Teams Set for 2017 Caribbean Series
The teams competing are:
Dominican Republic – Tigres del Licey – The most accomplished team not only in the LIDOM with 22 titles, but also the most accomplished team in the history of the Caribbean Series with 10 titles. The Tigres last Series title was in 2008. To get back to the Series, for the first time since 2014, Licey needed all 9 games in the LIDOM Championship Series to get past the Aguilas Cibaenas.
Puerto Rico – Criollos de Caguas – The 17-time LBPRC champions, Caguas is back in the Caribbean Series for the first time since 2013. They will go in looking for their 4th Series title but the first since 1987. To get to the Series, Caguas needed 8 games to win 5-games-to-3 over Santurce.
Mexico – Aguilas de Mexicali – Winning its 4th LMP title, Mexicali last went to the Caribbean Series in 1999. It holds just a single Series title from 1986. Mexicali defeated the Caneros de los Mochis 4-2 in the LMP Championship Series to advance. They will look to keep the recent success of the LMP champions alive having won 4 of the last 6 Caribbean Series titles.
Venezuela – Aguilas del Zulia – This was the 6th LVBP Championship for Zulia, the last coming in 2000. The franchise has 2 Caribbean Series titles to its credit, but nothing since 1989. To get back to the Series this year Zulia defeated the Cardenales de Lara 4-1.
Cuba – Granma Alazanes – This was the first Serie Nacional de Beisbol or Cuban National Series title for Granma. It took 40 years for the club to claim its first title, and this will be its first trip to the Caribbean Series. Granma defeated the 2-time defending champion Ciego de Avila in the championship series sweeping them to take the title.
Total Caribbean Series Titles:
Dominican Republic 19 (last in 2012)
Puerto Rico 14 (last in 2000)
Mexico 9 (last in 2016)
Cuba 8 (last in 2015)
Venezuela 7 (last in 2009)
Panama 1 (1950) – no longer play in Caribbean Series
A gala week for Latino baseball in the Caribbean Series. magnificent scenery, the Ballpark BBVA Bancomer home of the Tomateros of Culiacan, a colorful city in the Mexican Pacific, Mexico will be putting on the long tablecloths for the event.
This time the Caribbean Series in its edition LIX has two extremes of excellence that drive the motivation of all. The first, no doubt, is the return of the Licey Tigers from the Dominican, that after defeating the Eagles of Cibao , their historical rival, are back with their wonderful history of being the team , with nine titles in the tournament.
A newcomer from Cuba, but no less attractive to the series, are the Alazanes of Granma representatives from the great island of Cuba. With no record in the event, the Cubans have always given maximum commitment.
The Cubans have an added interest in competing as they will be closely watched by scouts from the major league always ready to sign them for millions.
The Alazanes of Granma want to renew Cuban baseball credentials in the series. Two years ago, after a lengthy absence, surprised when the Vegueros of Pinar del Rio won the Caribbean Series.
Not to be outdone, the Caguas Criollos bring with them the responsibility of maintaining the high prestige of Boricua ball in the series. which, in the past days have been paying homage to their new Hall Of Famer, Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez. Puerto Rico has boasted some famous names from past postseasons of baseball.
It is true that this Puerto Rican team has lost some players who preferred to be in World Baseball Classic, but have taken great care and are committed to men like Carlos Delgado, Juan "Igor" Gonzalez and Carlos Baerga and managed by Alex Cora.
Venezuelan ball with all it's prestige, reached the Mexican land with an historic team like the Eagles of Zulia, who had to overcome 17 long years without being crowned champions of the land, defeated the mighty Cardinals of Lara to win the Venezuelan title and come to this series as two time winners of the Caribbean Series in 1984 and 1989.
The Venezuelans reached the land of Mexican with an historic team like the Eagles of Zulia, who had to overcome 17 long years without being crowned patriots of the land, but who defeated the mighty Cardinals of Lara and came to Mexico the winners of two trophies in the Caribbean Series in 1984 and 1989.
CUBA
Alazanes de Granma
The Alazanes were the great surprise of the last National Baseball Series of Cuba, where, against all odds, managed to defeat the Tigers of Ciego de Avila, who were champions of the League for two consecutive years. After their participation in the Caribbean Series, Cuban players are scheduled to participate in the IV World Classic, elite professional baseball tournament.
VENEZUELA
The return of the Eagles of Zulia
The Zulians come with a combination of players from of Cardinals, Navigators, Caribs, Sharks and Braves. Denis Phipps (RF), Omar Bencomo Jr. (LD), Luis Ramírez (LD), Gregory Infante (LD), Raul Rivero (LD), Hassan Pena . Yesterday they tried to confirm Alex Amarista.
Dominican
The Tigers of Licey
The Tigers are winners of nine titles and include four players from the Aguilas Cibaeñas, runners up in the Dominican finalsfinal: Zoilo Almonte,
Ronny Rodriguez and pitchers Ulises Joaquín and Juan Grullón. The line up will also include Leury Garcia, of the Giants of the Cibao, and the pitcher, Edgar Garcia, of Estrellas.
PUERTO RICO
Criollos of Caguas
The champion Criollos were honored by the House of Representatives to highlight the championship in the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (LBPRC) through a recognition led by the representative Jose "Conny" Varela in the Hall of The Proceres in the Capitol city.
MEXICO
Eagles of Mexicali
Mexicali will seek the championship with reinforcement Jesse Castillo, of the Navojoa Mayos, and supported with his teammate and MVP of the Finals, Héctor Velázquez, The Mexican team has bats to reach the title.
