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From the sugar mill towns of 'San Pedro de Macrois',and 'La Romana', to fields all across the D.R., young, poor kids dream of someday playing major league baseball and bringing financial security to their families. The D.R. has a passion for baseball far and above anywhere else.
For Dominican Republic baseball, from late October to January, when the sugar mills are slow, a baseball season is born. It is the big leagues for Dominican ball players who dream of making it big. It's where their fantasies can come true. To play well and to be seen by major league scouts. It is also a time when current major leaguers can come home and play in their winterball season.
Since the 50's when Ozzie Virgil made Dominican Republic baseball famous by playing in the major leagues, we have seen more and more players make the transition and do it well. The Alou brothers, and currently, Sammie Sosa. Who could be bigger? Manny Ramirez, Pedro Martinez, and more.
When the ten year war (1868-1878) in Cuba brought turmoil to the country, many Cubans fled their country and migrated to the D.R. bringing with them the game called "Baseball" or "Beisbol. Dominicans were quick to learn the game and soon organized teams.
The national sport and passion of Dominican Republic is baseball or "Beisbol" as the Dominicans call it. No matter where you go on the island you will find a baseball stadium/park, even in the poorest of towns. Today more than one in six players in the American league is from Latin America, the majority of them coming from the towns located on the southeastern coast Dominican Republic.
Each year, from October to January, fans of the Dominican Republic Baseball support their favorite team. Games are held at the Quisqueya Stadium in Santo Domingo and at stadiums in Santiago, San Pedro de Macoris, and La Romana. If you are in the D.R. during this time, not only can you take in the beautiful beaches, but you have to take in a ball game. The passion for this sport is like no other for Dominicans all over.
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The Dominican Summer League is a branch of affiliated minor league baseball which is played in the Dominican Republic. The league was founded in 1985. Games run from the beginning of June until the end of August. The 2008 72-game season begins May 31 and ends August 23 with no games scheduled on Sundays. The playoffs begin on August 25.
The league consists of thirty-seven teams in five different divisions. Each team is affiliated with a different major league franchise with the exception of the co-op team Diamondbacks/Reds; eight franchises have two teams.
Six teams make the playoffs: the winner of each division plus the best runner-up. The two teams with the best winning percentages receives byes to the semifinals. While on the summer trip we will work out along side and be a part of the summer league.
Travel with USA Select Baseball as we compete and learn in the most passionate baseball country in the world. This International Competition will offer each player a once in a lifetime look at what is behind the Dominican's desire to be the best baseball players across the globe. Players between the ages of 10 and collegiate age will represent USA Select Baseball as we travel the Dominican playing against the countries most established youth academies. You will play at and against the academies that gave MLB the likes of Sammy Sosa, Alfonso Soriano, and many more. In addition we will be play and practice at the famous "Baseball City", the premier Major League Baseball Pro Academy in the Caribbean. When we are not playing baseball we will take part in good will efforts to provide the poverty stricken country with baseball equipment. Before leaving for the trip we ask each player to collect donations new and old to donate to the young players of the Dominican.
Click here to register (you will be taken to the online payment page once you complete the registration)
If you've already registered and would like to pay for the event now, click here.
American Airlines 5% Discount
American Airlines, Inc. ("American") is pleased to handle your air transportation needs and agrees to offer you the discounted travel at 5% off. Meeting Planners and members of the group, traveling together or individually to an event, should contact American Airlines Meeting Services Desk at 1-800 433-1790 for assistance with reservations and ticket purchase or visit the website www.aa.com.
** Group Code INFORMATION **
MEETING DATES - 13Jul09-28Jul09
DESTINATION - SDQ-SANTO DOMINGO
AUTH. NUMBER
Enter this code under code: A6379BF
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