Jesús Sommers

Jesús Sommers Lopez
(El Guapo or Guapeton)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11", Weight 175 lb.

• Born November 11, 1949 in Guaymas, Sonora Mexico

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

The son of Negro League and Mexican League player Lonnie Summers, Jesús Sommers is the only man in the history of the Mexican League to reach the 3,000-hit plateau. He got his 3,000th on May 17, 1996, against Elmer Dessens. He began playing professionally at the age of 16 in the Mexican Center League; by 20 he was up with the Yucatan Lions. Known for his durability more than excellence, Sommers hit .291/.365/.421 in 27 years in the Liga before finally retiring at the age of 46. He hit .300 9 times, once scored 100, hit 20 homers 3 times and drove in 100 twice. He never led the Liga in any major offensive statistic.

Sommers is the all-time Mexican League leader in hits (3,004) and doubles (488). His 1,573 RBI rank 4th, his 1,455 runs rank 4th and his 241 homers place him 13th. He is the all-time leader in the Mexican League in seasons played (27), games played (2,908), at-bats (10,327) and he is 5th in walks (1,151), 2nd in strikeouts (1,429) and 3rd in total bases (4,343). He appeared on 15 different teams during his lengthy career - additionally he played 1,290 winter league games in 25 years, collecting 1,073 hits. In addition to his winter league, Mexican League and Mexican Center League time, he also played briefly in the Mexican Northern League and Mexican Southeast League.

The infielder was elected into the Salon de la Fama in 2002. He became manager of the Minatitlan Petroleros partway into the 2010 season. For 2011, he was a coach for the Campeche Pirates.

Salon de la Fama link

Sources: "The Mexican League: Comprehensive Player Statistics" by Pedro Treto Cisneros, Viva Beisbol! newsletter by Bruce Baskin