The Dominican Professional Winter Baseball League celebrated exhibition games in New York City’s Citifield, the NY Mets’ homeclub, on 10, 11 and 12 November 2023, with the Aguilas defeating their arch-rivals the Licey in all three games. The games ended: Friday, 10 November 3-0, Saturday, 11 November 3-0 and Sunday, 12 November 9-6.
For closing game, New York City Mayor Eric Adams threw the first pitch that was received by Baseball Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez.
Back home, the Aguilas are in the last place of the 2023-24 championship and the Licey is second, after the Gigantes del Cibao.
Over the years, the Licey and Aguilas are the two winningest teams in the history of the Dominican Winter League. The Licey won their 23rd championship last season; the Aguilas captured their 22nd in 2021.
The New York City games are marketed as a match between the “Titans of the Caribbean.” Sell-out crowds are expected. Fans can purchase tickets for these games through Mets.com/lidom.
Nevertheless, the organizers report around 90,900 fans enjoyed the games, braving the cold weather to watch the teams play. Tickets sold for US$47 to US$200, making the event a financial success for the league.
Listin Diario reports that Licey and Aguilas fans traveled to New York from states all around the country.
Peña assured that “it is a great pride” to be part of this historic moment for Dominican baseball, while highlighting that “regardless of having two of our great teams, the Dominican Republic is playing here.”
Vice President Raquel Peña and First Lady Raquel Arbaje traveled to New York to throw the inaugural ball. Baseball Hall of Famer David Ortiz received Vice President Peña’s first pitch. The Vice President is seen as on the campaign trail for the reelection of President Luis Abinader. Abinader recognizes the importance of the diaspora votes.
Felix Cabrera, organizer of the event, estimated the three game series cost US$7 to US$8 million, as reported in El Nuevo Diario.
The local championship calls for the Licey and the Aguilas match on Tuesday, 14 November in Santiago and on 15 November in Santo Domingo, with these two games counting for the regular season ranking.
The Gigantes del Cibao lead the local championship with 15 games won and 5 lost. Tigres del Licey is second with a record of 10-8; Estrellas Orientales is 10-10, Toros del Este 20-10, Leones del Escogido 8-12 and Aguilas Cibaeñas 5-13.
In reality, all a winter baseball team has to do is make the top four standing given that these then move to the semifinal round robin.
Read more:
Lidom
Listin Diario
El Dia
N Digital
Noticias SIN
Hoy
El Caribe
El Caribe
El Nuevo Diario
DR1 News
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13 November 2023