Baseball has been described as the unofficial religion of the Dominican Republic. This is evident in the scores of kids we see who turn ordinary sticks and coconut husks into balls and bats and practice batting. But we also know that it is big business as the Dominican baseball players are legendary in the US Major Leagues. This Saturday at The Meeting Place there is a special afternoon event looking at the nature of baseball in the DR. This look at Dominican culture should prove interesting whether one is a sports fan or not. Below is a more detailed description.
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Saturday January 11; 2 pm. Making it to the Majors: Showing and discussion of the film Pelotero with Nelson Liriano, former Blue Jays player. ?This compelling documentary is a gritty and rare look inside the recruitment of top talent baseball players from the Dominican Republic. Miguel Angel San? and Jean Carlos Batista are among 100,000 teenagers vying for a handfuul of coveted contracts with baseball teams. As they turn 16 years old and become eligible to sign, each must navigate the fiercely competitive and frequently corrupt system if they are to lift their families out of poverty and achieve their dream: to one day play in the Big Leagues. The Filmmakers take you inside this never before seen world for an up close and personal look at the cost of the American dream.?
This will be accompanied by a showing of commissioned pictures of Dominican baseball all-stars by photographer Ramon Grullon.
Place: The Meeting Place in Puerto Plata (calle 60 Juan Bosch), Time 2-3:30, Telephone 829 4556110, All Welcome
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Saturday January 11; 2 pm. Making it to the Majors: Showing and discussion of the film Pelotero with Nelson Liriano, former Blue Jays player. ?This compelling documentary is a gritty and rare look inside the recruitment of top talent baseball players from the Dominican Republic. Miguel Angel San? and Jean Carlos Batista are among 100,000 teenagers vying for a handfuul of coveted contracts with baseball teams. As they turn 16 years old and become eligible to sign, each must navigate the fiercely competitive and frequently corrupt system if they are to lift their families out of poverty and achieve their dream: to one day play in the Big Leagues. The Filmmakers take you inside this never before seen world for an up close and personal look at the cost of the American dream.?
This will be accompanied by a showing of commissioned pictures of Dominican baseball all-stars by photographer Ramon Grullon.
Place: The Meeting Place in Puerto Plata (calle 60 Juan Bosch), Time 2-3:30, Telephone 829 4556110, All Welcome