Santiago will be hosting the 50th year of the Caribbean Baseball Series for the first time from 2-8 February 2008. The winning teams from Puerto Rico, Mexico and Venezuela will send their best to vie for the Caribbean title.
The series rotates to the Dominican Republic in 2008, and for the first time, Santiago, home to many times Caribbean Series champion team, Las Aguilas Cibaenas. The Aguilas Cibaenas home team happens to be the 2007 Caribbean Series Champions.
Caribbean Baseball Confederation president Juan Francisco Puello Herrera, as reported on the MLB website, explained that plans already are in the works to make 2008 a spectacular occasion, largely because it marks a landmark milestone. “It’s important for us because we’re celebrating the 50th year of the Caribbean Series,” Puello Herrera said.
Puello Herrera is banking on the games next year to represent a new generation for the tournament. Based on how 2007 has gone, more growth in the Caribbean Series is expected. This year marked the first time the event has been televised in Europe, which is broadcasting games on NASN (North American Sports Network). Coverage in the U.S. is available through MLB.com and ESPN is already providing coverage of many regional championships leading into the championship.
Major League Baseball says the series is so wildly popular in the region because it gathers “quality baseball, passionate fans, loud music and national pride”. Musical performers are expected to accompany the celebration of the Caribbean Series in 2008 to enhance the event. “The entertainment value is what is important to the Caribbean Series,” says Puello. “Fans don’t go to the stadium just for the game itself. There’s an attraction.”