Art Charles is having a career year and has quietly become one of the most feared power hitters in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol. His four homer, 15 RBI game earlier this season was his coming out party. The slugger of Mexican descent has gone yard 63 times over the last three years for the Leones de Yucatán and might just be in the cross-hairs of various teams in Asia.
Charles, who is represented by Gladys Alonso of A&F Sports leads the LMB in OPS (1.390), slugging (.885), OBP (.505), homeruns (23) and run batted in (60), making him the favorite to win most valuable player honors in the México this season. The tandem of Charles and veteran slugger Yadir Drake is arguably one of the most feared in the Aztec circuit.
With Charles leading the way for the perennial playoff contending Leones they are the biggest threat to the México City Diablos Rojos’ quest to win the Zone Sur and a 14th “Serie del Rey”. With the 33-year-old heading into his prime, his recent timely hitting and enormous power might just pay dividends this offseason.
How have you matured as a hitter since your days in MiLB?
I feel like I have matured as a hitter in many ways. I understand who I am as a player first and foremost. I learned that the only way to be a good power hitter and utilize that power is to become a better hitter in general. Putting the bat on ball consistently and not trying to go up to the plate hitting homeruns every at bat. It is important of a strong approach and plan based on the pitcher’s strengths and how teams are trying to get you out is another big thing because we often worry too much about mechanics when the mental part of the game is more important. Also, on top of that, truly being ready to hit is also important so that I can execute that plan. Getting into my power position early so that I can let off more “A” swings as well as recognize pitches more effectively is a must. There are quite a bit of things that I have done differently and I knew I needed to make adjustments if I was going to become a better hitter and more effective in a line up. Thank God for giving me the tools and the determination to continue to grow in this game. Having conversations with successful MLB and LMB hitters has also helped me become more successful as well.
You have more than doubled your homerun output from last season, what adjustments have you made at the plate?
The biggest thing is my approach this season. I’ve developed a great plan and approach with my hitting coach, (Francisco) Morales, and it has given me fruits all season. Another big thing is patience. Last year I was trying too hard to make things happen instead of keeping that Juan Soto type of mindset, “If they don’t want to play then I will take my walks.” Having that mindset keeps me dangerous and on the hunt.
You have been part of two Yucatán LMB championships. Tell to us about the baseball tradition in Merida.
Baseball here in Merida is amazing. Their is great fan support here and the atmosphere is electric, especially come post-season time. I have been blessed to win a couple championships and compete for one every year here. Anyone who comes here understands that the culture here is “win.” Win each pitch, win each at bat, win each day, and win the moments.
Being of Mexican descent how does it feel to play in Yucatán?
It feels great to play here in Mexico. When you first get here you don’t really know what to expect, but once you hit the field it’s ball just like it has always been. Baseball as a culture is “HUGE” in Mexico and you feel it every night you compete, whether you are on the road or at home. I feel honored to be part of the team here and culture here now pushing the envelope for this league to grow and inspire more players for the future.
Yadir Drake has been a top hitter in the LMB for years, what advice has he given you about hitting and talk about the chemistry between the both of you in the lineup?
Drake is a great hitter and truly has done amazing things in this league and for our team as well. The relationship between us is one of brotherhood and family, 100%. We have continued to help each other in our years playing together and it has led us to successes in big moments such as the playoffs. Understanding how pitchers are trying to get you out, pitchers best out pitch and plans of attack. We have talked about it all and when you know someone has your back and wants you to succeed like that, you know you aren’t in that at bat fighting alone. You have your guys behind you fighting them too. I usually pay him back in ice cream for good hitting advice, especially when it results in an RBI.
My sources say that a couple of teams from Asia are interested in your services. Could you elaborate on that rumor for us?
It would be an honor and blessing to play in Asia, but I’m extremely focused on where my feet are at now and living in this moment so I can stay focused and help my team win. I truly believe that if I keep my head down, keep handling business and focusing on the present then everything else will take care of itself. I would love to play there, but God has me here now, so I need to learn what I need to learn now and focus on helping my team win in the present. If I do my job and help my team here and now, God willing I will have the honor in helping one of their teams win in the future.