Santo Domingo – The Chamber of Deputies has given the green light in second reading to the bill that establishes September 23 of each year as the “National Baseball Player Day”. This recognition honors the memory of Osvaldo Virgil, who made history by being the first Dominican to debut in the Major Leagues in 1956. The proposal, promoted by Senator Franklin Romero, representative of Duarte province, seeks to celebrate the impact of the legendary baseball player from Montecristi. Virgil’s entry into American baseball opened a crucial path for Dominican talent in the major leagues.
“This is an act of justice to the memory of a man who changed the history of Dominican sports and projected our nation internationally,” declared Romero after the vote in the lower house.
Franklin RomeroThe project, which had been previously approved by the Senate in 2021, but which faced delays in its legislative process, finally achieved the majority support of the deputies. Now, the project will go to the Executive Branch for its official enactment. Romero recalled that, through Law 7-22, the La Normal stadium was also named in honor of Osvaldo Virgil, solidifying his legacy in Dominican sports.Who was Osvaldo Virgil?
Osvaldo José Virgil Pichardo (Montecristi, May 17, 1932 – September 29, 2024) was a player who left his mark in Major League Baseball between 1956 and 1969. During his career, he defended the colors of teams like the New York Giants, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates, and San Francisco Giants. Although his main position was third base, he demonstrated versatility by playing in all positions on the field, with the exception of pitcher and center fielder. After his time as a player, Virgil continued his contribution to baseball by working for 19 seasons as a trainer for teams such as the Giants, Expos, Padres, and Mariners.
