Baseball is wildly popular in Mexico and considered equivalent to Major Leagues Triple A baseball, the last stop in the minor league system before reaching "The Show." Many professionals, including the legendary Fernando Valenzuela, herald from Mexico and major league teams such as the San Diego Padres have long standing outreach programs to pull from their south-of-the-border neighbors. More so, many major leaguers looking to resuscitate a stalled career find themselves playing in the Mexican Baseball League in places like Oaxaca and Minatitlan. But, the perks are few and the travel (mainly by bus) is arduous. I spent a week traveling with the Saltillo Saraperos for The Sporting News.

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