Águilas de Mexicali mark 50th season with eyes on a title

MEXICALI, Mexico (KYMA) - The Águilas de Mexicali kicked off their 50th season with a spectacular opening ceremony at El Nido de los Águilas, welcoming fans back for another year of Mexican Pacific League baseball.

The celebration featured fireworks, sparklers, flames, lasers and a drone show before the Águilas took on their biggest rivals, the Naranjeros de Hermosillo.

For fans such as Rafaeel Diaz, opening night was an opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere, food and festivities with family.

"It's a great time to come because it has a great weather. It has amazing food, has good drinks," Diaz said. "We're having a great time now. We're bringing the family, and it's been awesome."

While the opening ceremony provided a memorable start to the milestone season, the Águilas have their sights set on a bigger goal: Ending a decade-long championship drought.

Jake Sanchez, a Brawley native and the Mexican Pacific League's all-time saves leader, said he is optimistic about the team's roster and what it can accomplish this season.

"I'm excited. We got a pretty dynamic team. The lineup is going to be really quick, so it'll be some fun," Sanchez said.

Manager Roberto "Chapo" Vizcarra shares that confidence as Mexicali looks to capture its first championship in 10 years.

"It's something we want more than anything. With all the fans and enthusiasm we have, this season marks 10 years since we last won a championship. And I honestly think we've worked toward that goal and that's why we're here," Vizcarra said.

As the Águilas pursue another title, Sanchez also hopes his career can inspire young players from communities like his own.

Growing up in the Imperial Valley, Sanchez said his path to becoming one of the league's top closers shows aspiring players they can build a successful career playing baseball in Mexico.

"Coming from a small town, a small valley, I mean, I think it just, you know, kind of shows the kids that you can keep playing, it's not just the United States, the big leagues and stuff like that, and I mean I've made a great career out of, out of playing down here in Mexicali and so I mean it's just, you know, like I said it's just give them motivation to keep going and keep trying as hard as they can," Sanchez said.

With its 50th season underway, Mexicali is looking to turn the excitement of opening night into a championship run, while continuing to build a lasting connection with its fans and the next generation of players.