Background and Significance of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB)
The Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB) is commemorating its 100th anniversary this season, and the Home Run Derby serves as a significant event in its celebration. The Juego de Estrellas, featuring the league’s top players against Mexico’s national team, concludes the festivities.
Art Charles: A Rising Star in the LMB
Born on October 11, 1990, in Bakersfield, California, Art Charles joined the Leones de Yucatán in 2019. His recent victory in the LMB Home Run Derby marks him as only the second player from Leones de Yucatán to win this prestigious title, following Luis Juárez in 2018.
The Home Run Derby: A Competitive Showcase
Established in 2000, the LMB Home Run Derby mirrors its counterpart in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States, which began in 1985. This year’s event took place on June 28 at the Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium, featuring eight players: David Hensley (Caliente de Durango), Robinson Canó (Diablos Rojos del México), Alejandro Mejía (Dorados de Chihuahua), Ángel Reyes (Rieleros de Aguascalientes), Leonardo Reginatto (Tigres de Quintana Roo), Aderlín Rodríguez (Toros de Tijuana), Sandber Pimentel (Bravos de León), and Art Charles (Leones de Yucatán).
The Competition: A Three-Round Showdown
The competition unfolded in three rounds. In the first round, Charles, Hensley, Rodríguez, and Pimentel advanced with 15, 9, 4, and 4 homeruns respectively. The second round saw Charles and Hensley leading with 28 and 26 homeruns, setting the stage for an intense final round.
Art Charles showcased his prowess by hitting 15 homeruns in the first round, tying him with Bill Shelby (2005), Japhet Amador (2013), and Marc Flores (2022) for the most homeruns in a single round. David Hensley, Charles’ final opponent, set new records for the most homeruns in the second round (17) and any round (tied with Marc Flores’ 17 in 2022).
Charles’ Victory and Gratitude
In a thrilling final, Art Charles defeated David Hensley 15-14, with a partially filled Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium (over 80% capacity) despite heavy rain in Mexico City. Charles expressed his gratitude to the passionate fans, stating, “I appreciate all the support. It’s difficult playing against Diablos, but I’m thankful for their love and encouragement.”
Historical Context: First American-Born Player to Win Since 2022
As the first American-born player to win the LMB Home Run Derby since Marc Flores in 2022, Charles’ achievement carries additional weight. He will now represent Mexico in the Juego de Estrellas alongside his Leones de Yucatán teammates against a combined squad of the league’s 20 teams.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who won the 2025 LMB Home Run Derby? Art Charles of Leones de Yucatán
- What is the significance of this win for Art Charles? This victory makes Charles only the second American-born player to win the LMB Home Run Derby since 2018 and sets him apart as a rising star in the league.
- What is the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB) celebrating? The LMB is commemorating its 100th anniversary throughout the current season.
- Who were the finalists in the 2025 LMB Home Run Derby? Art Charles and David Hensley
- What records did the finalists set during the competition? David Hensley set new marks for most homeruns in the second round (17) and any round (tied with Marc Flores’ 17 in 2022).
