The Houston Astros are not the only team to be plagued by a sign stealing scandal. The Diablos Rojos, the most storied franchise in the Mexican League, is dealing with a sign stealing scandal of their own.
Back on September 1, the Leones de Yucatán had requested that the Mexican Baseball League open an investigation into possible manipulation of television images and switching signals. This allegedly happened in all of Game One and part of Game Two in their series against the Diablos Rojos in the South Zone Championship Series.
Diablos Rojos GM Miguel Ojeda suspended for one year
A quick investigation by the league, which included watching footage not only of those two games but of the regular season, showed that there were slightly different pitcher-catcher angles when Leones were on the diamond. While they could not prove that any pitch information was relayed to the dugout, there was still enough to warrant punishment.
As such, the league issued a pair of suspensions. Both general manager Miguel Ojeda and the team’s chief television producer, Marco Avila, were suspended for a year. The team has denied any wrongdoing and is appealing the punishment.
Ojeda is a legend with the Diablos Rojos. He spent 17 years in Mexico, a power hitter who primarily appeared at catcher and first. He also spent parts of four seasons in the majors, with most of that action coming as a member of the Padres. Following his playing days, he became the Diablos Rojos manager before moving up into the front office.
It also makes sense that these allegations would be so vigorously denied. The Diablos Rojos are essentially the Yankees of the Mexican League, having won 16 championships. To even have the possibility of cheating hanging over a run to the postseason is a terrible look not just for this year, but a blemish on one of the great franchises in league history.
The Mexican League has its own cheating scandal. Diablos Rojos GM Miguel Ojeda and the team’s chief television producer were suspended for a year.