El Caribe newspaper today carries an analysis that highlights the greatest moments of Dominican athleticism. In their opinion, the greatest physical feats have been:
1946: The Dominican Republic wins gold in women’s volleyball in the Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla, Colombia.
1968: Teo Cruz wins the lightweight world boxing title in a bout against Puerto Rican Carlos Ortiz at the Quisqueya Ball Park.
1977: Dominican Republic wins gold in the Central American and Caribbean Basketball Championship.
1983: Pitcher Juan Marichal is inducted to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, USA.
1984: Boxer Pedro Julio Nolasco becomes the first Dominican to win an Olympic medal, taking home the bronze from the Los Angeles Games.
1998: Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs hits 66 homeruns, coming in second
to Mark McGwire of the St Louis Cardinals who hit 70 homeruns in the
Home Run Chase that captured the attention of baseball fans all over
the world.
1999: Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez wins the triple crown for most games won, most batters struck out and best earned run average.
2004: Felix Sanchez wins the Dominican Republic’s first gold medal in any Olympic Games.
Sports writers highlight the intensity with which the Dominican people have identified with Felix Sanchez. El Caribe’s report wonders how Sanchez’s 25 September reception will compare to the very popular Sammy Sosa’s upon returning home with the homerun championship.
The Senate yesterday voted to name Sanchez, Glory of National Sports.