Santo Domingo – In an emotional ceremony, the Leones del Escogido paid a well-deserved tribute to Don Juan Marichal, Cooperstown immortal and legend of Dominican sports. The event took place at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium, prior to the match against the Águilas Cibaeñas. This recognition is framed within the dedication of the 2025-2026 season of Dominican winter baseball to the iconic pitcher, considered the best pitcher the Dominican Republic has produced. The ceremony was attended by Vitelio Mejía Ortiz, president of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM), along with the main directors of the Leones del Escogido, José Miguel Bonetti and Eduardo Najri. All highlighted Marichal’s legacy, trajectory, and impact.
The tribute is a key moment for the LIDOM, which seeks to highlight the historical figures who have enhanced the name of the Dominican Republic in international sports. Bonetti and Najri emphasized the honor felt by the Escogido in recognizing a figure of the stature of Don Juan Marichal, thus representing the history of national baseball. The act culminated with Marichal making the initial pitch, received by Jimmy Paredes, the team captain, symbolizing the connection between the greatness of the past and the promising future of Dominican baseball. The Lions presented a recognition jersey signed by the players to the former pitcher, highlighting his valuable contribution to professional baseball and his promotion of sports values. The public gave a standing ovation to the “Monster of Laguna Verde”, who thanked them emotionally.Don Juan Marichal is synonymous with excellence, discipline, dignity, and national pride. This season is dedicated to a true symbol of the best that Dominican baseball can represent to the world.
Vitelio Mejía Ortiz
A video summarizing his career was shown, with images of his glorious days with the San Francisco Giants and his contributions to Dominican baseball. Marichal, the first Dominican in the Cooperstown Hall of Fame in 1983, was the first Latin pitcher to achieve this recognition. His legacy includes 243 Major League victories, a no-hitter, multiple All-Star Game appearances, and a pitching style that marked an era.I feel honored, excited, and deeply grateful for this distinction. This league, this stadium, and this country have always been in my heart. Seeing that after so many years our work is still recognized is a blessing.
Juan Marichal
