Baseball in Santo Domingo

Baseball is a national passion, and Sammy Sosa is still a legend in his own time. But he is just one of many celebrated Dominican baseball heroes, including pitcher Odalis Revela. Triple-A Dominican and Puerto Rican players and some American major leaguers hone their skills in the D.R.'s professional Winter League, which plays from October through January. Some games are held in the Tetelo Vargas Stadium in the town of San Pedro de Macorís, east of Boca Chica; others are held in Estadio Francisco A. Michelli in La Romana (about two hours east of Santo Domingo).

Ticket prices fluctuate and often change with the advent of the new season. If you go to the stadium, tickets range US$1-US$20. Always buy the most expensive seats, and try to go with a group, preferably with some new Dominican friends. When the Santo Domingo Liceys and Santiago Aquilas play, scalpers are in full force; it's akin to the Yankees playing the Mets in New York City.

Estadio Francisco A. Michelli (Av. Padre Abreu, near monument, La Romana. 809/556-6188; 809/556-6188 to buy tickets by credit card) is two hours east of Santo Domingo and not really suitable for a day trip, but if you decide to spend some time in Boca Chica or Juan Dolio it might be a possibility; and it's certainly doable if you're staying in one of the resorts in La Romana/Bayahibe area.

Estadio Quisqueya (Av. Tieradentes at San Cristóbal, Naco, Santo Domingo. 809/540-5772; 809/616-1224 to purchase tickets by credit card) is Santo Domingo's main baseball stadium. Because of the traffic and general chaos, it's usually easier if you hire a driver for the night if you're planning to attend a game independently since taxis can be difficult to hail after games when the demand is very high. The lines at the box office and time to get into the stadium vary depending on who is playing. You'll find few good dining options near the stadium.

Estadio Tetelo Vargas (Av. Francisco Caamano Denó, San Pedro de Macoris. 809/529-3618; 829/529-3618 to purchase tickets by credit card) is the main stadium in San Pedro de Macrois. From Santo Domingo, you might pay as much as $80 each way for the 90-minute trip, but the fares are more reasonable if you're staying 20 minutes away in Juan Dolio, from which the round-trip fare is about $30. From San Pedro de Macoris, it's $8 to the stadium by taxi.

Liga de Béisbol Stadiums (San Domingo. 809/567-6371) can be helpful with information if you're planning an independent trip to a baseball game.