Caribbean Series 2023 Begins as International Baseball Stars Shine at Miami’s LoanDepot Park
“The 66th Caribbean Series returns to the United States after 33 years, making its debut at LoanDepot Park in Miami, featuring top baseball teams across the Caribbean and Latin America.”
Caribbean Series 2023: Miami Welcomes Back the Grand Tournament
The vibrant city of Miami is set to host the 66th edition of the Caribbean Series at the illustrious LoanDepot Park, home of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins. From today until February 9th, this event marks the series’ grand return to the United States after a 33-year hiatus and its first-ever showcase in a Major League stadium.
This year’s tournament will see the champions of professional baseball from Mexico, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, all members of the Caribbean Professional Baseball Confederation, competing for the coveted title. Representing Mexico are the Naranjeros de Hermosillo; for Venezuela, the Tiburones de La Guaira; from the Dominican Republic, the Tigres del Licey; and for Puerto Rico, the Criollos de Caguas.
Adding an international flavor to the competition, champion teams from guest countries like Panama, represented by the Federales de Chiriquí; Curacao with the Royal Scorpions; and Nicaragua’s Gigantes de Rivas, will also participate.
Road to Victory: Tournament Format and Semifinal Anticipation
The seven teams will play in a round-robin format, with the top four teams, based on wins, advancing to the semifinals. The winners of these matches will then compete in the finals to determine the series champion.
The action-packed series starts with Nicaragua facing Puerto Rico, Curacao against Mexico, and Venezuela taking on the Dominican Republic. Each game promises to showcase exceptional talent and passion, reflecting the rich baseball heritage of these nations.
Defending champions, the Tigres del Licey, led by manager Gilbert Gómez, aim to retain the title for the Dominican Republic, a nation that boasts 23 Caribbean Series victories. Key to their success is their pitching staff, headed by César Valdez, the Most Valuable Player of the last Caribbean Series. Their roster includes prominent names like Brooks Hall, Raúl Valdez, Jorge Martínez, and Andy Otero. The team also features Colombian catcher Jorge Alfaro, seasoned player Robinson Canó, Gustavo Núñez, and captain Emilio Bonifacio.
Puerto Rico’s Pride: Criollos de Caguas Eyeing Sixth Triumph
The Criollos de Caguas, champions of Puerto Rico’s winter league, seek their sixth Caribbean Series triumph. Their squad highlights include captain Vimael Machín and Daniel Ortiz, a veteran of seven series with a lifetime batting average of .228 across 31 games. The experienced Yadier Molina will lead the team.
Representing Mexico, the Naranjeros de Hermosillo, under manager Juan Gabriel Castro, aim for their country’s tenth Caribbean Series title and the team’s third. Key players include Colombian closer Elkin Alcalá, the top reliever in the Mexican league, and designated hitter Isaac Paredes from the Major League’s Tampa Bay Rays.
For Venezuela, the Tiburones de La Guaira make a long-awaited return to the Caribbean Series, 38 years after their last appearance and following a similar duration without a national championship, which they recently ended. Managed by Oswaldo ‘Ozzie’ Guillén, the team’s strength lies in its pitching staff.
Panama’s Determination: Federales de Chiriquí Ready to Impress
Panama’s Federales de Chiriquí, led by José Mayorga, are determined to compete fiercely and achieve impressive results. The team’s lineup includes Major League talents like Christian Bethancourt, showcasing Panama’s growing baseball prowess.
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The 2023 Caribbean Series in Miami is more than just a baseball tournament; it celebrates the sport’s rich culture and history in the Caribbean and Latin America. It’s an opportunity for fans to witness top-notch baseball, where passion, skill, and national pride converge on one of the grandest stages in the sport. The event promises to be a memorable spectacle, offering fans a feast of baseball excellence worldwide.
