The Hispanic Baseball League of Andres Mora Ibarra to play championship game Oct. 13

How much do you know about the history of Hispanic and Latino culture and community in Rockford?

In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Rockford Register Star has partnered with La Onda, a newly-formed nonprofit organization, to help share and celebrate the impact of Hispanic and Latino people, businesses and organizations in and around the Rockford area.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Visit rrstar.com or the Rockford Register Star newspaper each day to read about the people and places that make up Rockford's Latino community.

Nostalgia and the love of baseball led to the formation of a new Rockford Hispanic baseball league named the Hispanic Baseball League of Andres Mora Ibarra.

Organizer Victor Ibarra, along with the other leagues coaches chose to name the baseball league after Ibarra’s uncle, Andres Mora Ibarra.

Mora Ibarra was a Mexican professional baseball outfielder. He played four seasons in the majors between 1976 and 1980 with the Baltimore Orioles and the Cleveland Guardians. After his time in the majors, he continued to play baseball professionally in Mexico. In 2003, Mora Ibarra was elected to the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame.

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On Sunday, Sept. 29, the league had a reopening for Hispanic Heritage Month. A team from Carpentersville, Illinois, came out for the league’s all-star game. While games were played, food trucks and vendors also added to the festivities. The Rockford Park District provided kids activities and a bouncy house. Live music from bands of the Rockford Spanish music scene filled the air with their lively tunes while games were played. The Rockford Rivets supported with having their mascot present and interacting with the kids and families.

The amateur league of four teams plays at 10 a.m. and noon Sundays at Liberty Park, 1555 Morgan St. The championship game, which is the last game of the season, will take place Sunday, Oct. 13.

If you are interested in playing and/or forming a team for the 2025 season, please contact Victor Ibarra, 815-668-3158.

Patricia Chavez Jimenez is a member of the newly founded La Onda board of directors. The mission of La Onda is to serve as a cultural leader for all to celebrate the heritage and diversity of the Latino identity and community throughout the Rockford area.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: The Hispanic Baseball League of Andres Mora Ibarra to play championship game Oct. 13