The most popular sport, otherwise known as “King Sport” is baseball. Baseball started in 1866 and is a traditional sport. It gained popularity when Dominican baseball players (Jaun Marchical, the Alou brothers: Felipe, Mateo, and Jesus) entered the MBL. Their success led to the US scouting the Dominican Republic and many young boys playing baseball today.
A picture of the Dominican baseball team celebrating their win in the 2013 World Class Series.
Best MBL Dominican Baseball Players Today:
1. Julio Rodiguez (Mariners)
2. Fernando Tatis JR (Padres)
3. Juan Soto (Yankees)
4. Jose Ramirez (Guardians)
5. Eury Perez (Marlins)
6. Ketel Marte (Diamandbacks)
7. Luis Castillo (Mariners)
8. Bran Abreu (Astros)
9. Emmanuel Clase (Guardians)
10. Rafael Devers (Red Soxs)
Best Old MBL Dominican Baseball Players:
Juan Marchical (first Hall of Famer)
Pedro Martines (Hall of Famer + first CY Young winner 1997)
David Ortez DH (Hall of Famer)
​Bartolo Colon (CY Young Winner 2005)
​Felipe, Mateo, and Jesus Alou (OF)
Tony Peña (catcher)
Albert Pujois (1B)​
(Ozzie) Osvaldo Virgil Sr (3B + First Dominican to enter MBL)
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CITATIONS
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“Alou Brothers Formed MLB’s First All-Brother Outfield.” MiLB.com, 2024, www.mlb.com/milb/news/featured/alou-brothers-formed-mlb-s-first-all-brother-outfield. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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“Baseball Fans Rejoice over Opening of Águilas Cibaeñas Plaza in Santiago, the Country’s Second Largest City – Dominicana Online.” Dominicanaonline.org, 2018, www.dominicanaonline.org/en/plazoleta-a-las-aguilas-cibaenas-cautiva-a-visitantes-en-el-monumento-a-los-heroes-de-la-restauracion/. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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Bien-Kahn, Joseph, and Cassidy Araiza. “Julio Rodríguez Is the New Star Baseball Needs.” GQ, 29 Mar. 2023, www.gq.com/story/gq-hype-julio-rodriguez. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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“Fernando Tatis Jr. Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News.” MLB.com, 2024, www.mlb.com/player/fernando-tatis-jr-665487. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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Kepner, Tyler. “Dominican Republic Wins World Baseball Classic.” Nytimes.com, The New York Times, 20 Mar. 2013, www.nytimes.com/2013/03/20/sports/baseball/dominican-republic-wins-world-baseball-classic.html. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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“Martinez, Pedro | Baseball Hall of Fame.” Baseballhall.org, 2025, baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/martinez-pedro. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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Paine, Neil. “Albert Pujols Is Having a Send-off for the Ages.” FiveThirtyEight, 23 Aug. 2022, fivethirtyeight.com/features/albert-pujols-is-having-a-send-off-for-the-ages/. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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“Rafael Devers Career Timeline.” Mlb.com, 2023, www.mlb.com/stories/rafael-devers-career-timeline. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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“Top Dominican Players on MLB the Show 24 | the Show Ratings.” The Show Ratings, 2025, www.theshowratings.com/countries/dominican-republic. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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Venn, David. “Virgil Paved Path as MLB’s 1st Dominican-Born Player.” MLB.com, MLB, 23 Sept. 2023, www.mlb.com/news/ozzie-virgil-sr-was-first-dominican-republic-born-player-in-mlb. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.