Spanish
Santo Domingo.– The outfielder for the Gigantes del Cibao, Johan Rojas, was received this Wednesday with strong boos from the blue fans at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium, in the first match of the francomacorisano team against the Tigres del Licey after his controversial statements of last December 3.
Licey fans reacted with loud whistles and shouts every time the player approached the plate or intervened in a play, in evident response to the criticisms that Rojas launched against the umpiring body of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (Lidom).You may be interested in: http://Machado, Tatis Jr. and De la Cruz confirm their participation with the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Last Tuesday, the baseball player ignited social media by claiming that there is a pattern of umpiring decisions that, according to him, harms the Giants and constantly favors the Tigres del Licey. In an Instagram story, Rojas expressed that the reviews and calls on the field "are not being balanced" and that this could even cost him a fine or suspension by the league. "In the Lidom, what they have is a mess with those 'umpire'. Go see two plays, one of them and one of us," Rojas wrote in his post. The player also stated that, in his opinion, both the on-field referees and those reviewing the plays end up tilting the decisions towards the blue team. "If the Lidom doesn't do something about the 'umpire' and the 'umpire' who review the plays, Licey will always be winning in everything because these 'umpire' always favor Licey," he maintained. Rojas concluded by pointing out that facing Licey implies a challenge that goes beyond talent on the field: "Whoever is going to play against Licey has to beat Licey, the four umpires, and the two more umpires who are in review." The statements caused widespread debate on social media and among figures in winter baseball, and the blue fans were quick to show their discontent during tonight's game. For the moment, Lidom has not announced whether it will apply disciplinary measures against the player.
