
Does the LMB have a single designated hitter or other rule quirks?
The LMB follows standard professional baseball rules with no mandatory DH, and teams manage their own lineups game by game. Field dimensions and ballparks vary more between venues than in MLB, which can affect hitting patterns.
What is the Caribbean Series and how does the LMB connect to it?
The Caribbean Series is an annual tournament featuring the champions of Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and the Pacific Coast League. The LMB's Serie del Rey winner earns Mexico's berth, making the domestic title a ticket to a broader international stage.
Can fans attend LMB games and how accessible are tickets?
Ballparks across the league are generally affordable, with many games priced well below MLB equivalents, and several venues offer open-air seating with a lively local atmosphere. Schedules and ticket information are typically published on each franchise's official social media channels closer to the season date.