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The 2032 Hall of Fame class for the Central American Baseball Association was an impressive one with four first ballot inductees. Three were complete slam dunks with SP Ponciano Reyes at 98.1%, OF Herve Mickler at 96.2%, and RF Loyd Wayne at 93.5%. 2B Timmy Asher also made it firmly at 82.1%. The best returner was 1B Hasan Alvizo at 58.2% on his eighth try, within striking distance of the 66% requirement. No one else was above 50%.



SP Montell Donald fell off the ballot after ten failed tries, ending at 43.7% and peaking at 53.2% in 2029. The Curacaoan righty was never below 40% and was known for his three straight ERA titles from 2010-12 with Nicaragua, winning Pitcher of the Year twice. Donald suffered a torn rotator cuff in 2014 and was never quite the same, retiring after the 2017 campaign at only age 35.

In 13 seasons, Donald had a 165-141 record, 3.22 ERA, 2901.2 innings, 2794 strikeouts, 521 walks, 231/382 quality starts, 45 complete games, 5 shutouts, 124 ERA+, 83 FIP-, and 62.1 WAR. His rate stats were certainly comparable to many other HOFers and arguably weaker resumes made the cut before him. Many voters felt Donald’s longevity and accumulations weren’t quite there, banishing him to the Hall of Pretty Good. He would see his #39 uniform notably retired by the Navigators for his efforts.

LF Hugo Garcia also fell off after ten tries, having debuted at 52.3% in 2023. Shockingly, he only had 5.7% by the end. Garcia was a nine-time All-Star in 16 seasons between Haiti and Queretaro with 2280 hits, 1213 runs, 367 doubles, 77 triples, 529 home runs, 1391 RBI, .281/.320/.540 slash, 137 wRC+ and 67.3 WAR.

The totals were respectable, but he was rarely a league leader and never won a Silver Slugger. Although he won a ring with Haiti in 2014, his playoff stats were subpar with a .682 OPS and 84 wRC+ in 50 starts. Garcia was a popular player, but wasn’t considered dominant enough to stand out amongst the other greats of his era.



Ponciano Reyes – Starting Pitcher – Juarez Jesters – 98.1% First Ballot

Ponciano Reyes was a 5’10’’, 185 pound right-handed pitcher from the capital of Cuba, Havana. Reyes was a well-rounded pitcher with good-to-great stuff, movement, and control. Despite a smaller frame, he regularly hit the 97-99 mph range with his fastball. Reyes also had a curveball, changeup, and splitter in the arsenal with all four offerings considered equally potent. He was generally viewed as having an extreme groundball tendency.

Reyes had excellent stamina and durability, tossing 229+ innings each year from 2014-26. He was a good defensive pitcher, but his pickoff move graded as average. Reyes was appreciated as a loyal clubhouse guy, but he wasn’t one to take a vocal leadership role. His steady and consistent production made him a popular pitcher throughout a 14-year career.

He quickly emerged as one of the top prospects out of Cuba in some time ahead of CABA’s 2011 Draft. Reyes was picked eighth overall by Trinidad, although he was far from an immediate success. He only saw 42.2 innings in his first two seasons with -0.9 WAR, making some fear that he was a bust. Reyes put those concerns to rest in 2024 with his first of 12 consecutive seasons worth 5+ WAR with 200+ strikeouts. He also led the Caribbean League with five shutouts and led the next year with four.

Reyes finished third in Pitcher of the Year voting in 2014 and 2015 for Trinidad and took second in 2016. Despite his efforts, the Trail Blazers were generally mediocre at this point, averaging 72.2 wins per season during his tenure. In 2017, they were 64-98, missing the playoffs for the 24^th consecutive season. Trinidad didn’t seem to have any upward mobility at this point and Reyes was due free agency after the 2018 season.

In February 2018, the Trail Blazers sent Reyes to Juarez for prospects SP Rafael Ortiz and CF Mariano Soto. With Trinidad, Reyes finished with a 59-44 record, 2.76 ERA, 1073.1 innings, 977 strikeouts, 202 walks, 58 complete games, 14 shutouts, 138 ERA+, 85 FIP-, and 21.8 WAR. The rest of his pro career would be in Mexico, although Reyes did still represent his native Cuba in the World Baseball Championship. From 2014-26, Reyes pitched 143.2 WBC innings with a 3.07 ERA, 4-8 record, 168 strikeouts, and 3.1 WAR.

He would become well known with the Jesters, who were amidst a dynasty run. Juarez was the reigning Baseball Grand Champion, the two-time defending CABA champ, and three-time defending Mexican League champ. Reyes delivered his consistent production right away, earning a four-year, $56,300,000 extension after the 2018 season.

The Jesters continued their playoff streak through 2026. They had a shocking first round upset in 2018 despite going 110-52, but they’d be back in the Mexican League Championship Series each year through 2025. Juarez took home the pennant in 2020, 2022, and 2025. Reyes earned a new six-year, $93,600,000 extension in March 2022.

Juarez won the 2020 CABA Championship, incidentally beating Reyes’ former team Trinidad who had a one-off pennant run. They dropped the 2022 final against Guatemala, but got revenge against the Ghosts in 2025. Reyes’ playoff stats were a mixed bag overall, but he was notably excellent in 2022 with a 1.74 ERA over 31 innings and with a 2.08 ERA over 39 innings in 2025. The final playoff stats saw an 8-10 record, 3.45 ERA, 182.2 innings, 177 strikeouts, 33 walks, 110 ERA+, 79 FIP-, and 4.5 WAR.

Reyes also had mixed results in the Baseball Grand Championship. He struggled to a 5.59 ERA over 29 innings in 2020, but was rock solid in 2022 with a 2.23 ERA over 32.1 innings. He was mid in 2025 at a 4.23 ERA over 27.2 innings. Overall, Reyes had a 3.94 ERA over 89 innings, 2-3 record, 95 strikeouts, and 1.5 WAR. Juarez finished 9-10 in 2020, 11-8 in 2022, and 10-9 in 2025.

He ultimately never won Pitcher of the Year, but he came close a few times with Juarez. Reyes was third in 2021’s voting, second in 2024, and third in 2025. He was remarkably consistent, but rarely overwhelmingly dominant. Reyes led twice in innings, once in wins, and once in shutouts for the Jesters. 2019 had his career best WAR (6.8), while 2024 had his highs for wins (22-8), ERA (2.45), and strikeouts (258).

In 2026, Reyes’ velocity dropped sharply, going from a usual 97-99 mph peak down to only 91-93 mph. He still put up decent production with a 3.49 ERA, 166 strikeouts, and 3.6 WAR; but it was down from the reliable 5-6 WAR and 200+ Ks you usually got. It was the 13^th year of Juarez’s playoff streak, but their weakest outing as a 88-74 wild card that lost in the second round. This was ultimately the final year of the streak and marked the end of a historic dynasty run.

It was also the final year for Reyes. He was still healthy and could probably eat some innings, but he wasn’t interested in hanging around with subpar production. Reyes retired that winter at age 36 and the Jesters retired his #37 uniform for his role in the dynasty. Over nine seasons, Reyes had a 162-84 record, 3.03 ERA, 2250.2 innings, 2128 strikeouts, 356 walks, 83 complete games, 17 shutouts, 126 ERA+, 78 FIP-, and 54.2 WAR.

Reyes finished with a 221-128 record, 2.94 ERA, 3324 innings, 3105 strikeouts, 558 walks, 274/400 quality starts, 141 complete games, 31 shutouts, 130 ERA+, 80 FIP- and 76.1 WAR. As of 2037, Reyes ranks 36^th in wins, 55^th in innings, 32^nd in complete games, 27^th in shutouts, 73^rd in strikeouts, and 45^th in pitching WAR.

He was never considered THE best pitcher in the game in his career and probably falls outside the inner-circle. However, Reyes was reliably a top ten to top five level ace for more than a decade, playing a big role in Juarez’s historic dynasty run. This earned him a surefire Hall of Fame induction even with a top-heavy group for the Central American Baseball Association, leading the four inductees at 98.1%.




Herve Mickler – Outfield – Jamaica Jazz – 96.2% First Ballot

Herve Mickler was a 6’0’’, 200 pound left-handed hitting outfielder from Noord, Aruba; a town of about 24,000 people. He was the third Aruban to join CABA’s HOF. Mickler was best known for a very strong bat, giving you 44 home runs, 22 doubles, and 16 triples per his 162 game average. He had nine seasons of 40+ homers and four with 50.

Mickler had above average to good contact ability and was respectable at drawing walks, although his strikeout rate was subpar. He was good against both sides with a slight edge facing right-handed pitching (.962 career OPS, 160 wRC+) compared to lefties (.897 OPS, 148 wRC+). Unlike many power hitters, Mickler was a fantastic baserunner with good speed. Some scouts thought he was a five-tool player.

Defensively, Mickler bounced around the outfield with around 38% of his starts in center, around 36% in right, and 23% in left. He had serviceable but below average metrics in center, as his range wasn’t quite strong enough to thrive there. Mickler did grade as a rock solid defender in the corners. He generally avoided major injuries, playing 125+ games in all but the last season of a 17-year career. Mickler was a leader in the clubhouse and became extremely popular amongst Caribbean baseball fans.

Even coming from tiny Aruba, Mickler quickly soared up the prospect boards ahead of the 2009 CABA Draft. He was the #1 overall pick by Jamaica and would be a starter for them for the next 11 years. Mickler was 2010 Rookie of the Year with 2.7 WAR and .909 OPS over 125 games. He was far better after that, posting 6+ WAR each year for the rest of the original run with the Jazz.

Mickler finished third in 2011’s MVP voting. He was third again in 2012 and won his first Silver Slugger (in CF). Mickler also hit for the cycle in 2012 facing Bahamas. He again was third in MVP voting in 2013 and won his second Slugger. Jamaica wisely locked him up long-term that winter on an eight-year, $113,300,000 extension.

2014 was another Slugger and his first MVP win despite missing a month to a hip strain. It was the best pace of his career with a career-best .325/.382/.783 triple slash, 1.165 OPS, and 209 wRC+. The slugging, OPS, and wRC+ would each be Caribbean League bests. Mickler was the WARlord for the first time in 2015 at 9.6 and had a 1.071 OPS, repeating as MVP and as a Slugger winner.

2016 saw some regression down to a mere 6.0 WAR and .964 OPS, but Mickler still won a Slugger and was second in MVP voting. He was back to the top dog in 2017 with his third MVP and his sixth and final Silver Slugger. This year saw league bests in runs (124), homers (55), RBI (135), total bases (425), and WAR (10.1); all career bests. His 191 hits and 29 doubles were also career bests and he led the Caribbean League in slugging (.713), OPS (1.095), and wRC+ (181).

Prior to Mickler’s arrival, Jamaica had been on a long stretch of mediocrity. From 1983-2010, they had no playoff appearances and averaged 70.9 wins per season. Mickler’s rookie year of 2010 saw an 82-80 finish, their first winning season since 2002. The Jazz got a wild card and first round exit in 2011, then just missed the playoffs in 2012 and 2013.

From 2014-19, Jamaica posted a six-year playoff streak with three division titles. They had the top seed in 2014 at 100-62, but lost the CLCS to Nicaragua. The Jazz didn’t get beyond the first round the next five years. One knock on Mickler is that his playoff stats were very underwhelming. In 24 starts, he had 22 hits, 9 runs, 3 doubles, 2 triples, 5 homers, 12 RBI, .234/.273/.468 slash, 104 wRC+, and 0.2 WAR.

That didn’t stop him from being beloved in Kingston, as Jamaica fans were simply happy to be competitive again. Still, there was a tinge of disappointment for Mickler that they couldn’t get over the hump and he willingly shouldered some blame. He was still an excellent starter in his final three years, but was out of the awards conversation by this point. Mickler also spent less time in center after playing primarily there in his peak years.

Jamaica fell just below .500 in 2020 and Mickler declined the contract option, becoming a free agent for the first time at age 33. His popularity and success was certainly noticed over in Major League Baseball and Mickler made the move to the United States, inking a four-year, $77,600,00 deal with Brooklyn. He had an impressive debut in 2021 for the Dodgers with 7.7 WAR, 45 homers, .943 OPS, and 191 wRC+, although they only finished 80-82.

Mickler didn’t match that production again, but he was still a quality starter the next two years. Brooklyn’s lone playoff trip was a second round defeat in 2023, hovering around average otherwise. Mickler dropped off a bit in 2024 thanks to a fractured foot, only starting 99 of 127 games. Overall, he had a productive four years with the Dodgers, playing 582 games with 483 hits, 282 runs, 45 doubles, 22 triples, 123 home runs, 298 RBI, .245/.311/.478 slash, 138 wRC+, and 17.3 WAR.

He was set to turn 38 for 2025 and eyed a CABA return, signing for a two years and $13,200,000 with Culiacan. The Cocks were a Mexican League expansion team set to debut that year and Mickler’s star-power could still sell tickets. He had a nice effort with 129 games, 27 homers, 75 RBI, .898 OPS, and 4.7 WAR. Mickler didn’t meet the vesting criteria for the second year of the deal and returned to free agency.

Mickler made his return to Jamaica on a two-year, $13,400,000 deal. He received a hero’s welcome, but the 2026 return was plagued by a strained oblique and fractured rib. Mickler only played 70 games with .718 OPS and 0.7 WAR. Realizing he was washed, Mickler retired that winter at age 39 and immediately saw his #4 uniform retired by the Jazz. Between the stints, he had 1728 games, 1893 hits, 121 runs, 257 doubles, 202 triples, 501 home runs, 1153 RBI, 558 walks, 1695 strikeouts, 552 steals, .300/.356/.642 slash, 162 wRC+, and 84.6 WAR.

In CABA, Mickler finished with 1857 games, 2018 hits, 1284 runs, 277 doubles, 214 triples, 528 home runs, 1228 RBI, 607 walks, 1815 strikeouts, 583 steals, .298/.356/.636 slash, 162 wRC+, and 89.3 WAR. The four years in MLB did lower his CABA totals a bit, but he still ranked as of 2037 at 82^nd in runs, 57^th in homers, 89^th in total bases (4307), and 55^th in WAR among position players. Among CABA batters with 3000+ plate appearances, Mickler’s .991 OPS ranks 25^th and his slugging is 16^th.

Combined with his MLB stats, Mickler had 2439 games, 2501 hits, 1566 runs, 322 doubles, 236 triples, 651 home runs, 1526 RBI, 786 walks, 2334 strikeouts, 659 steals, .286/.346/.600 slash, 157 wRC+, and 106.6 WAR. The brief MLB departure and weak playoff stats keeps Mickler outside of the inner-circle level for some Hall of Fame voters. His candidacy was a no-doubter though, joining the Central American Baseball Association’s four-player 2032 class with 96.2%.