ShowDown RD vs. PR will ignite New York with a historic duel at Citi Field

New York. – The historic sports rivalry between Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico will experience an unprecedented chapter this Saturday, November 15, when both professional teams face each other at Citi Field in New York in the event called “ShowDown: RD vs. PR”, the first of its kind on continental United States territory under a format similar to an All-Star Game.

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The initiative, organized by the New York Mets with the support of Major League Baseball (MLB), the APPPR and FENAPEPRO, has generated enormous expectation among the Dominican and Puerto Rican communities residing in the city.

Dominican team: experience, energy and a special tribute

The Dominican Republic team will be managed by Carlos Gómez and presents a mix of veterans, established figures, and emerging talent. The roster includes Robinson Canó, Hanser Alberto, Aderlin Rodríguez, Ángel Genao, Gustavo Núñez, and Cristian Adames in the infield. In the gardens, the Quisqueyan representation will be headed by Gilberto Celestino, Sócrates Brito, Junior Lake, Emmanuel Rodríguez and Emilio Bonifacio, with Mel Rojas Jr. as designated hitter. The mound body will have experienced arms like Cesar Valdez, Richard Rodriguez, Fernando Abad and Esmil Rogers, accompanied by young pitchers like Roldy Muñoz and Raúl Brito. During the event, FENAPEPRO will pay special tribute to Robinson Canó, who will play his last professional game on American soil. The entire Dominican team will use the number 24, in honor of the second baseman's legacy.

Puerto Rico arrives with big names and an iconic tribute

The Puerto Rican team will be managed by the historic Carlos Delgado, who will also receive recognition from the APPPR. Alongside him will be Carlos Beltrán as honorary coach, in an emotional return to the Mets' field. The Puerto Rico selection will present a roster with renowned figures such as Martín Maldonado, Eddie Rosario, Nelson Velázquez, Yariel González, Emmanuel Rivera and Vimael Machín. Pitching standouts include José de León, Jorge López, Osvaldo Berríos, Yacksel Ríos and Luis Leroy Cruz. In homage to the legacy of the eternal number 21, all Puerto Rican players will wear that number during the game.

An event with a Latin cultural stamp

The ShowDown will include a pre-show artistic performance from 10:30 a.m. with live music, Caribbean gastronomy and family activities. The national anthems will be performed by great voices:

• Héctor Acosta “El Torito”, from Dominican Republic.
• Gilberto Santa Rosa, from Puerto Rico.
• Chantelle, from United States.

The first launch ceremony will be led by Dominican businessman Santiago Matías “Alofoke”, while communicator Melissa Santos will be the official host of the event.