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Winter baseball, organized by the Professional Baseball League of the Dominican Republic (LIDOM), is not just a sport in the country; it is a cultural and social phenomenon that unites millions of people every October.
The 2025-26 season begins on October 15, 2025, with three simultaneous games: Leones del Escogido vs. Tigres del Licey at Quisqueya Stadium (Santo Domingo); Águilas Cibaeñas vs. Gigantes del Cibao at Cibao Stadium (Santiago); and Toros del Este vs. Estrellas Orientales at Tetelo Vargas Stadium (San Pedro de Macorís).
All at 7:35 p.m., marking the starting gun for a regular season of 50 games per team, which will run until December 23, followed by playoffs in January.
This start generates an immediate and multifaceted impact, boosting the local economy, revitalizing the national identity, and attracting international attention, especially with the World Baseball Classic on the horizon in 2026.
LIDOM injects millions of pesos into the Dominican economy. Ticket, season ticket, and merchandise sales generate direct income for teams and stadiums, while the increase in consumption (food, transportation, and lodging) benefits street vendors, hotels, and restaurants near the venues. For example, the inaugural “Night of Lights” at the Quisqueya attracts thousands, multiplying the commercial flow in Santo Domingo.
Additionally, sponsors such as Banreservas (which presented the Championship Cup dedicated to Juan Marichal) and TV channels (Telemicro, Telesistema, ESPN) amplify visibility, attracting advertising investment. In past seasons, the impact has exceeded RD$1 billion, with a multiplier effect on sports tourism.
Baseball is a “school of character” in the Dominican Republic, fostering values such as discipline and resilience, according to analysts.
Cibaeños with Águilas and Gigantes, those from the capital with Escogido and Licey, and those from the east with Estrellas and Toros. The Escogido-Licey rivalry, known as the “modern classic,” generates passionate debates on social media and in neighborhoods, strengthening community cohesion.
This year, expectations are growing with rumors of MLB stars like Juan Soto (Licey), José Ramírez (Escogido), and Fernando Tatis Jr. (Estrellas) joining in December to prepare for the World Baseball Classic, raising national pride.
The league serves as a showcase for local and imported talent. Teams like the Giants (with reinforcements like Jake Holton from Detroit) and the Estrellas (with Nelson Velásquez from Puerto Rico) stand out for their mix of prospects and veterans. Modern rules like larger bases have increased base steals (78% success rate in 2023-24), making the game more dynamic. The season culminates with the 2026 Caribbean Series in Japan, where the Dominican champion will compete against Venezuela, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and others.
Young players, such as prospects from the Stars and Toros, gain experience, facilitating their transition to MLB. The league has produced legends like Pedro Martínez and David Ortiz, consolidating the Dominican Republic as a “baseball factory.”
Innovations like the “Cibao Series” in New York (November 7-9, Águilas vs. Gigantes at Citi Field) extend the Dominican diaspora’s reach, boosting tourism.
Inclusivity: Greater formality in broadcasts (apps like Pelota Invernal) and accessibility for fans abroad.
MLB players arrive late (December), affecting initial consistency. Controversies like LIDOM’s refusal to register Enmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz (Licey) for FENAPEPRO generate union tensions.
Winter weather (rain in the northeast) and traffic in cities like Santiago can complicate attendance. Furthermore, the brevity of the season (only 50 games) intensifies the pressure, with teams like the Giants forced to break their finals droughts.
Revenue inequality per team; lesser clubs like the Toros rely more on expensive imports.
The start of the winter baseball season in 2025 reaffirms LIDOM as the beating heart of Dominican identity: an annual ritual that transforms October into a synonym for hope and fierce competition.
More than victories on the diamond, it generates a legacy of unity and achievement, preparing the country to shine in the World Baseball Classic. However, to maximize its potential, it must address challenges such as wage equity and the early integration of MLB stars.
Ultimately, as Dominican tradition says, “baseball is not just a game; it is life itself,” and this edition promises to be unforgettable, with the Lions defending their crown in a league that is more global and competitive than ever.
