The Federation of Professional Baseball Players of the Dominican Republic (FENAPEPRO) presented the First Class of the Dominican Scouts Mural, an essential tribute to the talent scouts who have elevated Quisqueya baseball to the Major Leagues. The event, held at the Domincan Baseball Player Museum, brought together key figures in the sport for a fraternal dinner.
Erick Almonte and Bryant Mejía lead the tribute
Erick Almonte, FENAPEPRO president, along with Bryant Mejía, initiator of the initiative, and Vian Araujo, headed the ceremony. Mejía offered introductory words, highlighting how these scouts, often in anonymity, have forged the history of Dominican baseball. The First Class of the Dominican Scouts Mural celebrates their vision and discipline.
Legendary figures in the First Class of the Dominican Scouts Mural
Among the honorees are icons such as Juan Marichal, the first Latin American in the Cooperstown Hall of Fame, who after his playing career scouted for the Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants. Pablo Neftalí Cruz, with over 50 years of experience, was the International Scout of the Year for MLB in 2016, working with the Pirates, Expos, and other teams.
Legacy of Eppy Guerrero and other pioneers
- Epifanio “Eppy” Guerrero (1942-2013): Signed over 130 players and founded the first baseball academy in the DR, key in the 1992-1993 Toronto World Series.
- Julio “Sijo” Linares: Director of Dominican operations for the Houston Astros since 1973, Caribbean mentor.
- Pablo Peguero (1955-2021): Scout for the Dodgers and Giants, pushed 26 players to the Major Leagues, including Mike Piazza.
- Ramón “Pintacora” de los Santos: Former LIDOM pitcher and scout for the Seattle Mariners.
- Winston “Chilote” Llenas: Scout for the Cleveland Indians and former president of the Águilas Cibaeñas.
- Eddy Toledo: MLB Scout of the Year 2024, with 50+ players in the Major Leagues for the Philadelphia Phillies.
- Jesús “Jay” Alou: Director of operations for the Expos, Marlins, and Red Sox.
This Domincan Scouts Mural preserves the memory of those who opened doors to thousands of young people. Attendees included Rodney Linares, Félix Feliz of the Dominican Scouts Association, and Junior Noboa, baseball commissioner, along with family members of the honorees.
The impact of the First Class of the Dominican Scouts Mural transcends sports: the Dominican Republic produces around 100 baseball players annually in the Major Leagues, thanks to these visionaries. Their legacy strengthens academies and local opportunities, solidifying the country as the cradle of global baseball talent.
