2025 MWBL CHRISTMAS CLASSIC HOME RUN DERBY
MATANZAS, CUBA – Thursday, December 25, 2025
Forget chestnuts roasting on an open fire! In the coastal city of Matanzas, Cuba, the only things roasting were baseballs. On a glorious 81-degree afternoon, the historic Estadio Victoria de Girón overflowed with a capacity crowd of 22,000 enthusiastic fans. They weren’t there for a traditional holiday feast; they were there for the power-hitting spectacle of the 2025 Mid-West Baseball League (MWBL) Annual Christmas Classic Home Run Derby.
The atmosphere was electric—a unique blend of passionate local Cuban fans and a festive contingent of MWBL supporters who made the trip south to escape the winter chill. As palm trees swayed beyond the outfield walls, twelve of the league’s most feared sluggers stepped onto the diamond to put on a show for the ages.
The Format: ‘Jingle Balls’ and Holiday Power
In keeping with MWBL tradition, the event adhered to the strict “one-representative-per-franchise” rule established in 2017. Twelve elite power hitters—six from the American League and six from the National League—competed in a bracket-style format. Each slugger looked to launch “Jingle Balls” into the Matanzas skyline, trading their traditional team colors for festive, holiday-themed jerseys. Continue reading
2025 CHRISTMAS CLASSIC PARTICIPANTS ANNOUNCED
MATANZAS, CUBA – The Mid-West Baseball League (MWBL) is bringing the holiday cheer—and massive power—to the Caribbean! The league today unveiled the twelve elite sluggers who will compete in the 2025 Christmas Classic Home Run Derby, set to take place on Christmas Day, December 25th, at the historic Victoria de Girón Stadium in Matanzas, Cuba.
Twelve Days of Sluggers: The Christmas Classic Field
In the spirit of the event, the MWBL has selected twelve representatives from the American and National Leagues who demonstrated exceptional power during the 2025 season. Notably, the field adheres strictly to the MWBL rule established in 2017:
No single franchise will have more than one representative competing for the festive crown.
Here are the 12 sluggers ready to launch ‘Jingle Balls’ out of the park:
| AMERICAN LEAGUE – 2025 MWBL CHRISTMAS CLASSIC PARTICIPANTS | |||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Aaron Judge | Shohei Ohtani | Cal Raleigh | Eugenio Suarez | Kyle Schwarber | Anthony Santander |
| Hollywood | Fremont | Cincinnati | Titusville | Detroit | Coconut Creek |
| NATIONAL LEAGUE – 2025 MWBL CHRISTMAS CLASSIC PARTICIPANTS | |||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Brent Rooker | Jose Ramirez | Jake Burger | Juan Soto | Giancarlo Stanton | Pete Alonso |
| Sacramento | Tempe | Bethesda | Tampa Bay | Prairie | Selkirk |
A Unique MWBL Holiday Tradition
The MWBL’s Christmas Classic is not just a game—it’s a beloved winter tradition with a unique backstory. Continue reading
2026 DRAFT DAY
The 2026 Mid-West Baseball League Draft is Scheduled for Saturday, February 7th, 2026, at 10:30 AM ET.
The 2026 MWBL Draft Order is now posted – including the Lottery, which the Yucaipa Road Runners won. The Draft will commence at 10:30 AM and will consist of 12 Rounds, 312 Picks, and will be completed in under 6 Hours.
Please be advised of this early Draft Date.
RATS’ EMMANUEL CLASE DETAINED AT JFK AMID ALL-STAR BETTING ALLEGATIONS
NEW YORK — Arboga Rats closer Emmanuel Clase was briefly detained at John F. Kennedy International Airport late Tuesday after stepping off his connecting flight from Valdosta en route to Arboga, according to preliminary and unconfirmed reports circulating within league circles. Sources stress that details remain murky, but early reports suggest officials flagged Clase after questions arose about an alleged wager he placed on the American League to win this year’s MLB All-Star Game. The situation drew heightened scrutiny after the dramatic conclusion of the game. Clase, representing the National League, took the mound in the bottom of the 10th inning with one out and Pittsburgh star Bryan Reynolds stepping to the plate. On the first solid swing of the at-bat, Reynolds launched a towering shot to left-center, clearing the wall for a walk-off home run that sealed a 2–1 American League victory. League officials have not commented publicly, and no formal charges have been confirmed. The Arboga Rats organization immediately released Clase, issuing a brief statement saying they are “monitoring the situation and gathering information, but with his contract expiring, feel that it’s in their best interest to part ways with their closer.” More details are expected as the investigation develops.
2025 ALL-STAR GAME
The 2025 Mid-West Baseball League All-Star Game was held on Saturday Night, November 8th, 2025, in the home of the Valdosta Bombers.
STARTING PITCHERS:
Shota Imanaga 24-3 (1.93)
vs.
Zack Wheeler 21-4 (1.76)
REYNOLDS ROCKS THE FALL CLASSIC: AMERICAN LEAGUE WINS THRILLING 2025 ALL-STAR GAME 2-1 IN 10TH
Saturday, November 8, 2025 — The American League All-Stars secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the National League All-Stars in a tense, extra-inning affair played Saturday night, highlighted by spectacular defense, strategic managerial changes, and a dramatic walk-off home run.
The game, managed by George Skiles of the Sacramento Capitals for the N.L. and Casey Hoch of the Fremont Cannons for the A.L., saw pitching dominate for much of the evening, with the National League tallying five hits and the American League securing ten but little in the way of runs. The A.L. ultimately claimed the win in the 10th inning, bringing the Fall Classic to a thrilling conclusion. Continue reading