MIAMI, FL– Yesterday’s game between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic was the most popular game of Group D of the World Baseball Classic. The attendance of 36,025 was the largest of any of the games in Group D with a momentum that was building up as the game to watch. Both teams had a record of two wins and one loss. Therefore, with Venezuela already clinching the first spot to enter the next round with a perfect record of 4–0, making this a win-or-go-home elimination game.
The bragging rights were seen and felt throughout Miami, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. The most popular shirts and hats seen throughout the streets of Miami were from both these countries. Social media was buzzing with postings of both Dominican and Puerto Rican fans chiding each other as to who was going to win. The fact was that on paper the Dominican Republic had the stronger team and FanDuel Sportsbook had the Dominican Republic as the heavy favorite to beat Puerto Rico, but none of that mattered as history has proven on more than one occasion, that what’s on paper and what’s on the field are two different things. Puerto Rico’s “Team Rubio” upset the Dominican team 5-2.
Two homies, One Dominican, the other Puerto Rican – Manny Machado and Francisco Lindor share their love and respect as brothers – Image Credit: Latino Sports
What’s also not on paper is the history that these two countries have with each other. Very few know that the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Cuba have a bond that dates back centuries. Because of their proximity and being part of the Greater Antilles, these countries shared much more than a common language. It was very common to have a parent born in on one island, the other in another island and the child in the third island. Former New York Yankee catcher Jorge Posada, who was born in Puerto Rico is an example. His father is Cuban, and his mother, Dominican.
That same cycle between these three islands occurred so much that the great leaders of the 19th century from each Island had organized to create one country called, La Confederation Antillana (The Antillean confederation). They had their name; they had a constitution, and they had a flag. Unfortunately, just before they could be acknowledged as such from their former colonizer, Spain, the U.S. started a war with Spain that did not last more than a few months and that was the end of the formation of a new country made up of the three Antillean islands. However, that bond between these three islands is still very strong and no matter how much they compete against each other, no matter how strong and loud the rivalry is, these countries have a stronger bond as sister islands.
We saw that yesterday in the celebration for Puerto Rico’s victory. The streets outside the stadium had thousands of fans were celebrating Puerto Rico’s victory, but it was not just Puerto Rican’s celebrating, so were their Dominican brothers and sisters. They both were dancing, singing, and drinking that any outsider would not know who won and who lost based on how everyone was carrying and partying.
Live preview of PR vs DR in the win or go home game at the WBC in Miami @JulioPabonNY15 #WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/tPPOKaXCOW
— Latino Sports (@LatinoSports) March 15, 2023
So, the bottom line is that everyone celebrating was happy that it was one of these two countries that will advance, in this case Puerto Rico.
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Bill
March 16, 2023 at 8:58 am
Amazing scene of celebration by everyone. Great history lesson, just fascinating look back at those 3 islands.
Marlene Cintron
March 16, 2023 at 12:39 pm
Exciting game. Both teams made us proud. Vaya, Arriba y PaLante!
Samuel Martinez
March 16, 2023 at 6:12 pm
This was a really good game. Go PR go, next stop Mexico. Great article.
Julio Pabón
March 17, 2023 at 9:57 pm
Thanks
Julio Pabón
March 16, 2023 at 3:27 pm
Thanks for feedback
Johnny Baseball
March 16, 2023 at 10:54 am
great article, hope that Diaz is ok.
Julio Pabón
March 16, 2023 at 3:26 pm
He will be operated today, out for at least 8 months. Thanks for your feedback
Hector
March 16, 2023 at 11:11 am
The context of the history and relationship adds a whole new dimension to the game and the people the teams represent. Only a a grounded Latino/a organization could provide such insight. Gracias Latino Sports.
Mildred Martinez
March 16, 2023 at 11:59 am
Sonido Latino Presente says we celebrate Puerto Rico, because they won and are entitled to all glorification, but all Latinos one, because of the fact that we are all Latino standing united celebrating the winnings of one Latino Puerto Rico, Dominican, republic, and Cuba under one umbrella, Latinos united will never be divided Presente 🙌🏼🇵🇷🇩🇴🇨🇺🙌🏼🙏🏼
Raul Rivera
March 16, 2023 at 12:31 pm
Boricua!!!!!!!!!!
Fernando
March 16, 2023 at 1:19 pm
Thank you Julio Pabon for your insight and perspective!
Raquel
March 16, 2023 at 1:48 pm
Exciting times for our isla(s) del encanto. Let’s go Boricuas!!!
Raquel
March 16, 2023 at 1:49 pm
Exciting times for our isla(s) del encanto. Let’s go Boricuas!!!
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Raquel
March 16, 2023 at 1:50 pm
Woo hoo! This is exciting!!! Boricuas, you got this!
Sam Martinez
March 16, 2023 at 4:31 pm
Great game, not a great ending for Diaz or the Mets. It’s awesome to see the sportsmanship and pride that goes into these games. Really good article.
Sheila Almestica
March 16, 2023 at 8:52 pm
I can’t wait for tomorrow!!!!
Michelle Davila
March 16, 2023 at 11:33 pm
Absolutely agree Julio – you characterized it correctly. It is a rivalry that is borne out of respect – like siblings that may argue but dont let an outsider try to come between us! Go Team Rubio!
Richard
March 18, 2023 at 10:48 am
Was a great game and great atmosphere. But unfortunately, the the tournament proves once again, that players risk injuries that may jeopardize their Major League careers, as they are not yet ready for intense playing…
Nevertheless, the spirit was high and cheerful. But now, let just hope that Mr. Díaz a speedy recovery and continues his MLB career.
Julio Pabón
March 18, 2023 at 6:13 pm
True that. Thanks for your comments
Alexis Camacho
March 18, 2023 at 12:29 pm
I really enjoyed watching this game especially seeing Puerto Rico win. Awesome 🇵🇷
Julio Pabón
March 18, 2023 at 6:13 pm
Thanks
Eduard
March 22, 2023 at 12:22 pm
Thanks for the insights Julio. I was of course favoring the DR team but as you point out it is one of those games where one’s love for the sport, shared history and respect for the talent allow you to support whomever wins.