From the sugar towns of ‘San Pedro de Macrois’ and ‘La Romana’, to fields throughout the Dominican Republic, poor children dream of one day playing major league baseball and providing financial security for their families. The DR has a passion for baseball far above any other place.
For baseball in the Dominican Republic, from the end of October to January, when the sugar mills are slow, a baseball season is born. They are the big leagues for Dominican baseball players who dream of succeeding. It’s where your fantasies can come true. To play well and be seen by major league scouts. It’s also a time when current major leaguers can come home and play in their winter season.
Since the 1950s when Ozzie Virgil made Dominican Republic baseball famous by playing in the major leagues, we’ve seen more and more players make the transition and do it well. The Alou brothers, and currently, Sammie Sosa. Who could be bigger? Manny Ramirez, Pedro Martinez and more.
When the Ten Years War (1868-1878) in Cuba brought turmoil to the country, many Cubans fled their country and immigrated to the Dominican Republic bringing with them the game called “Béisbol” or “Beisbol”. The Dominicans quickly learned the game and soon organized teams.
The national sport and passion of the Dominican Republic is baseball or “Beisbol” as Dominicans call it. No matter where you go on the island, you will find a baseball stadium/park, even in the poorest cities. Today more than one in six players in the American league is Latin American, most of them from the towns located on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic.
Every year, from October to January, Dominican Republic Baseball fans support their favorite team. The games are held at the Quisqueya Stadium in Santo Domingo and at the stadiums in Santiago, San Pedro de Macorís and La Romana. If you are in the Dominican Republic during this time, you can not only enjoy the beautiful beaches, but you must also enjoy a game of ball. The passion for this sport is unique to Dominicans around the world.
WHAT TEAMS PLAY IN DOMINICANA?
Lion of the Chosen Santo Domingo Oriental Stars San Pedro de Macorís
Eastern Sugar Mills La Romana
Eagles Cibaenas Santiago
National Surveys of San Francisco de Macorís
Tigers of the Licey Santo Domingo
When the teams finish their season, the winner will play the Caribbean World Series, among other Latin countries. Not only is the season amazing, but the teams also have American players trying to make it to the big leagues. When an organization has a hot prospect and wants him to gain more experience, they will send him to a Winterball league to hone his skills. Then you will see amazing baseball with amazing players and amazing fans!