In a thrilling conclusion to the 67th Caribbean Series, aka the Serie del Caribe, Leones del Escogido from the Dominican Republic secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Mexico’s Charros de Jalisco, clinching their fifth championship title ever in the history of the Serie del Caribe. The final, held on February 7 at Estadio Nido de los Aguilas in Mexicali, Mexico, was a showcase of exceptional pitching, strategic gameplay, and defensive prowess from both teams.
But, you may be wondering: what exactly is the Serie del Caribe? You’re not alone. It’s one of the biggest series in Latin America showcasing the prowess of some of the best baseball players in the region, and every year, the championship tournament is hosted in a different location, raking in thousands of viewers bent on seeing the Caribbean stars in their prime.
Let’s take you into some of the highlights from this year’s championship game, along with what it means for Latinos everywhere – just as baseball season is ramping up here in the U.S.
Serie del Caribe Highlights
The championship game on Feb. 7 was ultimately a tense stalemate until the top of the sixth inning. Leones’ outfielder Juan Perez capitalized on a defensive misplay by the Mexican Charros, bringing in the game’s only run. Perez’s timely hit not only broke the deadlock, but shifted momentum entirely in favor of the Dominican squad.
Esmil Rogers, the starting pitcher for the DR, delivered an outstanding performance overall, pitching seven scoreless innings and only allowing three hits from the Mexican team. His command over the mound stifled the Mexican offense, preventing any scoring opportunities. Relievers Fernando Abad and Jimmy Cordero maintained the shutout, with Cordero securing the final out by striking out Reynaldo Rodriguez, thus sealing the championship for the Leones. Rogers’ exceptional performance throughout the tournament eventually (and rightfully) earned him the MVP award for the evening.
The defensive efforts were equally commendable, with a double play by the Leones in the eighth inning that killed any opportunity for a comeback by the Charros. The game’s intensity was palpable within the stadium, with fans on the edge of their seats until the very final pitch.
This Season’s Stand-Out Performances
The 2025 Caribbean Series, having started January 31, featured five teams this season: the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and even a debut appearance by Japan. The inclusion of Japan’s team – known as the Japan Breeze, organized by former MLB player Alex Ramirez – added a new dimension to the series, reflecting the growing global reach of baseball as it extends into the heart of Latin America.
This year’s tournament adopted a round-robin format, with each team playing against one another, followed by semifinals and ultimately, the championship game. The preliminary round was especially competitive, with teams battling for a spot in the knockout stage. Notably, Japan Breeze, made up of players from Japan’s industrial and independent minor leagues, showed off commendable skill and sportsmanship, despite being newcomers to the series.
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One of the tournament’s standout performances was by Jesus Vargas of Venezuela’s Cardenales de Lara. Vargas pitched an impressive eight-inning no-hitter against Japan Breeze during the preliminary round, etching his name into the Caribbean Series history books for good. This remarkable feat not only highlighted Vargas’s pitching prowess but also underscored the high level of talent present in the tournament.
In the battle for third place, Puerto Rico’s Indios de Mayagüez faced off against Venezuela’s Cardenales de Lara. The game concluded with a 7-4 victory for the Indios, largely due to the exceptional performance of Isan Diaz, who blasted two home runs. Diaz’s offensive display provided the necessary edge for Puerto Rico to secure the third spot in the tournament standings.
The host city, Mexicali, embraced the Caribbean Series with enthusiasm and hospitality – with the Estadio Nido de los Aguilas undergoing significant upgrades to provide a world-class experience for fans coming into the arena. In total, the series attracted over 100,000 visitors, equally providing a substantial economic boost to the region.
The Series Origin Story
“The Caribbean Series (Serie del Caribe) is an annual baseball tournament that crowns the champion of Latin American professional winter leagues, serving as the pinnacle of winter ball competition” Forbes explains.
Founded in 1949, the series initially featured teams from Cuba, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela, competing to determine the premier baseball team in the Caribbean. Over the years, the series has evolved, with the Dominican Republic joining in 1970 and Mexico in 1971. The tournament has ultimately gained acclaim all over the Western Hemisphere, celebrating baseball talent and fostering cultural exchange among the participating nations.
Throughout its history, the Caribbean Series has witnessed numerous memorable moments and legendary performances. Since the series is also a platform for players to showcase their talents on an international stage, it’s often led to opportunities for players in Major League Baseball (MLB) here in the U.S., along with other professional leagues around the world.
Where Will the Serie Del Caribe Be Hosted Next?
Looking ahead, the 2026 Caribbean Series is scheduled to take place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, bringing the tournament back to one of its original host countries. San Juan has a storied baseball tradition and has hosted the series multiple times, offering fans an opportunity to experience the rich baseball culture of Puerto Rico.
In other exciting news, Miami is set to host the series again in 2028, marking a significant return to the U.S. Until then, it’s undeniably the start of MLB season here in the States, which also attracts many Latino viewers who want to keep up with the sport. Spring Training is set to begin in late February, with the regular season scheduled to commence in early April.
Play ball!
