With the goal of painting Venezuela blue, the tigers of the Licey They will depart this Wednesday at 11 in the morning from the International Airport of the Americas to represent the Dominican Republic in the Greater Caracas Caribbean Series 2023. They will travel on a charter flight by the airline Sky Cana in the A320 aircraft with availability for 180 seats.
Yesterday, President Luis Abinader received the team at the National Palace and handed over the national flag.
The president did not say he delivered a speech on the spot. After receiving a Licey cap from Emilio Bonifacio, the Dominican jacket with the number 1 and his last name said: “They will come with the victory and we will receive them here with the Caribbean Series crown.”
While the protagonists of the title were full of optimism and with expectations of victory against the Caribbean classic.
audo vincentgeneral manager of the Tigres del Licey, said that this has been the championship that has given him the most satisfaction in his career as manager-leader in the Dominican Baseball League, due to all the situations that he went through last tournament.
“This has been the most special title, last year it was very difficult, I was in the hospital for 4 months, I sacrificed a lot of family time, with my 4 daughters, my wife, to be healthy on my feet and fighting with a group of boys who He was always attentive to me, that is why I am blessed by God and for that I thank the board of directors who gave us the space to make the right movements, to return the championship to the blue fans.
Integration. Audo said that he immediately proclaimed himself a champion in the winter tournament, he must think of the Dominican Republic, that’s why he made every effort to structure the best possible team together with the reinforcements of the other teams.
The manager, who will not be able to accompany the team to the event that will take place in Venezuela, said that a challenge for the Dominican team will be to acclimatize to the schedule of the games and to the artificial grass of one of the parks, referring to the La Rinconada Stadium.
“We have four games early in the day, it’s something our players are not used to, in addition to the fact that it will be a demanding tournament, we will go prepared with a hydration plan to avoid any wear and tear or injury.”
Regarding the managerial exodus that occurred in the league last week, Audo said that in the business as long as personal limits are respected, this type of movement will be normal.
Fernando Ravelowho will assume the position of chief of operations in the Caribbean Series, after the impediment of the Seattle Mariners to manager Audo Vicente from making the trip to Venezuela, said that he assumes the challenge with pride and responsibility.
“We are going to emulate what Audo has done and try to ensure that the boys have all the conditions to focus only on playing baseball and bringing the crown to Licey,” said Ravelo, who also said he was very happy for his brother Ricardo Ravelo. for the results obtained.
Ravelo indicated that the tournament will be difficult due to the consecutive games, so the relay must be used very well.
Ricardo Ravelopresident of the Licey affirmed that the Tigres del Licey are going through the best moment in a long time in terms of organization and that they have defined the bases to continue on this path.
Captain emilio boniface He said that he will be in charge of maintaining 100% spirits to bring the crown to the country.
Joseph Offerman He said that the important thing is to win the final game and that with the mixture of youth and veterans, plus the mentality that has permeated the group, he is confident that they will lift the title.
Cesar Valdezpitcher of the year in the 2022-2023 season, scheduled for the fourth game by the Dominican Republic against Venezuela, said that he is ready to throw all possible innings for the team “I go with the mentality of throwing regardless of the moment, the objective It’s the win.”
michael de leonwho will participate for the first time in a Caribbean Series, said he is very happy to represent the Dominican Republic and for the opportunity to share with so many local baseball stars.
“It means a lot to me to play in this event, it is proof that you reap what you sow, it makes me feel proud to be part of this crown and to live a dream of representing my country, I am sure that this will be the most beautiful experience of my career”.
Jorge Bonifaciowho has been summoned for the second time for the event, said that it will be an honor to represent the country and coincide with his brother Emilio Bonifacio in the Caribbean classic.
“I made it.” so said esmil rogers referring to his first participation in the series, after an excellent pitching performance throughout the tournament.
mel rojaswho was one of the most prominent in the final series where Licey prevailed against the Stars 4-1, confidently stated that they will be champions in the event, respecting all rivals.