SANTO DOMINGO – The Central Electoral Board (JCE) formalized the delivery of the Dominican identity card to the renowned baseball player Manny Machado. Machado, born in the United States but with Dominican roots, expressed his emotion: “I am finally Dominican!”. The player emphasized his pride in his roots, highlighting that “my blood is Dominican” and his desire to represent the country in international events.
In the same event, Austin Wells, a catcher of Dominican descent, also completed his naturalization process, receiving his ID card. Wells, with a Dominican mother, has been considered as the starting catcher for the national team. His family highlights his command of Spanish and his pride in Dominican nationality, reflecting his connection to his Caribbean roots from a young age. The incorporation of Machado and Wells into the Dominican national team is a fact. The Dominican Republic selection is preparing for its next exhibition match at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium, facing the Detroit Tigers. The team is getting ready for the tournament, with an eye on their participation in the first round of the World Baseball Classic in Miami. The delivery of documents takes place within the framework of the implementation of the new Dominican identity card, a project of the JCE. This process seeks to strengthen national identity, and the inclusion of athletes with Dominican roots symbolizes the expansion of the identification system to all citizens with rights.I am finally Dominican!
Manny Machado
