In trying to track down (and understand) the career of
the first Nicaraguan pro, Lefty Davila, I investigated
the Mexican professional leagues in 1951.

I found these 50-51 Winter leagues:

1) Liga Costa del Pacifico, organized in 1945. Today
it is the Mexican Pacific League, with basically the
same teams as then.
2) Liga Peninsular de Yucatan, organized in 1946.
Teams: Campeche, Merida, Motul and Yucatan.
3) Liga Veracruzana, organized in 1944. Former
champions included Santa Rosa, Alvarado, Cuitlahuac;
the teams in 50-51 were Orizaba, Cordoba, Jalapa and
Veracruz.
4) Liga del Golfo. Ebano, Ciudad Mante, Tampico,
Naranjos, Cerro Azul; Poza Rica was a former champ.

Summer leagues:

1) Liga Mexicana, organized in 1925 and upgraded in
1937, entered O. B. in 1955 (today it is the triple A
league).
2) Liga Nacional (Chihuahua, Delicias, Fresnillo,
Camargo current in 1951; cities with teams in previous
years include Gomez Palacio, Torreon, Ciudad Juarez).
3) Liga Sonorense (Tijuana, Nogales, Santa Ana,
Cananea, Hermosillo, Empalme, Navojoa, Ciudad Obregon
and formerly, Guaymas).
4) Liga del Norte de Coahuila.
5) Liga de Sinaloa.
6) Liga del Sur de Veracruz.
7) Liga del Norte de Sinaloa.
8) Liga Sinaloa-Nayarit.

a) Was I all inclusive? Probably but not 100 per cent
sure.
b) Some of these leagues might have lasted until 1970.
c) Some leagues died and were later revived, maybe at
the whim of some millionaire benefactor.
d) New leagues were created, such as Liga del Bajio in
Winter and the Southeasy and Center Summer O. B.
leagues.

Between local amateurs and failed pros who did not
want to give up the dream there were lots of
inexpensive players to be hired.

Davila liked to drink; I found he dropped out of the
Mexican League so he could be the big fish in the
small pond and not keep regular hours and train so
much.

I have some magazines, Hit and Superhit, from the
early 70s and many leagues are mentioned.
Unfortunately I am packing as I am moving one of these
days. I should be back to normal in about a month. I
will write you to see if you are interested in getting
more info.
Meanwhile, I am sure there is a Mexican in SABR who
should be able to help you, or at least point you in
the right direction. Let me know.

Regards,
Tito





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