DSL Inaugurates its 39th Edition with Dedication to Pedro Martínez
With a record participation of 52 teams and over 2,000 young prospects, the Dominican Summer League (DSL) kicked off its 39th edition. The opening ceremony, held at the Boston Red Sox academy in Guerra, was marked by an emotional tribute to the legendary Dominican pitcher Pedro Martínez.
The event was attended by key figures in baseball, including Nelson Tejada, director of MLB operations in the Dominican Republic; Orlando Díaz, president of the DSL; and Cintia Díaz, vice president of the circuit. Also in attendance were Mike Lacasa, vice president of player development for MLB; Javier Hernández, operations manager for the Red Sox; and Eleodorio Arias, a renowned mentor of generations of Dominican baseball players.
Thank you for this prestige… I do not dishonor what I have received, but this is the greatest of all. I want to be the sign of hope for each of you, because where I arrived, you can arrive.
Pedro Martínez
Martínez, a member of the Cooperstown Hall of Fame and three-time Cy Young Award winner, received the distinction moved, calling it the greatest honor of his career for representing his beginnings as a prospect.
New Postseason Format
The 2025 edition of the DSL will introduce a new postseason format, with 16 teams competing in playoffs. These teams will be divided into four groups, playing round-robin series, which will increase competitiveness and the visibility of emerging talent.
The Legacy of the DSL
Orlando Díaz highlighted the impact of the DSL on the development of historical figures in Dominican baseball, mentioning four Hall of Fame members who emerged from this circuit: Pedro Martínez, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., David Ortiz, and Adrián Beltré.Nelson Tejada emphasized the commitment of MLB organizations to the country, highlighting Martínez as an example of greatness and humanity for new generations.
Pedro Martínez, partly trained by Eleodorio Arias, who also guided figures like Ramón Martínez, José Vizcaíno and Pedro Astacio, is a role model for young people who aspire to reach the Major Leagues.
The Dominican Summer League, after almost four decades, continues to be a crucial bridge between Dominican talent and the international stage, solidifying the vital role of the country in the development of world baseball.
