Baseball in the Dominican Republic: Passion, Talent, and Emotion
No country lives and breathes baseball like the Dominican Republic. Baseball is much more than a pastime for Dominicans — it’s a way of life, passed down through generations with pride, grit, and joy.
From legends like Albert Pujols, Vladimir Guerrero, Pedro Martínez, Manny Ramirez, Juan Marichal, Adrián Beltré, and David Ortiz to current superstars like Vladdy Jr., Soto, Tatis Jr., J-Rod, J-Ram, and Elly, ballplayers grow as abundantly as the tropical mangos, avocados, and plantains that proliferate the island. All 30 MLB teams operate a development academy in the D.R., and any patch of open space – be it a parking lot or a rocky sandlot – might be where a savvy independent coach breeds one of baseball’s next greats.
Our tours explore the roots of Dominican baseball culture. Guests will receive unparalleled inside access thanks to Extra Innings Travel founder Shane Barclay’s many years living and working in the D.R. You’ll visit youth development programs, tour MLB team academies, and experience the intense love for the game that fuels the world’s most productive talent pipeline.
Off the field, you will visit favorite local haunts that are removed from the well-beaten tourist path and far from the walls of all-inclusive resorts. You will have an authentic local experience, from the meals you eat to the people you meet!
All of our tours involved a community service project that players can include on their college applications. The D.R. is a developing nation with a large impoverished population, so we feel it is important to always give back to the local communities we visit.
Sample Itinerary* – Dominican Republic
- Day 1: Arrive in Santo Domingo (SDQ airport), check into hotel, orientation, welcome dinner
- Day 2: Tour MLB team development academy, Game 1
- Day 3: Game 2, visit the D.R.’s first stadium and tour the historic Colonial Zone
- Day 4: Game 3, philanthropic activity – helping those in need and equipment donation, clinic with local youth program
- Day 5: Beach day, visit Dominican Baseball Hall of Fame, LIDOM Winter League game at night
- Day 6: Games 4 & 5 (shortened first game and mixed roster second game)
- Day 7: Return home.
*See each tour’s booking page for a tentative trip-specific itinerary. Tour schedule and activities are subject to change. A final, detailed itinerary will be distributed before your departure.
Upcoming Player Travel Tours
A deep dive for the whole family into the Dominican culture, on and off the field! All guests will experience the best that the D.R. has to offer, from your plate to la playa, and everywhere in between. Players will play alongside and against Dominican players, learn from local coaches, and experience the ecosystem that develops talent like no other country in the world.
Join us for a whole-family, baseball-centric, Thanksgiving to remember in 2026!
11u-13u Baseball
Inaugural Thanksgiving Trip!
November 21-27, 2026
We expect to sell out, so reserve your spot now with a $500 deposit!
Interested, but not quite ready to claim your spot? Sign up for our interest list.
Pricing & Details
- Cost per person is approximately $2,900 for a 7-day, 6-night trip, but varies based on trip specifics and the total number of guests. The price for players and non-players is the same.
- Make this a family vacation that you’ll remember forever! All traveling party guests will be included in all group activities other than playing baseball (meals, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, and all off-field activities). All minors must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or coach who is responsible for the minor.
- $500 deposit required per guest. Deposits may be fully or partially refundable – see our Terms & Conditions for details.
- Rather than just skim the culture as fortunate tourists, our tours will benefit the local communities we visit. Approximately 70% of our tour price is earmarked as “local spend” that will stay in the Dominican Republic.
Interest Form
Get in touch with us today to request additional information about Play Abroad.