Given the tremendous success of the international tour of the MLB INTERNATIONAL TOURwhich kicked off last weekend in the Dominican Republic, a pertinent question arises as to when a regular season series will arrive in the country.
In approaching this consultation, the organization's executives have really considered the possibility of running a game with the potential to influence team records.
On the other hand, Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has successfully achieved his goal of making it to spring training at a reduced weight.
The Arrival of a Regular Season
Jorge Pérez Díaz, vice president of Major League Baseball and supervisor of international events, emphasized that the absence of a stadium with a larger capacity is the main impediment to the realization of a game of such magnitude.
Highlighting a significant example, Pérez Díaz recalled the 2020 game at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium, where the Tigers faced the Minnesota Twins, generating considerable discussion.
Interestingly, even the current USA Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred was present at the event.
This particular game took place days before the country implemented closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Perez Diaz revealed that a modest attendance of just over 12,000 fans attended this remarkable occasion.
This series collectively attracted an audience of 23,271 viewers, marking a remarkable turnout for both games.
The MLB executive emphasized the likelihood of the league considering a regular season series in the Dominican Republic, acknowledging that it has been a recurring topic of discussion.
Although the current stadium is considered adequate for such events, the executive noted the need for additional infrastructure to facilitate these ventures. In proposing an ideal capacity, he suggested that the constructed field should have the capacity to accommodate just over 20,000 people.
He emphasized that for the venture to be economically viable for the country, the number of attendees should be in line with this proposal.
The executive drew comparisons with other countries, such as Puerto Rico, where similar events have prospered due to venues such as the Hiram Bithorn Stadium, with a capacity of approximately 18,264 spectators.
Highlighting the logistical complexities, the executive recalled that managing travel and logistics for hundreds of players is a significant task.
Reflecting on the historical context, the Dominican Republic has hosted MLB games seven times since 1936, when the Cincinnati Reds made their inaugural visit to the country, marking the first Major League Baseball team to set foot on Dominican soil.
However, it was not until 1977 that the country witnessed the first confrontation between two Major League Baseball teams, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets clashing in Santiago during that pivotal year.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr (1)
Spring Training🌴Opponent: Philadelphia Phillies
Pitcher: Nick Nelson
Date: 3/4/24pic.twitter.com/BuKbYIckAs- TOR Home Runs (@TOR__HR) March 4, 2024
Guerrero Feels Full in Toronto
Engaged in an intense off-season training routine at a Tampa gym, Guerrero Jr. dedicated himself to getting stronger and achieving his desired fitness, paving the way for a pain-free return to the field.
The player expressed his satisfaction, stating that he worked diligently during the off-season to reach his desired weight and fulfill all of his off-season aspirations.
A 24-year-old Montreal native, Guerrero Jr. holds the belief that he can replicate the outstanding performance that elevated him to elite baseball status during the 2021 season.
Considering the connection between maintaining an ideal weight and achieving success in the field, he noted that entering at a well-regulated weight consistently results in a stellar year.
Learning valuable lessons from such experiences, he opted to stay in the United States for the winter.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also stressed the importance of staying healthy during the season in order to contribute fully to the Blue Jays.
Now the player anticipates a successful year with the work done since the winter. Guerrero Jr. managed to earn the offer, securing $14 million, surpassing the record for Dominicans set by Teoscar Hernandez with Seattle last year.
