Najri: Leones del Escogido ready to defend LIDOM crown with new manager

Santo Domingo – Eduardo Najri, president of the Leones del Escogido, current national and Caribbean champions, has stated that the team is completely focused and motivated to defend their title in the upcoming 2025-2026 season of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM). During the joint press conference of Banreservas and LIDOM, where the dedication of the tournament to the member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Juan Marichal, was announced, Najri addressed the issue of the pressure to repeat the success achieved.

We come from a streak of eight or nine years without winning, and that is the pressure one really doesn’t want to feel. The pressure of repeating, that is easier to bear. Our fanbase expects us to win every year, and we, as a board, work for that.

Eduardo Najri

Najri highlighted the team’s commitment and preparation to revalidate the championship, emphasizing the strength provided by both returning players and new additions. “The group we have returning and joining the team early is very positive. As you know, we have a new leader, the Puerto Rican Alex Cintrón, and a renewed coaching staff. That combination of experience and fresh energy will be key to starting strong,” Najri affirmed. When asked about the possible integration of star players during the season, Najri was optimistic, although he pointed out that the situation is still to be defined. “Many players had great seasons in the Major Leagues, and with the World Baseball Classic approaching, we believe that several of them could join winter baseball to prepare. That will benefit both Escogido and the league in general,” he explained. Finally, the scarlet president sent a message to the fans, anticipating the start of the season that will begin this Wednesday, October 15th, with the inaugural match between Tigres del Licey and Leones del Escogido at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium. “See you tomorrow at the stadium. We need your support and are counting on you to repeat this crown. El Escogido is ready to give another great season,” concluded Najri.