SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Sept. 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dominican Republic offers once-in-a-lifetime vacations for baseball enthusiasts. A distinctive experience in Dominican Republic, baseball is one of the island nation's biggest sources of national pride and identity. A baseball game in the Caribbean country is viewed as much more than just a game – it is an experience, a way of life and an ongoing celebration of the country's unique identity.
Professional baseball in Dominican Republic has evolved radically during its 100-year history – first gaining international attention in the early 1950's when Ozzie Virgil became the first Dominican player on a U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB) team. Since then, Dominicans' famous baseball talent has intensified and now makes up the largest percentage of international players on the 2012 MLB roster, among them Albert Pujols, Robinson Cano, and David Ortiz.
"Baseball is an important part of Dominican Republic's remarkable history and fascinating culture," said Magaly Toribio, Vice Minister of International Promotion for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. "Visitors can soak up the sun and catch a winter league game featuring baseball's stars of tomorrow. Game goers can also explore our 1,000 miles of breathtaking coastline, pristine beaches, historic monuments and museums, and world-class resorts. The destination offers it all, but the experience of enjoying a Dominican baseball game is unparalleled around the world and uniquely Dominican."
Dominicans' enthusiasm for baseball is displayed throughout the country's numerous stadiums, fields and MLB training camps with 28 of the 30 MLB teams owning academies there. The exhilarating atmosphere of Dominican "beisbol," as they call it, is incomparable. Delicious Dominican food and rum are part of the typical game experience, while merengue music and dancing are a common site at the stadium and ensure a jovial celebration of culture.
Plan your visit from October through February during the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League's (LIDOM) winter season, which consists of six teams spread across the country: Águilas Cibaeñas in Santiago, Estrellas Orientales in San Pedro de Macorís, Gigantes del Cibao in San Francisco de Macorís, Toros del Este in La Romana, and Leones del Escogido and Tigres del Licey in Santo Domingo. No matter who you are cheering for, you are guaranteed to be engrossed in Dominican Republic's passion for the sport and enjoy the pastime that has become its center.
To learn more about baseball in Dominican Republic, be sure to check out ISLANDS magazine's Wish List.
About Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic's first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Rich in history, Dominican Republic has developed into a diverse destination offering both Dominican and European flavors to more than one million U.S. visitors each year. Named #1 Golf Destination in Caribbean & Latin America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, Dominican Republic boasts 28 designer golf courses, upscale resorts, pristine nature, and sophisticated cities and quaint villages filled with warm Dominican people. Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism's official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.
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Media Contact: Vanessa Welter, bvk>Word for Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism, vwelter@bvk.com, phone: 414-247-3803, cell: 850-980-3760.
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The following files are available for download:
| wkr0006.pdf | Dominican Republic Baseball Press Release |
| [Image] | DR Baseball |