Eight new members joined the Dominican Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony held on 20 October at the Jaragua Hotel. Rafael Avila, Pablo de la Mota, Arnulo “Niño” Espinosa, Fidencio Garris, Teodoro Martinez, Juan Nuñez, Mayra Paulino and Cesar Portorreal were honored. Mr. Garris and the late Mr. Espinosa, were voted to the Hall for their work in sports commentating and baseball. Mr. Avila has been one of the most active and successful baseball scouts in the D.R, signing players for the Los Angeles Dodgers, including Ramon Martinez, Raul Mondesi and Jose Offerman, among many others. Mr. Martinez was a baseball star in the Dominican Winter League, while Mr. Nunez was distinguished in track & field, Mrs. Paulino in basketball, and Mr. Portorreal in volleyball.
The ceremony was dedicated to Alex Rodriguez, who was in attendance after arriving in the D.R. the day before. Mr. Rodriguez, 21, had one of the best seasons in the U.S. Major Leagues of any Dominican player in history, winning the American League batting title and finishing the season as a heavy favorite to win the Most Valuable Player award in that league.