Dominican Republic Inaugurates the U-15 Pan American Pre-World Baseball Tournament
Santo Domingo – The Dominican Republic was the setting for the inauguration of the U-15 Pan American Pre-World Baseball Tournament, an event that brings together the young baseball prospects of the region. The main objective of the tournament is to qualify for the next world championship in this category. The opening ceremony took place at the IPL Academy Sports Complex, located in the municipality of Guerra. It featured the participation of the teams from Aruba, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the host, the Dominican Republic. The Minister of Sports, Kelvin Cruz, led the inaugural event and threw the first pitch. George De Lira, president of the Caribbean Sub Confederation of the Pan American Baseball Confederation, was in charge of receiving the ball, while Henry González, director of international operations for Major League Baseball (MLB) in the country, acted as the honorary batter.Juan Núñez, president of the Dominican Baseball Federation (FEDOBE), highlighted the importance of the Dominican Republic hosting this event, emphasizing the federation’s commitment to the development of minor categories and the projection of young talents.The tournament represents an opportunity for young players to showcase their talent and continue the legacy that distinguishes the Dominican Republic as a baseball powerhouse.
Kelvin Cruz, Minister of Sports
George De Lira also recognized the organizational capacity of the headquarters and the role of the Caribbean as a cradle of talent for world baseball.We are filled with pride to welcome these international delegations to Dominican soil and offer our young people the opportunity to project themselves onto world stages, demonstrating that the Dominican Republic continues to be a benchmark in world baseball.
Juan Núñez, President of FEDOBE
Carlos Marrero, representing the Dominican selection, made the oath to the athletes, urging them to compete with discipline, dedication, and respect. The tournament will be played in a round-robin format until September 15 and will serve as a qualifier for the U-15 Baseball World Cup. The opening activity was attended by government authorities, sports leaders, and personalities from national life. The blessing was given by the parish priest Frankely Rodríguez. The tournament began with the match between Aruba and Cuba, followed by the debut of the Dominican Republic against Puerto Rico. The matches will continue with Cuba–Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic–Aruba. On Monday, the matches Puerto Rico–Aruba and Cuba–Dominican Republic will be played. On Tuesday, Cuba–Aruba and Puerto Rico–Dominican Republic. On Wednesday, Puerto Rico and Cuba will face each other, and then Dominican Republic against Aruba. The event will conclude on Thursday with the Aruba–Puerto Rico match and the expected duel between Dominican Republic–Cuba.The celebration of this U-15 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo confirms the Dominican Republic’s ability to organize first-class events and reinforces the Caribbean’s role as a breeding ground for talents that nurture international baseball.
George De Lira
