Introduction to the Liga Mexicana de Softball (LMS)
The Liga Mexicana de Softball (LMS) is entering its third season, with eight teams participating: Algodoneras del Unión Laguna, Bravas de León, Charros de Jalisco Softbol, Diablos Rojos Femenil, El Águila de Veracruz Softbol, Las Olmecas de Tabasco, Naranjeros Softbol Femenil, and Sultanes Femenil.
León’s Role in the LMS
León, home to Bravas de León, will host the annual gala event of the LMS – the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game in 2026. This marks a significant milestone for women’s sports in Mexico, strengthening the LMS as a leading professional softball league in Latin America.
Quotes from Key Figures
Horacio de la Vega, LMS President: “This event will be a landmark in the history of women’s sports in Mexico. The All-Star Game and Home Run Derby are crucial for the growth of the Liga Mexicana de Softbol, and we aim to make it an annual tradition starting in 2026.”
Mauricio Martínez, Bravas de León President: “León is a pioneering city for softball, and the Bravas have been at the forefront. It’s exciting to see how softball has grown in just two years. This All-Star Game is well-deserved for our city and will be a resounding success.”
Daniela Leal, LMS General Director: “This All-Star Game aims to provide a high-level sporting experience, showcasing the talents of our players and positioning the LMS as the most solid and professional female softball league in Latin America.”
Isaac Piña, COMUDE León Director General: “Women’s sports are relatively new and have only recently begun to revolutionize the industry. The LMS is also young, and I want to congratulate them on their rapid growth, the spectacle they provide on the fields, and for promoting their cities’ names to new heights. Thank you for giving León the opportunity to host the first All-Star Game in LMS history.”
Event Format and Details
The All-Star Game will divide teams into two squads: Team 1 (Sultanes, Naranjeros, Algodoneras, Charros) and Team 2 (Diablos, El Águila, Olmecas, Bravas), each consisting of 16 players. Managers and coaches will come from the 2025 season’s champions (Diablos) and runners-up (Sultanes).
The LMS will select 14 players from each roster for the All-Star Game, with the remaining two spots chosen by fans via social media. The game will consist of seven innings, with extra innings possible if necessary. If the game remains tied after eight innings, it will be declared a draw.
The Home Run Derby will feature eight players, with each team selecting one representative. There will be three rounds (Round 1, Semifinal, and Final) with ten outs per player, no time limit. Players will have a 20-second break between decisions, and home runs won’t carry over between rounds.
A bonus will be awarded for every three home runs, granting an additional swing. Death matches (one swing per player) will determine ties in Round 1 and the Semifinal, while the Final will decide the winner through a sudden-death home run contest.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Liga Mexicana de Softball (LMS)? The LMS is a professional softball league in Mexico, entering its third season with eight participating teams.
- Why is León hosting the 2026 Home Run Derby and All-Star Game significant? This event marks a milestone for women’s sports in Mexico and strengthens the LMS as a leading professional softball league.
- How will teams be divided for the All-Star Game? Teams will be split into Team 1 (Sultanes, Naranjeros, Algodoneras, Charros) and Team 2 (Diablos, El Águila, Olmecas, Bravas), each with 16 players.
- How will players be selected for the All-Star Game? The LMS will choose 14 players from each roster, with the remaining two spots determined by fan votes on social media.
- What is the format for the Home Run Derby? The Derby will have three rounds (Round 1, Semifinal, and Final) with ten outs per player, no time limit. Players receive a 20-second break between decisions, and home runs aren’t carried over between rounds.
