Fans Show Up and Show Out for RD vs. PR Showdown

Image Credit: Ernesto Diaz/Latino Sports

FLUSHING, NY — Wherever and whenever the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico face off on a baseball diamond, there is always one guarantee and that’s fans showing up and showing out. 

No matter what month of the year. No matter what the weather elements are. 

In the middle of November at a ballpark located just off the water of Flushing Bay—thousands of miles away from the Caribbean—with a game-time temperature ranging in the forties? 

No problem. 

As the excitement level and passion from both sides replicated scenes out of previous editions of World Baseball Classics—with drums rolling and trumpets sounding off consistently during play—approximately 20,057 fans were brought together at Citi Field Saturday afternoon to attend the RD vs. PR Showdown. 

With the Dominican Republic defeating Puerto Rico by a final score of 6-2 in what was labeled an exhibition All-Star game, each team consisted of professional players who were named All-Stars by their respective winter leagues in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico—Liga de Béisbol Profesional de la República Dominicana (LIDOM) and Liga Beisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente (LBPRC). 

With the Dominican and Puerto Rican demographic here (in New York), it’s natural to create this kind of event. This transcends the sport because it’s a cultural celebration. It’s part of promoting the game, growing the game and having the opportunity to showcase these guys’ abilities in probably the biggest sports stage of the world.” -Carlos Delgado (manager of Puerto Rico)

Additionally, at the top steps of each dugout were some familiar MLB faces in Carlos Gómez (manager of the Dominican Republic), Carlos Delgado (manager of Puerto Rico), and Carlos Beltrán (bench coach for Puerto Rico), among others. 

Know The Name: Emmanuel Rodríguez 

For his star-like performance that included an eighth inning two-run homer after a single, and a walk to score two runs, Emmanuel Rodríguez, 22, of Santiago, Dominican Republic, was named the MVP of Saturday’s RD vs. PR Showdown. 

The left-handed hitting and throwing outfielder is currently the fourth-ranked prospect in the Minnesota Twins’ farm system and is listed at 69th overall across MLB’s Top 100 Prospect Rankings. 

With 59 total career games played under his belt with the Twins’ Triple-A affiliate, the St. Paul Saints, over the last two seasons (seven in 2024 and 52 in 2025), Rodríguez should be on course to make his MLB debut at some point in the 2026 MLB regular season. 

Perhaps out of the gate in March or April of 2026. 

Hats Off To Robinson Canó

Robinson Canó, a former eight-time MLB All-Star and 2009 World Series champion with the New York Yankees, received heartfelt tributes throughout the memorable day at Citi Field, and later, a proper send-off from the crowd, as the 43-year-old recently announced that Saturday’s RD vs. PR Showdown would be his last-ever professional game played on United States soil. 

A major sign of recognition came before a pitch was even thrown with each player and coach on the Dominican Republic’s side opting together to wear No. 24 on the back of their jerseys in honor of the San Pedro de Macoris, D.R. native. 

Some players and coaches for the D.R. also went ahead and wore special pregame shirts, which were lettered “The Final Act” to pay homage to their country’s icon. 

And to go even further, when removed for a defensive replacement in the bottom of the seventh inning following his double and a walk (1-3 overall) earlier in the game, Canó was given a long moment by both teams to soak it in a much-deserving standing ovation from all in the ballpark.

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