Baseball Flies South For The Winter

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, Oct. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism today celebrates the Opening Day of the 2013 / 2014 Dominican Republic Winter League. America's pastime takes on a life of its own with Dominican Republic's passionate Winter League, which runs through Jan. 21, 2014.

"Baseball is more than just a game here, it's an essential part of Dominican culture," said Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. "As seen following our victory at the 2013 World Baseball Classic, Dominicans have intense passion and excitement for the sport and it brings together people of all ages. We encourage visitors to partake in the games with locals and experience firsthand what baseball means to Dominican Republic and its people."

Baseball fans can escape the cold this winter and jet to Dominican Republic for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here, fans are sure to catch some of their favorite Major League Baseball (MLB) players play in their native land as Dominican Republic is the number one exporter for professional baseball players. Since 1956, nearly 542 players from Dominican Republic have played in the MLB, and during off-season many players return to the Caribbean country to play in the Winter League.¹

Stadiums are conveniently located near several tourist hotspots and offer a unique view of the Dominican lifestyle. Games are regularly played at:

• Estadio Quisqueya, Santo Domingo
• Estadio Cibao, Santiago
• Estadio Julian Javier, San Francisco de Macoris
• Estadio Tetelo Vargas, San Pedro de Macoris
• Estadio Francisco Micheli, La Romana

Winter League games feature the following six teams, with each team playing 50 games per season: Las Aguilas Cibaenas, Las Estrellas Orientales, Los Gigantes del Cibao, Los Leones del Escogido, Los Tigres del Licey, and Los Toros del Este.

For more information on the Winter League and to view this season's schedule, visit www.Lidom.com.

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 approximately five million global visitors in 2012. Named #1 Golf Destination in Caribbean and 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.

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¹ http://www.forbes.com/sites/aliciajessop/2013/03/19/the-secrets-behind-the-dominican-republics-success-in-the-world-baseball-classic-and-mlb/

CONTACT:
BVK Public Relations for DR Ministry of Tourism
Annie Holschuh: (414) 247-2140/[email protected]

SOURCE Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism