The Dominican Republic will welcome the Detroit Tigers for two exhibition games on March 3 and 4, 2024, at the Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal in Santo Domingo. This event serves as a tribute to the victims of the tragic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub on April 8, which claimed the lives of more than 200 individuals, including former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel and the sister of former player Nelson Cruz.
Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement during a news conference held at the winter meetings. He was joined by Cruz, who serves as the general manager of the Dominican Republic team, and Albert Pujols, the team’s manager. The idea for these tribute games originated from discussions last offseason between Cruz and Omar Minaya, a special assistant to the New York Yankees and former general manager of the New York Mets and Montreal Expos.
The exhibition games will not only honor those who lost their lives but also support the local community. Major League Baseball (MLB) and the promoter, UEPA, will donate proceeds to the Dominican Red Cross. This initiative aims to provide assistance to those affected by the nightclub disaster.
The Dominican Republic is set to begin its campaign in the World Baseball Classic on March 6, 2024, against Nicaragua. This group also includes teams from Israel, the Netherlands, and Venezuela. Although spring training games have occurred in the Dominican Republic, these exhibition matches mark a significant occasion as the country has yet to host regular-season MLB games.
This tribute represents a poignant moment for the nation, uniting players, officials, and fans in remembrance and solidarity. The upcoming exhibition games highlight the enduring spirit of baseball in the Dominican Republic, a country renowned for producing world-class talent and passionate fans.
