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The World Series reached its thrilling climax with San Francisco Giants dramatic 4-3 triumph over the Kansas City Royals in October, but already US baseball fans will be yearning for the return of their sport.
So, if you simply cannot wait until Sunday, April 15 next year, then why not make the short hop to the Dominican Republic to experience warmer climes as well as the island’s winter league baseball season.
Based in Punta Cana, on the far eastern tip of the island, fans can watch major league starts past, present and future strut their stuff.
Having produced some of the finest baseball players in the world, the Dominican Republic lays proud claim to the largest percentage of overseas players on the Major League club rosters including the likes of David Ortiz, Jose Reyes, Albert Pujols, and Sammy Sosa.
Understandably, 30 Major League franchises have also opened training academies on the island in a bid to continue the production line of world series’ stars.
With the US season now done and dusted, the campaign over in the Dominican Republic is fully underway until late January, as the half-dozen teams vie to make it through to the Caribbean Series Finals in February - so what better time to try out the modestly-priced yet beautiful holiday destination.
The league consists of six clubs made up of home-grown players as well as the major league talent, who ‘winter’ in the Dominican to keep their games sharp.
A Winter League baseball excursion from Punta Cana gives visitors the chance to see one of the two stadiums in the eastern half of the island.
First up is the Francesco Micheli Baseball Stadium in La Romana, home to the four-time national champions Toros Del Este who boast a loud and loyal following. The club have produced major league players like Samuel Deduno, Antonio Alfonseca, and Fernando Abad.
Fans can also visit the Tetelo Vargas Stadium in San Pedro de Marcorís, the home of the Estrellas Orientales – one of the founder members of the league. Founded in 1919, Orientales have provided players like Jose Offerman, Tony Fernandez, Sammy Sosa, Robinson Canó, George Bell and Alfonso Soriano.
The Dominican Republic's rich tradition and passion for baseball is as much a cultural staple as rice and beans, and you can take it all in with a visit through Punta Cana Excursions. For more details contact tour operators Caribbean Dream
November 14, 2022
