Little League® International mourns the passing of Angel Macias, 84, the only pitcher to throw a perfect game in a Little League Baseball® World Series (LLBWS) Championship game, a longtime volunteer, and a Little League Hall of Excellence inductee.
In 1957, Macias and his Monterrey Industrial (Mexico) Little League team made an unbelievable run to Williamsport, becoming the first-ever international team to claim the title of Little League Baseball World Series Champions.
Led behind a historic pitching performance by Macias, the undersized team from Mexico went on to win the championship game, 4-0, in perfect fashion over La Mesa (Calif.) Little League. Normally an ambidextrous pitcher, Macias chose to only use his right arm that day, retiring all 18 batters in order with 11 strikeouts to record the first ever perfect game in the LLBWS final, and it remains the only one to occur in the championship game.
Years later, Macias continued his baseball career after signing with the Los Angeles Angels. He played two seasons in the organization’s minor league system as an outfielder before returning home to Mexico in 1963 to finish his career, playing for the Leon Broncos, Broncos de Reynosa, and Monterrey Sultanes.
Throughout his playing days and well after, Macias was a major influence in building the foundation and growth of Little League baseball in Mexico, both as a volunteer and former director of the Mexican Baseball Academy until his retirement. In 2017, Macias became the second player from his 1957 LLBWS team to be inducted into the Little League Hall of Excellence, the highest honor bestowed on Little League alumni.
Macias’ legacy, contributions to the game, and dedication will forever be enshrined in baseball history.