By Andrew Wilson
Every baseball fan knows that the Dominican Republic is home to some of the best talent in Major League Baseball. It made perfect sense then that the Israel Baseball League held a two day tryout in the Dominican Republic on March 6 and 7 to further establish itself as the league-of-choice for top international baseball players. However, holding a tryout in the Dominican Republic is a lot more significant then one may think. Oisiki Ghitis, the religious director of the Israelite Center of the Dominican Republic exclaimed, “The Dominican Republic was the only country that opened its doors in 1940 to welcome Jewish refugees from Nazi persecution.” As a result of these tryouts the IBL hopes to further strengthen its bond between the Dominican Republic and Israel.
Dan Duquette, the IBL’s Director of Baseball Operations, understood the importance of establishing relationships with some of the top baseball personnel in the Dominican Republic. Duquette was able to work with the likes of former Baltimore Oriole, Luis Mercedes, as well as scouts from the Washington Nationals and San Francisco Giants to help run the tryouts. The IBL also worked with Felix Decena, an assistant to the team president of the Escogido Lions, who helped organize the entire event. Duquette, as well as anyone, is familiar with the talent in the country, having brought Pedro Martinez to the Red Sox when he was a general manager in Boston. Many of the players that attended the tryouts had been signed by Duquette when he was in Boston.
The first day of tryouts was held in San Pedro de Macorís, where 70 players were invited all with at least A ball experience in the United States or in the local winter league. The second day of tryouts was in Santo Domingo where 40 players attended again all having at least A ball experience.
The talent level at both tryouts was extremely impressive. The IBL expects to sign as many as 30 players out of the tryouts. More announcements regarding the signing of players from the tryouts will follow in the coming week.
To view photos from the Dominican Republic tryouts please visit our Photo Gallery. 
