San Pedro de Macorís.-The Tetelo Vargas stadium was the scene of an unforgettable day for 160 children between eight and ten years old, from the six provinces of the Eastern region of the country, who participated in a baseball clinic that brought together legendary figures of yesterday and outstanding active players from the Major Leagues and Dominican baseball.
The activity was organized by the Dominican Baseball Federation (FEDOM), together with the management of the Dominican team that will participate in the next World Baseball Classic, with the support of Major League Baseball (MLB), as part of a broad comprehensive development and training program for children and young people.
The general manager of the Dominican team, Nelson Cruz, the leader of the Quisqueyana squad, Albert Pujols, and the president of FEDOM, Juan Núñez, led the clinic, which was full of enthusiasm, teachings and moments of deep emotion for the little participants.
Among the figures present were former baseball players George Bell and Edwin Encarnación, active players Emilio Bonifacio, captain of the Tigres del Licey; the current LIDOM Most Valuable Player, Bryant de la Cruz; the captain of the Eastern Stars, Robinson Canó, the Major League pitcher Christopher Sánchez, as well as his colleagues Jarlín García and Joely Rodríguez.
Former baseball player José Canó, coach of the 2013 World Classic champion team, and Major League coaches Carlos Febles and Héctor Borg also participated.
One of the most vibrant moments of the day occurred when the name of Fernando Tatis Jr. was mentioned, unleashing a frenzy of applause, smiles and cries of admiration among the children, a reflection of the impact that these idols have on the new generations.
The blessing of the activity was carried out by Alejandro Marte, in an emotional act that put the event in the hands of God.
During the clinic, the children visited different workstations, where they learned baseball fundamentals such as batting, fielding, pitching, base running and game discipline, receiving direct instructions from the participating players and former players. The day closed with a lively home run derby, which provoked applause, laughter and visible joy in each of the little ones.
The president of FEDOM, Juan Núñez, thanked the massive participation of baseball figures and highlighted the scope of the program.
“Last week we impacted Baní with the ten southern provinces and today we are in San Pedro de Macorís impacting the six eastern provinces,” said Núñez, who also introduced the presidents of the eastern provincial associations that supported the activity.
For his part, Nelson Cruz highlighted that the mission of the event goes beyond the playing field.
“This is an event that seeks to give children tools so that they can develop in baseball and in life in general. Playing baseball is important, but nothing like education,” he said.
While Henry González, MLB’s director of operations, valued the initiative as a source of pride for the country.
“On behalf of the Major League office we are very happy with this activity and with the synergy we have achieved with the Dominican Baseball Federation,” he said. “We all want something from you: that you educate yourself, that you be Big Leaguers in everything, that you do your homework, that you behave well and that you respect your parents.”
This clinic in San Pedro de Macorís was the second of four similar days that will be held in different regions of the country.
The next one is scheduled for Saturday the 24th, in Santiago, at the Micalo Bermúdez stadium and then on Thursday the 29th in Santo Domingo at the Quisqueya Stadium to end the commitment to positively impact Dominican children through baseball and values.
