RD vs PR Showdown: Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic will make history in New York

New York. – The Puerto Rico Professional Baseball Players Association (APPPR) officially announced the realization of the historic “Showdown NYC 2025”, an unprecedented confrontation between the professional baseball teams of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, which will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets.

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The encounter, which will mark the first time both Caribbean powers face each other on the continental territory of the United States, will be broadcast by WAPA Deportes in Puerto Rico and by MLB.TV worldwide. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., on a day that will also include cultural, gastronomic, and musical activities that will celebrate the brotherhood between both countries.

“This meeting marks a before and after for Caribbean professional baseball. Doing it at Citi Field fills us with pride and will be a cultural and sporting celebration,” expressed Yamil Benítez, president of the APPPR, who highlighted the collaboration with the National Federation of Professional Baseball Players of the Dominican Republic (FENAPEPRO), the New York Mets and the Major League Baseball (MLB).

During the day, a special ceremony will be held dedicated to former players Carlos Delgado and Robinson Canó, symbols of Puerto Rican and Dominican baseball, respectively.
Delgado, who will be honorary manager of the Puerto Rico All Star team, will receive a tribute with all the players wearing the number 21, the same one he used with the Mets. Meanwhile, Canó will be honored with the number 24, which will be worn by the players of the Dominican Republic All Star team. Delgado expressed his gratitude:

"I am honored that this game has been dedicated to me. It's a great opportunity to promote baseball and share with the new generations. It will be very special to return to Citi Field, where I lived great moments".

The technical staff of Puerto Rico will be headed by Wilfredo “Coco” Cordero (Indios de Mayagüez) along with Stephen Morales, José “Cheo” Rosado, José Molina, Edwards Guzmán, Robinson Cancel and Andy González. For his part, Carlos Beltrán will serve as an honorary coach, highlighting the value of this meeting:

"It's always an honor to represent Puerto Rico. This event is a unique opportunity for Latinos in New York to enjoy our baseball and celebrate our Caribbean pride."

From the Dominican side, the president of FENAPEPRO, Erick Almonte, celebrated the historic alliance:

“It's an honor to represent Dominican players in an event of this magnitude. This game unites two sister nations that share the same passion for baseball”.

The Mets owner, Alex Cohen, also expressed her enthusiasm:

"I am very excited to host this special Caribbean baseball event at Citi Field. Queens will be vibrating with Latin pride that day!"

The president of the Puerto Rico Professional Baseball League (LBPRC), Juan Antonio Flores Galarza, highlighted the significance of the event:

"It's an honor that our players will play in the home of two of our great stars, Francisco Lindor and Edwin Díaz. We thank the Mets for opening the doors of New York for this Caribbean celebration."

The preliminary roster of the Puerto Rican team will be delivered to MLB and the Mets on October 30th and 31st, with possible adjustments before the event. Fans will be able to purchase their tickets through the official website of the New York Mets. The “RD vs PR Showdown NYC 2025” promises to be much more than a match: it will be an encounter of pride, talent, and culture that will celebrate the Caribbean brotherhood in the heart of New York.