The first “ball game” of Caribbean series In the continental United States after more than three decades, it will be held on Thursday in Miami Lawn Depot Park. The return of the tournament to South Florida comes after the series was held for the second consecutive time in Miami in 1991, and the results fell short of expectations in terms of crowd reception.
On this occasion, it feels like a completely different atmosphere, supported by the intense promotion of the tournament, as well as the previous year's events over the past year. World Baseball Classic, which was also largely played in Miami. In that tournament, LoanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins MLBIt hosted matches in each stage: groups, quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals. On March 21, 2023, Japan won against the United States in front of a full stadium and wide television viewing in both countries.
Although the Caribbean Series is a Regional Championship And not an event intended to attract global attention, it will undoubtedly be baseball's most important event of the year leading up to the start of the next MLB season.
As usual, a large group of related names Big leagues They will be the ones who light up the current tournament. Among others, players such as Juricson Profar, who played last season with the Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres, will compete in the Caribbean Series, Jorge Alfarowho was with the Boston Red Sox in 2023, and Silvino Bracho of the Cincinnati Reds, and Robinson Canowho built a nearly two-decade career in the MLB.
They will also be present from the dugout Yadier Molina and Ozzie GuillénThey are the directors of Puerto Rico and Venezuela, respectively.
For organizers, the presence of major league players and managers playing games at an MLB stadium is no coincidence at all.
“MLB is a long-term partner of ours,” he said. Juan Francisco Puelo Herrera, Caribbean Baseball Commissioner, in an interview with ESPN. “Since we signed on Winter league agreement We've always had a very close relationship with [ellos]”He finished.
Although in December there was hope that there would be players of his caliber Ronald Acuna Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr. And Marcel Ozuna Whatever the case, the level of play between some of the strongest teams in Latin American baseball will be more than attractive to fans. The games will be broadcast internationally by the Miami Marlins, in an agreement that will give the tournament greater visibility for the first time in its history.
“The Caribbean Series is a prestigious international event, and we are excited to collaborate with the Caribbean Professional Baseball Association, as we look to expand the reach of the game, both in the United States and around the world,” said Caroline O'Connor. Miami Marlins president of business operations in December, via a press release announcing the deal.
All the mentioned factors exist in order to erase the image of the last two editions that were held in Miami in 1990 and 1991. In 1990, the matches were held in Miami. Orange bowla multi-functional stadium that, although designed to host various types of events, has not been used for baseball since 1965. During the week of games, a total of only 50,000 fans occupied the seats for that series, so it was decided to bring the stadium to the next edition. Bobby Maduro StadiumA baseball park is more suitable for a tournament. Both buildings were eventually demolished.
The partnership between the two institutions aims to leave lessons and growth for both sides. MLB, along with other U.S. sports leagues, e.g NFL and NBApartnering with events that keep fans interested in their sport all year round, while a return to Miami is something that has the Caribbean Series organizers interested.
“They will taste the flavor of Caribbean baseball. And to [aprender de] “We are, because for the first time the Caribbean Championship will be held in a major league stadium,” said Puelo Herrera. “We've both learned, and in this relationship, it's a fitting relationship that leads us to enjoy the Major League. The field and they will see the potential of our baseball. The Caribbean Series will speak for itself,” he continued.
The appeal of returning to Miami undoubtedly represents the reality of playing the tournament in the American market, but of course in its Latin markets. 70% of the city's population is of Spanish or Latin American origin.
To avoid what happened in 1990, a large-scale advertising campaign was carried out for several months, led by Buileau and Marilyn.
“Miami is a unique city, there is a lot of entertainment. In this Caribbean series, we are competing with the city, because it offers a lot of entertainment,” said Puello Herrera.
Although a positive reaction from fans is expected, which will bring in big dollar gains, Puello stresses that the Caribbean Series is not intended to be removed from its natural habitat in the future.
“I would absolutely not agree (to play the Caribbean Series exclusively in the United States). It would deprive the member leagues of having their own Caribbean Series,” Puello Herrera said.
Despite this, the commissioner stressed that incorporating places like Miami into the long-term role would not be frowned upon, as long as it does not impact other leagues, and there is clearly interest in doing so from fans and the Marlins division team that served as a partner for the event in Year 2024.
Finally, he highlighted the fact that the tournament serves as an incentive for participants to achieve a major league contract, as well as developing prospects from the region to be the next generation of MLB talent.
“From this series, we will see a continuation of the film we have been showing – a great baseball series,” he concluded.
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