Miami, gateway to Latin America because of its extensive air connections, and tourist and shopping attractions, among other things, fans of all the baseball-loving countries in our continent declared it baseball’s capital for 15 days.
The so-called World Classic tournament not only collapsed immigration services last Saturday, but it also brought uproar beyond the usual throughout Dade County and surrounding areas. Parking lots around the stadium were charging anything from $30 to $100 and were full. I know this because, on my return flight on Sunday, a proud Dominican grandmother remarked that her grandson had turned his garden into a parking lot hoping to earn something towards his upcoming wedding.
Dominicans, Venezuelans, Puerto Ricans and Nicaraguans from all walks of life boosted the tourism economy of sun city.
Now, what really caught my attention is how our national sport is a reaffirmation of the faith in the Dominican Republic. The fact that President Luis Abinader threw the first ball not only became history, but it also reaffirmed my belief. The presence of our sports idols Pedro Martinez, David Ortiz and Albert Pujols added glorious notes flavored with national anthem. The commitment of native players to their homeland was a comfort. Seeing that all-star team play together in a single game was a dream come true.
The president’s assertion that a public-private partnership will allow us to host MLB games in a few years is an aspiration that most Dominicans are delighted with.
The unexpected note to the entire experience was the comment at the end of the first game against Venezuela, of all the Dominicans with whom I met, known or not, who said, “to come this far and lose.” Today the huge win against Nicaragua filled us with pride and faith.
Within the next 4 to 8 years, we expect a World Classic to be held in the city of Santo Domingo, capital of tourism in the Caribbean and Central America. It is our best bet on sports tourism in the country, as health tourism has been so successful. Thanks to my friend Elio Martinez from Gray Robinson for his unforgettable invitation which I will reciprocate in Santo Domingo when it becomes the baseball capital in a few years.
The author is a lawyer and tourism expert.
Source:
Listín Diario
