Mark McGwire played ball with the Licey Tigers in 1986-1987 season and his performance was so poor he left after 48 turns at bat in the Dominican Professional Winter Baseball League. His average at bat was only .170. During the 14 games he played in the Dominican league, he hit several singles and two doubles, no triples or home runs. He had hit 26 home runs in his first years with the Minor Leagues and was moved up to the Oakland As. His Oakland As’ coaches sent him to the DR to improve his third base defense and his batting. But the 23 year old became homesick. Dominican pitcher José Rijo explained that McGwire missed eating Big Macs, as at the time there were no U.S. food franchises in the DR. He also missed having access to a gym at the stadium where he weight lift. Rijo said that McGwire became so homesick, after 14 games he asked for a leave and left. Cheché Arias, his massager, remembers McGwire took advantage of the lower prices here for custom fitting several suits in Santiago. He also remembers, McGwire was happy when playing golf in Casa de Campo. McGwire might visit the DR, accepting an invitation of Sammy Sosa to play golf in Playa Grande.
