Santo Domingo – The Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) announced a momentous piece of news this Thursday: the next Autumn-Winter Baseball Championship 2025-2026 will be dedicated to Juan Marichal, a member of the Cooperstown Hall of Fame. This decision, made by the Board of Directors of LIDOM, led by its president Vitelio Mejía Ortiz, underscores the admiration and recognition of Dominican baseball towards the figure of Marichal.
The “Green Lagoon Monster”
Juan Antonio Marichal Sánchez, known worldwide as the “Monster of Laguna Verde”, is widely considered the best Dominican pitcher of all time and a legend in Major League Baseball. Born in Monte Cristi in 1937, his debut in 1960 with the San Francisco Giants marked the beginning of an exemplary career. During his career in the Majors, Marichal accumulated impressive statistics:- 243 wins
- 2,303 strikeouts
- ERA of 2.89
In winter ball, his impact with the Leones del Escogido was equally significant:
- 36 wins
- 22 losses
- Effectiveness of 1.87
- 338 strikeouts in 533 innings
Juan Marichal not only represents excellence on the mound, but also the highest values of sports. His discipline, talent, and competitive spirit made him a global benchmark and an eternal pride for the Dominican Republic. This championship will be dedicated to him as a token of gratitude for his legacy and for inspiring entire generations of baseball players.
Vitelio Mejía Ortiz
