Santo Domingo – The sports world mourns the passing of Juan Báez, an iconic figure in Dominican sports broadcasting, who died this Wednesday at the age of 82. Known as one of the great communicators in the history of boxing and baseball in the country, Báez left an indelible mark on the sports field. The news was confirmed by his son, Juan Julio Báez, also a recognized narrator and member of the Toros del Este broadcast chain.
Born in La Romana, Juan Báez was the founder of the broadcast chain of the Toros del Este in 1983, the year the franchise debuted in the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM). His passionate style and deep knowledge of the game made him one of the most emblematic voices of winter baseball, as well as a highly respected narrator in international boxing. Báez narrated legendary fights of figures like Muhammad Ali, George Foreman and Joe Frazier, as well as the historic fight between Miguel Montilla and Antonio Cervantes “Kid Pambelé” at Madison Square Garden in New York. Furthermore, he became one of the first Dominicans accredited as an international boxing judge, taking his talent to various countries in America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. He was also part of the Spanish-language broadcast team for the Boston Red Sox for several years, adding prestige to his brilliant career. In 2022, Báez was inducted into the Romanense Sports Hall of Fame, a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding career.With deep sorrow, I announce the passing of my father, Juan Báez. This morning, he suffered a cardiac arrest at the UCE Medical Center.
Juan Julio Báez
