José Reyes is the historical leader with a presence for the Dominican Republic in the first four World Classics, Robinson Canó and Nelson Cruz from this Saturday will accompany him in that record.
But, what is the other side of the coin? Those who achieved great status in their careers in the Major Leagues and for various reasons never said they were present for the Dominican Republic in any of the four versions that have been held.
Whether due to injuries, impositions of their franchises, finding themselves in the middle of a contractual signing, having a family problem or simply due to the little desire to display the Dominican jersey, there was a large group of players who never did it or other assets that They have not done it in their career.
Listín Diario chose what it considers to be an all-star team from Dominican Republic with at least a good record in the Major Leagues and who did not wear the tricolor uniform in previous versions.
Receiver: Wilín Rosario.
By far and historically, the Dominican’s most lacking position, Wilín came from a day of 28 homers and 71 RBIs in 2012 in the second of his five seasons with the Rockies when the roster had to be formed for the following year.
First baseman: Carlos Pena
By 2009 he was already a stellar first baseman, who had finished ninth in two years in a row in the AL MVP race, after his 31 home runs and 102 RBIs with the Rays, but he was never part of the team. quisqueyan in the World Classic.
Second basemen: Ramírez and Furcal
An active one, Ramírez is one of the best in the game, he has longed to attend, but this time a surgery on the thumb of his right hand kept him from the contest. For example, in 2017 when the team was selected, he already had a magnificent day with 46 tubeyes and 76 RBIs in what was the beginning of a brilliant career. Furcal was a great player, who strengthened several Dominican teams in the Caribbean Series, but he was not seen in the Classic, especially in the first two when he was still a skilled baseball player.
Third baseman: Aramis Ramirez
Strangely, he never attended. For example, in 2006, there was a rumor that he would not have much playing space with Adrian Beltré as the starter at third base. Four years later, he didn’t show up either, even though he was coming off a day of 27 homers and 111 RBIs. By 2013 he was a 35-year veteran.
shortstop; Johnny Peralta
A good hitter who set magnificent records in each campaign prior to the 2006, 2009 and 2013 Classics, Peralta, perhaps due to the abundance of shortstops that the Dominican Republic has always had, was not motivated to be present in any of those versions, although in his case it could play the anteroom
Left fielder: Manny Ramirez
Many consider them the finest hitter among the Dominicans, in their great glorious moments sometimes they didn’t even let their hair be seen by the country, but at least in the World Classics, the quisqueyan fans were left waiting for part of what they did this hitter with 555 home runs, 1,831 produced, a .312 average, as well as 12 appearances in the All-Star Game.
Central Garden; Carlos Gomez
In 2009 he trained with the team, but in the end he was not present, he came from a day of 19 homers and 51 RBIs and a .260 average, he also had a more than decent year in 2012. He has been one of the defensive wonders of the country.
Right Field: Vladimir Guerrero
Vlady represents perhaps the most notorious case in history, as he is the baseball superstar who is most attached to his small-town roots. For various reasons, the Cooperstown immortal never wore the Dominican jersey. His .317 career average is the highest among his countrymen.
Designated: Sammy Sosa
Although already in the twilight for the 2006 event, but given his great record and being one of the players with the most charisma, it must have been a luxury to have the presence of the 609-homer hitter and seven All-Stars in the Classic.
launchers
Here we offer you a list with some names, Francisco Cordero, who had more than 30 saves in 2005 and 2008, Rafael Soriano, Ivan Nova, Joaquín Benoit, Ramón Ortiz.