SANTO DOMINGO, RD. – The Dominican Baseball Federation (FEDOBE) has announced that the 2026 season of its Double A National Youth League will be dedicated to the outstanding former Major League slugger, Nelson Cruz. This recognition is awarded in honor of Cruz’s outstanding career, both on and off the field.
Official Announcement
The announcement was made during the official presentation of the tournament at the Ministry of Sports. The event was chaired by Juan Núñez, president of FEDOBE, along with important figures from the sport and representatives of the participating franchises. The first edition of the Double A Youth League is scheduled to begin on April 29 at the IPL Academy facilities. It will feature the participation of eight teams divided into two groups. The main objective of this league is to offer opportunities to young talents who have not yet been signed by Major League Baseball organizations. It seeks to serve as a development platform and a showcase to boost their careers.The Vice Minister of Sports, Kennedy Vargas, praised the initiative as a significant step forward for youth and the growth of baseball in the country, ensuring the government’s support for the project. Chiqui Mejía, sports leader, highlighted that the tribute to Nelson Cruz celebrates his legacy as an athlete and role model. The tournament will include a schedule of 104 games in the regular season, with games on Tuesdays and Fridays in doubleheaders. In addition, an All-Star Game will be held with skills competitions and home run derbies. The Double A Youth National League will extend until August and will bring together prospects from different regions of the country, establishing itself as a new platform for the development of Dominican youth baseball.It is an honor to recognize a figure who has always proudly represented the Dominican Republic.
Chiqui Mejía
