As a newcomer to a country where baseball is considered a way of life, I was quick to blindly declare myself a Los Toros fan. Not only was I impressed with the spirit of the die-hard Toros fans in La Romana, but this area of the country also happens to produce the greatest number of players who go on to play professionally. How could I go wrong?
On Wednesday evening, October 18th, 2012, the Dominican baseball season started in La Romana at the Francisco A. Micheli Stadium (having already been officially inaugurated on Sunday October 14th in other venues across the country). The La Romana season opener showcased the face-off between Los Toros del Este from La Romana and Los Gigantes from San Francisco de Macoris. Here was my chance to decide if I was truly a Los Toros fan.
Inauguration at the Francisco A. Micheli Stadium, La Romana
We arrived at the Francisco A. Micheli stadium early in order claim the coveted seats located directly in front of the Dom Ham food stand that serves up mouth-watering beef burgers to hungry fans. From there we enjoyed the festive inauguration ceremony. It was studded with national personalities and included fireworks, a crowd-pleasing entrance by the players in a train, and of course the famous Toro mascot cruising through the stadium on a motorcycle.
The score remained close for most of the game. At the end of the 6th inning the Los Toros held the lead 1-0. And then, as they say here — “se fue la luz” — we were experiencing a power outage!
It was in this moment that I converted into a true die-hard Los Toros fan. In complete darkness the crowd of already proud orange fanatics only elevated their enthusiasm. By the light of cellphones and emergency backup lights the cheerful Los Toros fans jumped up and down in their seats making infinite amounts of noise with their whistles and recycled bottles as the band went wild in the background. In the midst of the crowd was the Los Toros mascot, dancing to the beat of the drums as the crowd repeated with passion:
Aqui to’somos Toros!!
To the delight of the fans, the light came back after about 45 minutes; unfortunately things seemed to go downhill for Los Toros. Marcell Ozuna, center fielder for Los Gigantes, secured a win for his team with a homerun in the 8th inning. And although Los Gigantes ended up winning 4-1, I am proud to report that Los Toros did not disappoint! I can now proudly say: “yo soy Toro, y tú?”
This article was contributed by Jorien Breur
Jorien Breur is a fourth year medical student at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY. She was awarded a Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship which allows her to take a year off from traditional medical school coursework and experience clinical research firsthand. She will be spending the upcoming year doing research at Clínica de Familia La Romana and experiencing life in the Dominican Republic.
Don’t miss the excitement! Below you will find the calendar of games for the Dominican baseball season 2012:
Baseball Games Calendar
October
Estrellas Vs. Toros When: Sunday October 14th, 5pm. Where: San Pedro de Macorís
Licey Vs. Toros When: Tuesday October 16th, 7:30pm Where: Quisqueya Stadium, Santo Domingo
Gigantes Vs. Toros When: Wednesday October 17th, 7:30pm Where: Frank Micheli Stadium, La Romana
Licey Vs. Toros When: Friday October 19th, 7:30pm Where: Frank Micheli Stadium, La Romana
Gigantes Vs. Toros When: Saturday October 20th, 5pm Where: San Francisco de Macorís