2024 MWBL CHRISTMAS CLASSIC HOME RUN DERBY
Matanzas Cuba – 12/25/2024
Forget chestnuts roasting on an open fire! On a glorious 78-degree day in Matanzas, Cuba, the only thing roasting was baseballs as the Estadio Victoria de Giron Stadium overflowed with enthusiastic fans for the 2024 Mid-West Baseball League (MWBL) Annual Christmas Classic Home Run Derby.
Ten sluggers, five representing the American League and five from the National League, stepped onto the diamond to put on a show for the ages. The crowd, a mix of passionate Cuban baseball fans and festive MWBL supporters who made the trip south, were treated to a power display that would make Santa himself ditch the sleigh for a bat.
| LISTEN TO THE MWBL DEEP DIVE ON THE CHRISTMAS CLASSIC |
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2024 CHRISTMAS CLASSIC PARTICIPANTS ANNOUNCED
The 2024 Christmas Classic will be held on Christmas Day – December 25th, 2024 in Matanzas, Cuba in the Stadium – Victoria de Girón.
How does the MWBL handle the Christmas Classic Home Run Derby? This is an idea that came from a league (BUNT), that the Commissioner checks out from time to time. Dave Snyderman one of the members produced the idea a few years ago and it has been refined somewhat as they went along. The MWBL refined the idea a little more and adopted the concept for the Christmas Classic Home Run Derby.
Since 2017 – No Mid-West Baseball League Franchise will have more than one representative.
Representing the American & National League teams they finished the 2024 Season with, will be the following twelve (12), players.
| AMERICAN LEAGUE – 2024 MWBL CHRISTMAS CLASSIC PARTICIPANTS | |||||
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| Matt Olson | Luis Robert | Kyle Schwarber | Juan Soto | Lane Thomas | Shohei Ohtani |
| Coconut Creek | Gainesville | Detroit | Southbend | Hollywood | Fremont |
| NATIONAL LEAGUE – 2024 MWBL CHRISTMAS CLASSIC PARTICIPANTS | |||||
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| Ronald Acuna | Pete Alonso | Jake Burger | Adam Duvall | Jose Ramirez | Jorge Soler |
| Valdosta | Selkirk | Prairie | Bethesda | Tempe | Arboga |
2024 ALL-STAR GAME
The 2024 Mid-West Baseball League All-Star Game was held on Saturday Night, November 9th, 2024 in the home of the Valdosta Bombers.
STARTING PITCHERS:
Clayton Kershaw 19-0 (2.39)
vs.
Gerrit Cole 28-3 (1.83)
The 2024 Mid-West Baseball League All-Star Game was a thrilling showcase of talent, with the National League narrowly defeating the American League 2-1. The game, filled with strategic plays and standout performances, kept fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Early Innings: A Pitcher’s Duel
The game began with both teams showcasing their pitching prowess. Gerrit Cole and Clayton Kershaw started on the mound, each delivering a scoreless first inning. Cole retired the side with ease, while Kershaw allowed a single to Jose Ramirez, who would later prove to be a key player in the game.
The defense was stellar on both sides of the ball
The National League’s defense shone brightly during the 2024 MWBL All-Star Game, with stellar plays that kept the American League’s offense at bay. Key defensive maneuvers, such as diving stops, precise throws, and a double play highlighted the N.L.’s commitment to maintaining their slim lead. Meanwhile, the American League was not far behind, showcasing their defensive prowess with quick reflexes and strategic positioning that ensured a tightly contested game. Both teams demonstrated exceptional defensive skills, making it a memorable showcase of baseball talent. Continue reading
2025 DRAFT LOTTERY VIDEO & RESULTS
The 202​5 MWBL Draft Lottery took place on Monday, ​November 4th, 2024 at 9:00 PM ET.
The Commissioner’s Office conducted the Draft with # other MWBL Members present.
The ten Franchises listed below had a shot at the #1 Pick in the 2025 MWBL Draft to be held on Saturday, February 15th, 2025.
Here is a link to the Zoom Video of the 202​5 Draft Lottery.
| LOTTERY ELIGIBLE | W | L | Pct | Balls |
| Yucaipa Road Runners | 43 | 119 | .265 | 25 |
| Motor City Muscle | 48 | 114 | .296 | 25 |
| Sacramento Capitals | 49 | 113 | .302 | 13 |
| Dallas Cougars | 57 | 105 | .352 | 13 |
| Detroit Crime | 63 | 99 | .389 | 8 |
| Long Beach Dirt Bags | 49 | 113 | .302 | 8 |
| Harsens Island Walleye | 58 | 104 | .358 | 4 |
| Tampa Bay Expos | 69 | 93 | .426 | 4 |
| Titusville Super Sonics | 70 | 92 | .432 | 2 |
| Columbus Explorers | 61 | 101 | .377 | 2 |
The ​​Sacramento Capitals won the Lottery & ended up with the #1 Pick.
​The Motor City Muscle ended up with the #2 Pick.
​The Yucaipa Road Runners will receive Pick #3
All other teams will fall in line from there on down. Continue reading
2024 WORLD SERIES
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| SERIES PREVIEW – In the upcoming 2024 Mid-West Baseball League World Series between the Tempe Tempers and the Chicago Mobsters, the Tempe Tempers appear to have a significant advantage across multiple positions. Starting with the catcher position, J.T. Realmuto’s experience and offensive versatility give Tempe an edge over Gabriel Moreno. At first base, Freddie Freeman’s superior offensive stats, including home runs and RBIs, further strengthen Tempe’s lineup compared to Yandy Diaz of the Mobsters. Additionally, the Tempers’ advantage extends to second base with Ozzie Albies’ power and run production outshining Luis Arraez’s higher batting average.
The Tempers continue to dominate in the infield with Jose Ramirez at third base and Xander Bogaerts at shortstop, both providing more consistent offensive contributions than their Mobsters counterparts. In the outfield, Tempe’s combination of power from Marcell Ozuna and on-base skills from Steven Kwan and Austin Slater surpasses the Mobsters’ lineup. The designated hitter position also leans in favor of Tempe, with J.D. Martinez’s power slightly outweighing Yordan Alvarez’s on-base percentage. On the mound, Tempe’s starting and relief pitching, led by Gerrit Cole and a strong bullpen, present a formidable challenge for the Mobsters. Given these advantages, the Tempe Tempers are predicted to win the series in five games, leveraging their comprehensive strengths to secure another World Series victory. For a more comprehensive look at the 2024 Mid-West Baseball League world Series Preview Click Here. |
