“This is the time of the Licey, the championships are won from day one”
These were the introductory words of the general manager of the Tigres del Licey, Audo Vicente, who welcomed a group of players who gathered at the Seattle Mariners complex, located in Boca Chica, east of the Dominican capital. .
The general manager of the blue team, who was accompanied by his entire baseball operations department, emphasized that discipline and commitment will be the letter of introduction of the Tigres del Licey ahead of the next Dominican baseball tournament.
About Elly De La Cruz
“Elly De La Cruz will have the opportunity to be in the lineup from the first day of the season,” Vicente said. De La Cruz comes from being the Player of the Year in the minor leagues, according to Baseball America.
He pointed out that he has held talks with Johan Rojas and Luis Barrera, with whom his participation schedule must be defined, and assured that Nomar Mazara will arrive in the country early.
The practices of the 22-time national champions were directed by manager José Offerman, who was impressed with the availability of the players and highlighted the commitment with which they responded to the call.
“It was a great surprise to see this many players on the first day, these guys arrived in excellent condition and ready for battle” added the blue helmsman.
Offerman pointed out that nine pitchers held a bullpen session on this first day and that he has already designed a work plan so that they comply with a preparation routine for the start of the season.
Names such as Jairo Asencio, Lisalverto Bonilla and Ulises Joaquín, headed the list of those summoned, among which three of the players selected in the last Lidom Rookie Draw were presented.
Selected in the Draft
Bryan Peña, left-handed pitcher for the Washington Nationals, Juan Daniel Encarnación, right-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, and Axel Sánchez, shortstop for the Seattle Mariners, were present at the minicamp organized by the Tigers.
Sánchez was impressed and satisfied to have reached the blue ranks and did not hide his joy.
“They welcomed me as if I had a long time here. I’ve been a high school student since I was a child and my whole family too, it’s a dream come true for me”, highlighted the 19-year-old player.
The 2022-23 Lidom season kicks off on October 15, when the Tigres del Licey visit the Leones del Esgido at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium, starting at 2:30 in the afternoon.