Leones del Escogido Honor Juan Marichal in Emotional Tribute
Santo Domingo – In a day full of emotion and respect, the Leones del Escogido paid a well-deserved tribute to the legend of Dominican baseball, Don Juan Marichal, Cooperstown immortal, at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium. The event took place before the game against the Águilas Cibaeñas. This recognition is framed within the dedication of the 2025-2026 season of Dominican fall-winter baseball to the iconic pitcher, considered the most outstanding in the history of the Dominican Republic. The ceremony was attended by Vitelio Mejía Ortiz, president of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM), along with the main executives of the Leones del Escogido, José Miguel Bonetti and Eduardo Najri, who highlighted Marichal’s legacy and transcendence.Both Bonetti and Najri emphasized that the Escogido, as a representative team in the history of national baseball, feels honored to pay tribute to a figure of the stature of Don Juan Marichal. The act culminated with Marichal throwing the first pitch, received by the team captain, Jimmy Paredes, symbolizing the connection between the greatness of the past and the future of Dominican baseball. During the ceremony, the Lions presented a commemorative jersey signed by the players to the former pitcher, highlighting his valuable contribution to professional baseball and his constant promotion of sports values. The audience present gave an ovation to the “Monster of Laguna Verde”, who expressed his gratitude.“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,” expressed Mejía.
Vitelio Mejía Ortiz, President of LIDOM
The event included a video that summarized his career, with images of his achievements with the San Francisco Giants and his contribution to Dominican baseball. Marichal, the first Dominican to be inducted into the Cooperstown Hall of Fame in 1983, was the first Latin pitcher to achieve this recognition. His legacy includes 243 victories in the Major Leagues, a no-hitter, multiple All-Star Game appearances, and a pitching style that marked an era.“I am 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,” said Marichal.
Juan Marichal
