Wikipedia - Caribbean Series

The Caribbean Series (Spanish: Serie del Caribe) is an annual club tournament contested by professional baseball teams in Latin America. It is organized by the Caribbean Professional Baseball Confederation. The series is normally played in February, after the various winter leagues have ended their national tournaments.

The Dominican Republic has won the most Caribbean Series championships (22), with Tigres del Licey being the most successful team in the tournament's history. The series has been won by 28 teams from seven different countries. Only two teams have won the tournament two years in a row, the most recent being Criollos de Caguas from Puerto Rico in 2017 and 2018.

History

The competition was the brainchild of Venezuelan baseball entrepreneur Pablo Morales and Oscar Prieto Ortiz,who devised the idea after seeing the success of the Serie Interamericana in 1946, which featured the clubs Brooklyn Bushwicks from the United States, Cervecería Caracas from Venezuela, Sultanes de Monterrey from Mexico, and an All-Star team composed of Cuban players.

Inspired by the Interamerican Series and his experience as a former president of the International Baseball Federation, Morales joined Prieto and presented the idea to baseball representatives of Cuba, Panama, and Puerto Rico during a meeting held in Havana on August 21, 1948. The representatives then agreed to stage a four-country, round-robin tournament 12-game to be known as the Serie del Caribe, to be launched in Cuba from February 20–25 of 1949.

The Series ran annually from 1949 through 1960, with Cuba winning seven times. However, the event was suspended in 1961, as a result of the Cuban Revolution. Fidel Castro dissolved all professional baseball in Cuba, and MLB Commissioner Ford Frick ruled that American major leaguers were barred from playing in Havana, where the 1961 series had been scheduled.

It was not until 1970 that the Caribbean Series was revived. Moreover, the 1981 Caribbean Series was not held due to a Venezuelan League player's strike.

The tournament featured the champions of the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela for over 40 years. Cuba returned in 2014. Panama returned to host the 2019 edition. Colombia was added for the 2020 edition, replacing Cuba who could not participate due to visa issues. Curaçao was invited as a guest in 2023.

The "Serie del Caribe" is an annual baseball tournament that brings together the best professional baseball teams from the Caribbean region. This highly anticipated event showcases the talent and passion for baseball in countries such as the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela, and Cuba.

The tournament, which has been held since 1949, is a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and teamwork. It features intense competition between the participating teams, as they battle it out for the title of Caribbean champion. The games are played in a round-robin format, where each team faces off against the others in a series of matches.

The "Serie del Caribe" is not only a celebration of baseball but also a cultural exchange between the participating countries. Fans from all over the Caribbean come together to support their respective teams, creating an electric atmosphere in the stadiums. The tournament is known for its vibrant and passionate fan base, with spectators waving flags, singing chants, and cheering on their favorite players.

The level of play in the "Serie del Caribe" is exceptional, with many of the participating teams boasting top-tier talent. Major League Baseball players often participate in the tournament, adding an extra level of excitement and competitiveness. The games are fast-paced, with impressive displays of hitting, pitching, and fielding skills.

The "Serie del Caribe" has become a prestigious event in the baseball world, attracting attention from fans, scouts, and media outlets worldwide. It serves as a platform for players to showcase their abilities and potentially earn contracts with professional teams in other leagues.

Overall, the "Serie del Caribe" is a must-watch tournament for any baseball enthusiast. It combines the love for the sport with the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean, creating an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.