Santo Domingo. The Dominican sports world mourns the loss of Juan Báez, a legendary narrator who left an indelible mark on the country’s history. Considered one of the best boxing and baseball communicators, Báez passed away this Wednesday at the age of 82. The news was confirmed by his son, Juan Julio Báez, also a prominent narrator and member of the Toros del Este broadcast team.
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 recognized voices in winter baseball and a respected narrator of international boxing. Báez narrated historic fights of figures like Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, and Joe Frazier, as well as the fight between Miguel Montilla and Antonio Cervantes “Kid Pambelé” at Madison Square Garden in New York. He was also one of the first Dominicans accredited as an international boxing judge, taking his talent to countries in America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. His career includes his participation in the Spanish-language broadcast of the Boston Red Sox, which added prestige to his career. In 2022, Juan Báez was inducted into the Romanense Sports Hall of Fame, a well-deserved recognition of his legacy.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
