Generales de Durango explained

Generales de Durango
Founded:2016
Folded:2024
City:Durango, Durango
Ballpark:Estadio Francisco Villa
League:Mexican League
Division:Zona Norte
Colors:Green, yellow, white
Owner:Grupo Xoy Capital

The Generales de Durango (English: Durango Generals) were a professional baseball team in the Mexican League (LMB) that was established in November 2016. The team was based in Durango, the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Durango. They entered the league in 2017 as a replacement for the departed Delfines del Carmen.[1] In 2024, the Generales were replaced by Caliente de Durango, after the team was suspended by the LMB.

History

Creation

In November 2016, LMB owners approved the move of the Delfines from Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, to Durango, restoring professional baseball to the state for the first time since the Alacranes de Durango moved to Campeche to become the Piratas de Campeche in 1980. A remodeled Estadio de Béisbol Francisco Villa in Durango was announced as the home venue.[2] The move was nearly put in danger by economic risk, as reports circulated that the Generales would not play in 2017 due to the owner's lack of financial resources and delays in the remodeling of the stadium.[3] The franchise managed to begin play, though a delay of the planned opening game in the stadium was necessary.

Initial season

The Generales finished the 2017 season with a 43–66 record, last in the North Division. Yadir Drake led the team in hitting with a .385 average; he and Jairo Pérez had 14 home runs. Pérez led the team in RBI with 65. Fernando Nieve had the lowest ERA, 2.25. Mario González led the team in strikeouts with 77. Amilcar Gaxiola had the most wins, seven.

Suspension and reinstatement (2017)

In September 2017, the league announced that the Generales would take the 2018 season off, to reorganize their finances, and return in 2019.[4] However, this decision was appealed by the Generales. At a subsequent league meeting in November 2017, the decision was made that the Generales would compete in 2018, subject to a two-year guarantee of financial solvency.[5]

Suspension (2024)

It was announced on 22 February 2024 that the Generales would be provisionally suspended for the 2024 season.[6] [7] In March 2024, the league indefinitely suspended the team due to fraud allegations against the club owner, Venezuelan businessman Carlos Lazo. The Generales were later replaced by Caliente de Durango.[8] [9]

Season-by-season

SeasonLeagueDivisionFinishWinsLosesWin%GBPost-seasonManager
North 8th 43 66 32.5 Did not qualify [10]
LMB North 6th 24 33 13.0 Did not qualify align=left rowspan=2 [11]
7th 22 32 19.0 Did not qualify
LMB North 7th 47 72 27.5 Did not qualify [12]
LMB North 9th 20 45 27.0 Did not qualify [13]
LMB North 8th 37 53 25.0 Did not qualify Álvaro Espinoza
Joe Álvarez
[14]
LMB North 7th 43 43 7.0 Did not qualify [15]
TotalsWLWin%
236 344All-time regular season record (2017–2023)
00All-time postseason record
236 344All-time regular and postseason record

Notes and References

  1. http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20161102&content_id=207948150&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_l125&sid=l125 Durango confirma el regreso de la LMB
  2. https://www.elsiglodedurango.com.mx/noticia/716707.durango-se-prepara-para-la-toma-de-los-generales.html Durango se prepara para la toma de los Generales
  3. http://www.proceso.com.mx/477789/gobierno-estatal-retira-apoyo-a-generales-durango-lmb-se-jugara-15-equipos Gobierno estatal retira apoyo a Generales de Durango
  4. https://www.milb.com/lmb/news/asamblea-de-presidentes-lmb/c-256407074 Asamblea de Presidentes LMB
  5. http://www.proceso.com.mx/510383/liga-mexicana-beisbol-anuncia-calendario-sus-torneos-2018 Generales jugará en 2018
  6. https://www.milb.com/news/lmb-suspension-provisional-de-generales-de-durango LMB: Suspensión Provisional de Generales de Durango
  7. https://www.lmtonline.com/sports/article/generales-de-durango-set-not-compete-mexican-18671449.php Generales de Durango set not to play, according to reports
  8. Web site: Grupo Caliente será el dueño del nuevo equipo de Durango en la LMB. Mediotiempo.com. 7 March 2024. 24 April 2024. es.
  9. Web site: Gilberto. Lastra Guerrero. Presentan el nombre, logo y uniforme del equipo de Durango de la LMB. Milenio. 19 March 2024. 24 April 2024. es.
  10. Web site: 2017 Mexican League season. Baseball Reference. 29 April 2024.
  11. Web site: Quién es quién 2019. Liga Mexicana de Beisbol. 29 April 2024.
  12. Web site: 2019 Mexican League season. Baseball Reference. 29 April 2024.
  13. Web site: 2021 Mexican League season. Baseball Reference. 29 April 2024.
  14. Web site: 2022 Mexican League season. Baseball Reference. 29 April 2024.
  15. Web site: 2023 Mexican League season. Baseball Reference. 29 April 2024.