In addition, Mejía confirmed advanced conversations for an exhibition game between the New York Yankees and the Dominican Republic national team that will participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The game would be played at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium, in Santo Domingo. Although there is still no official confirmation, sources close to the matter indicate that MLB and commissioner Rob Manfred are already working on the organization of the event. If it materializes, it would be the first time in history that a Major League franchise faces the Dominican Republic national team on Dominican soil.“Miami is already a natural market for us. This helps to continue projecting Dominican talent,” added the league president.
Vitelio Mejía
LIDOM: Official Games in NY and Miami, Historic Expansion of Dominican Baseball
Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) is ready for a historic milestone, by taking official games from its regular season schedule to the United States for the first time.
As Vitelio Mejía, president of the league, announced in an exclusive interview, revealing that games counting towards the classification will be played in New York and Miami. This initiative seeks to expand the LIDOM brand and connect with the Dominican community abroad.
“This time the games will count, and that totally changes the competitive focus of the event,” said Mejía.
The Gigantes del Cibao and the Águilas Cibaeñas will be the protagonists in New York, disputing the series at Citi Field, home of the Mets, as part of the “Titans of the Caribbean” series. Unlike previous editions, the matches will be valid for the official LIDOM calendar.
In Miami, at least two rounds of the Round Robin will be played at LoanDepot Park, home of the Marlins, regardless of the qualified teams. This proposal was promoted by the Major League Baseball organization, highlighting the commercial and competitive value of Dominican baseball in Florida.
