It was formerly referred to as “the small republic of great baseball” because More Major League Baseball players have come from it than any other league. The country outside the United States. Additionally, the Dominican Republic has a lengthy and rich past. With baseball (about 400 players were born here).
The Dominican Republic has produced some of Major League Baseball’s all-time best players. These top 21 athletes from this tiny nation of 8 million people have achieved greatness.
1. Albert Pujols
Albert Pujols was Born in 1980 in Santo Domingo, D.R. Pujols signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1993. He is a Dominican-American professional baseball first baseman and designated hitter for the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball (MLB).
He was known as “The Machine” or “La Máquina” in Spanish and played for the St. Louis Cardinals for his first 11 MLB seasons. He then spent more than nine seasons with the Los Angeles Angels before spending half a season with the Los Angeles Dodgers and then returning to the Cardinals for what he declared would be his final season. Since 2020, he has been the oldest active MLB player.
| Albert Pujols | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | José Alberto Pujols Alcántara |
| Nickname | The Machine (La Máquina) |
| Nationality | Dominican-American |
| Position | First baseman / Designated hitter |
| Birthdate | January 16, 1980 (age 43) |
| Birthplace | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
| MLB Debut | April 2, 2001, for the St. Louis Cardinals |
| Last MLB Appearance | October 4, 2022, for the St. Louis Cardinals |
| Batting | Right |
| Throwing | Right |
| Teams | St. Louis Cardinals (2001–2011), Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim / Los Angeles Angels (2012–2021), Los Angeles Dodgers (2021), St. Louis Cardinals (2022) |
| Career Highlights | 11× All-Star, 2× World Series champion, 3× NL MVP, NL Rookie of the Year, NLCS MVP, 2× Gold Glove Award, 6× Silver Slugger Award, 2× NL Hank Aaron Award, NL Comeback Player of the Year, Roberto Clemente Award, NL batting champion, 2× NL home run leader, NL RBI leader |
| MLB Statistics | Batting average: .296, Hits: 3,384, Home runs: 703, Runs batted in: 2,218 |
| Notable Records | – 4th player with 700 career home runs – 2nd place all-time for career RBIs – Career leader in double plays grounded into (426) – 3rd in sacrifice flies (123) |
| Other Achievements | – 11-time All-Star selection – Led the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels to World Series championships – One of the greatest baseball players of all time |
2. David Ortiz
David Ortiz was born in 1975 in the Dominican Republic’s Santo Domingo. He is a Dominican designated hitter in professional baseball, first baseman, and Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox third baseman (MLB). Nicknamed “Big Papi”, he is considered one of the greatest baseball players of his generation.
Ortiz has been selected for the All-Star Game thirteen times, including eight consecutive selections from 2003 to 2010. A switch hitter who threw left-handed until 2008, Ortiz has since batted exclusively from the right side.
| David Ortiz | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Américo Ortiz Arias |
| Nickname | Big Papi |
| Birthdate | November 18, 1975 |
| Birthplace | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican-American |
| Position | Designated Hitter / First Baseman |
| MLB Career | 1997-2016 |
| Teams | Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox |
| World Series Championships | 2004, 2007, 2013 |
| World Series MVP | 2013 |
| All-Star Selections | 10 times |
| Silver Slugger Awards | 7 times |
| Career Home Runs | 541 |
| Career RBIs | 1,768 |
| Career Batting Average | .286 |
| Baseball Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2022, first ballot |
3. Julio Franco
Julio Franco was born in 1958 in the Dominican Republic. He is a retired professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter who spent the majority of his Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Texas Rangers and Cleveland Indians. Franco is one of only four players whose careers began before 1980 to accumulate more than 3,000 hits, 1,500 runs scored and 1,500 runs batted in (RBI).
| Julio Franco | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Julio César Franco Robles |
| Birthdate | August 23, 1958 |
| Birthplace | Hato Mayor del Rey, Dominican Republic |
| Batted | Right |
| Threw | Right |
| Professional Debut | MLB: April 23, 1982, for the Philadelphia Phillies NPB: April 1, 1995, for the Chiba Lotte Marines |
| Last Appearance | NPB: October 11, 1998, for the Chiba Lotte Marines MLB: September 17, 2007, for the Atlanta Braves |
| MLB Batting Average | .298 |
| MLB Hits | 2,586 |
| MLB Home Runs | 173 |
| MLB Runs Batted In | 1,194 |
| NPB Batting Average | .298 |
| NPB Home Runs | 28 |
| NPB Runs Batted In | 135 |
| KBO Batting Average | .327 |
| KBO Home Runs | 22 |
| KBO Runs Batted In | 110 |
| Teams | Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, Chiba Lotte Marines, Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Samsung Lions, Atlanta Braves, New York Mets |
| Career Highlights and Awards | 3× All-Star, 5× Silver Slugger Award, AL batting champion |
| Oldest Active Player | Julio Franco was the oldest active big league player during his last appearance in 2007. |
| All-Time Hits Leader | Julio Franco was the all-time hits leader among Dominican-born players. |
| Versatility | Franco played multiple positions, including shortstop, second baseman, first baseman, and designated hitter. |
| Childhood | Franco was born in Hato Mayor del Rey, Dominican Republic, and grew up in Consuelo, San Pedro de Macorís. |
| Minor League Success | Franco excelled in the minor leagues, consistently hitting over .300. |
| Success in Japan and Korea | Franco had successful stints in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). |
| Retirement and Coaching | After retiring, Franco became a coach and currently serves as a hitting coach for the Lotte Giants’ farm team in the KBO League. |
4. Robinson Canó
Robinson Canó was born in 1982 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) player and outfielder for the Seattle Mariners of the National League (NL). He is nicknamed “El Perico” (The Parakeet) in Spanish. He bats and throws right-handed, stands 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) tall, and weighs 265 pounds (120 kg). Canó is a 12-time MLB All-Star and has led the American League in hits three times. His first MVP award came in 2005.
| Robinson Can | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robinson José Canó Mercedes |
| Date of Birth | October 22, 1982 |
| Birthplace | San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican-American |
| Position | Second Baseman |
| Current Status | Free Agent |
| MLB Debut | May 3, 2005, for the New York Yankees |
| Teams Played for | New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, |
| Career Highlights | 8× All-Star, World Series champion (2009), |
| and Awards | 5× Silver Slugger Award, 2× Gold Glove Award, |
| Medals | World Baseball Classic 2013 San Francisco |
| Additional Info | Recorded most hits in the 2010s (1,695), |
| Winter League | Active with the Estrellas Orientales |
5. Alfonso Soriano
Alfonso Soriano was born in 1976 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He a Dominican former professional baseball left fielder and second baseman. He participated in MLB as a member of the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals, Chicago Cubs, and Baseball in Japan for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Soriano began playing baseball professionally in 1996 with Hiroshima, but in 1998 he signed a free agent deal with the Yankees and was assigned to the minor levels.
| Alfonso Soriano | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alfonso Guilleard Soriano |
| Position | Left fielder / Second baseman |
| Birthdate | January 7, 1976 |
| Birthplace | San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic |
| MLB Teams | New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals, Chicago Cubs |
| NPB Team | Hiroshima Toyo Carp |
| Professional Debut | NPB: August 5, 1997, for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp |
| Last Appearance | NPB: August 17, 1997, for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp |
| Batting Average | .270 |
| Hits | 2,095 |
| Home Runs | 412 |
| Runs Batted In | 1,159 |
| Career Highlights | 7× All-Star 4× Silver Slugger Award AL stolen base leader |
| Additional Info | Alfonso Soriano is a former professional baseball player from the Dominican Republic. He had a notable career primarily playing for the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals, and Chicago Cubs. Soriano was known for his versatility as a left fielder and second baseman. He was a seven-time MLB All-Star and a four-time recipient of the Silver Slugger Award. Soriano led the American League in stolen bases in 2002 and achieved the prestigious 40-40 club, hitting 40 home runs and stealing 40 bases in a single season. He retired with 412 career home runs, solidifying his place among the elite players with 400 or more home runs. Soriano’s contributions to the game make him one of the notable Dominican players in baseball history. |
6. Plácido Polanco
Plácido Polanco was born in 1975 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) utility player. He was a winning team member at the 2001 World Series when he hit five home runs with 10 RBIs to capture the championship for the Braves. At San Jacinto College, he was a baseball player before being signed as an amateur free agent by the Toronto Blue Jays.
| Pl cido Polanco | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Plácido Enrique Polanco |
| Birthdate | October 10, 1975 |
| Birthplace | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican-American |
| Position | Second baseman / Third baseman / Shortstop |
| MLB Debut | July 3, 1998, for the St. Louis Cardinals |
| Last MLB Appearance | September 28, 2013, for the Miami Marlins |
| Teams | St. Louis Cardinals (1998–2002) Philadelphia Phillies (2002–2005) Detroit Tigers (2005–2009) Philadelphia Phillies (2010–2012) Miami Marlins (2013) |
| Batting | Right |
| Throwing | Right |
| Career Highlights | 2× All-Star (2007, 2011) ALCS MVP (2006) 3× Gold Glove Award (2007, 2009, 2011) Silver Slugger Award (2007) |
| Fielding Records | Highest career fielding percentage for second basemen (99.27%) Highest career fielding percentage for third basemen (98.34%) |
| U.S. Citizenship | Became a naturalized U.S. citizen on July 9, 2008 |
| Drafted | Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1994 MLB draft |
| Postseason Stats | Played in 38 postseason games with a batting average of .248, 11 runs, 4 doubles, 13 RBI, 3 stolen bases, and 11 walks |
| Family | Married to Lily Polanco with a daughter named Aide Rose and a son named Ishmael |
7. Luis Castillo
Luis Castillo was born in 1975 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) shortstop and third baseman who spent most of his career with the Cincinnati Reds (2004–08), with whom he made his league debut on April 3, 2004.
| Luis Castillo | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Luis Antonio Castillo |
| Position | Former professional baseball second baseman |
| Birthdate | September 12, 1975 (age 47) |
| Birthplace | San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic |
| MLB Teams | Florida Marlins, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets |
| MLB Debut | August 8, 1996, for the Florida Marlins |
| Last MLB Appearance | October 3, 2010, for the New York Mets |
| Batting/Throwing | Switch hitter/Right-handed thrower |
| Batting Average | .290 |
| Home Runs | 28 |
| Runs Batted In | 443 |
| Stolen Bases | 370 |
| Career Highlights | 3× All-Star, 3× Gold Glove Award winner |
| and Awards | World Series champion (1997, 2003), Marlins’ games played leader |
| Notable Records | Longest hitting streak by a second baseman (35 games) |
8. Tony Fernández
Antonio Fernández was born in 1962 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) player and current manager of the Toros del Este of the Dominican Winter Baseball League. He was known for having a powerful personality defense and being one of the best-hitting shortstops in baseball history.
| Tony Fern ndez | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Octavio Antonio Fernández Castro (known as Tony Fernández) |
| Birthdate | June 30, 1962 |
| Birthplace | San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican |
| Position | Shortstop |
| MLB Debut | September 2, 1983, for the Toronto Blue Jays |
| Last MLB Appearance | October 7, 2001, for the Toronto Blue Jays |
| Teams Played For | Toronto Blue Jays (1983–1990, 1993, 1998–1999, 2001) |
| Career Highlights | 5× All-Star |
| and Awards | World Series champion (1993) |
| Batting Average | .288 |
| Hits | 2,276 |
| Home Runs | 94 |
| Runs Batted In | 844 |
| Defensive Skills | Exceptional defensive skills at shortstop |
| Notable Records | Major league single-season record for a shortstop with 213 hits |
| Postseason | Played a major role in helping the Toronto Blue Jays win the 1993 World Series |
| Off-field | Known for a tilted, wavering batting stance and exceptional fitness dedication |
| Personal Struggles | Diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in 2017 |
| Death | Passed away on February 16, 2020, in Weston, Florida, following complications with a stroke and pneumonia |
9. Miguel Tejada
Miguel Tejada was born in 1974 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is a Dominican former professional baseball shortstop and third baseman. Apart from his native country, he has played for the Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB). A six-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove Award winner, Tejada is the only MLB player to achieve five hits and five stolen bases in the same game.
| Miguel Tejada | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Miguel Odalis Tejada (né Tejeda) |
| Birthdate | May 25, 1974 |
| Birthplace | Baní, Dominican Republic |
| Position | Shortstop |
| Batting | Right |
| Throwing | Right |
| MLB Debut | August 27, 1997, for the Oakland Athletics |
| Last MLB Appearance | August 10, 2013, for the Kansas City Royals |
| Batting Average | .285 |
| Hits | 2,407 |
| Home Runs | 307 |
| Runs Batted In | 1,302 |
| Teams | Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, |
| Career Highlights | 6× All-Star (2002, 2004–2006, 2008, 2009) |
| and Awards | AL MVP (2002) |
| Nickname | “La Guagua” |
| Notable Records | Longest streak of consecutive games played by an infielder |
| Suspension | 105-game suspension for violating MLB drug policy (2013) |
| Influences | Idolized Cal Ripken Jr. |
10. José Reyes
José Reyes was born in 1983 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He played baseball in the Major Leagues in the past and shortstop for the New York Mets and Colorado Rockies. In 2004, he received the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year Award as a member of the Marlins. Overall, he is the winner of the six-time MLB All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger Award. He has led the NL in stolen bases nine times, including each year from 2003–07.
| Jos Reyes | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | José Bernabe Reyes |
| Birthdate | June 11, 1983 |
| Birthplace | Villa González, Santiago, Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican-American |
| Position | Infielder (Shortstop) |
| MLB Teams | New York Mets, Miami Marlins, Toronto Blue Jays, Colorado Rockies |
| MLB Debut | June 10, 2003, for the New York Mets |
| Last MLB Appearance | September 30, 2018, for the New York Mets |
| Career Highlights and Awards | 4× MLB All-Star, NL Batting Champion (2011), 3× NL Stolen Base Leader (2005–2007) |
| Batting Average | .283 |
| Hits | 2,138 |
| Home Runs | 145 |
| Runs Batted In | 719 |
| Stolen Bases | 517 |
| MLB Records | New York Mets’ all-time leader in triples and stolen bases |
| Notable Feats | Led MLB in triples in multiple seasons and NL in stolen bases |
| Minor League Career | Played for Kingsport Mets and Capital City Bombers |
| Postseason Appearances | Made playoff debut in the 2006 National League Division Series |
| Other Accolades | Silver Slugger Award winner (2006) |
11. Rafael Furcal
Furcal was born in 1977 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is a Dominican former professional baseball shortstop who has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves. He is mostly known for his defensive skill, which earned him two Gold Glove Awards and two Silver Slugger Awards from the National League (NL).
| Rafael Furcal | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rafael Antoni Furcal |
| Birthdate | October 24, 1977 |
| Birthplace | Loma de Cabrera, Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican |
| Position | Shortstop |
| Batted | Switch |
| Threw | Right |
| MLB Debut | April 4, 2000, for the Atlanta Braves |
| Last MLB Appearance | June 21, 2014, for the Miami Marlins |
| MLB Teams | Atlanta Braves (2000–2005), Los Angeles Dodgers (2006–2011), St. Louis Cardinals (2011–2012), Miami Marlins (2014) |
| Career Highlights | 3× All-Star, World Series champion, NL Rookie of the Year |
| Highest Batting Average | .300 |
| Total Home Runs | 113 |
| Total Runs Batted In | 587 |
| World Series Wins | 1 (2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals) |
| Personal Life | Furcal grew up in Loma de Cabrera, Dominican Republic. He has two sons and a daughter. He has been involved in charitable activities in his hometown. |
| Retirement | Furcal officially retired from baseball in May 2014. |
| Hall of Fame Consideration | Furcal was considered for election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020. |
12. Adrián Beltré
Adrián Beltré was born in1979 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder, second baseman, and designated hitter for the Baltimore Orioles of the American League (AL). Beltré is a two-time Gold Glove Award winner and a four-time Silver Slugger Award recipient. On August 16, 2009, he blasted a home run for his 3,000th hit against the Tampa Bay Rays.
| Adri n Beltr | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Adrián Beltré |
| Date of Birth | April 7, 1979 |
| Age | 44 years |
| Birthplace | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican |
| Position | Third baseman |
| MLB Debut | June 24, 1998, for the Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Last MLB Appearance | September 30, 2018, for the Texas Rangers |
| Teams Played For | Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers |
| Batting/Throwing Hand | Right/Right |
| Career Highlights | 4× All-Star 5× Gold Glove Award 4× Silver Slugger Award NL home run leader (2004) Texas Rangers No. 29 retired Texas Rangers Hall of Fame |
| MLB Statistics | Batting Average: .286 Hits: 3,166 Home Runs: 477 Runs Batted In: 1,707 |
| Notable Achievements | Reached 3,000 hits and first Dominican player to achieve this milestone One of five players to hit at least 100 home runs for three different teams Defensive prowess with 5 Gold Glove Awards Ranks among top third basemen in career hits and RBIs Long and successful 21-season career in MLB |
13. Aramis Ramírez
Aramis Ramírez was born in 1978 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is a baseball third baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has also played for the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates. With his 440th stolen base on August 21, 2009, Ramirez became only the eighth player in MLB history to have 400 home runs and 400 stolen bases.
| Aramis Ram rez | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aramis Ramírez |
| Birthdate | June 25, 1978 (age 45) |
| Birthplace | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
| Batted | Right |
| Threw | Right |
| MLB Debut | May 26, 1998, for the Pittsburgh Pirates |
| Last MLB Appearance | October 3, 2015, for the Pittsburgh Pirates |
| Batting Average | .283 |
| Hits | 2,303 |
| Home Runs | 386 |
| Runs Batted In | 1,417 |
| Teams | Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates |
| Career Highlights | 3× All-Star, Silver Slugger Award, NL Hank Aaron Award |
| Position | Third baseman |
| MLB Seasons | 18 |
| Notable Achievements | Youngest player in MLB at debut, Hit 300 career home runs, Led the Cubs to the 2007 NL Central division title, Top-five finalist for NL Gold Glove Award, Highest MVP voting finish (9th overall) |
| Retirement | Officially retired from MLB on November 5, 2015 |
14. Edwin Encarnación
Edwin Encarnación was born in 1983 in Samaná, Dominican Republic. He is a Dominican professional baseball first and the third baseman who is currently a free agent. He played Major League Baseball (MLB), Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, and Cleveland Indians for the Seattle Mariners.
| Edwin Encarnaci n | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Edwin Elpidio Encarnación Rivera |
| Birthdate | January 7, 1983 |
| Birthplace | La Romana, Dominican Republic |
| Position | Designated Hitter / Third Baseman / First Baseman |
| MLB Debut | June 24, 2005, for the Cincinnati Reds |
| Last MLB Appearance | September 27, 2020, for the Chicago White Sox |
| Batting Average | .260 |
| Home Runs | 424 |
| Runs Batted In | 1,261 |
| Teams | Cincinnati Reds (2005–2009), Toronto Blue Jays (2009–2016), |
| Career Highlights | 3× All-Star (2013, 2014, 2016) |
| Medals | Representing Dominican Republic in Men’s Baseball |
| Personal Background | Edwin Encarnación was born on January 7, 1983, in La Romana, Dominican Republic. |
| Education | Encarnación split time as a high school student between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. |
| Notable Achievements | In the 2006 season, Encarnación had a batting average of .276 with 15 home runs and 72 RBIs. |
| Trademark | Encarnación is known for his “Parrot Walk” celebration, where he holds his arm out like a wing |
| Contract Extension | On July 12, 2013, Encarnación signed a 3-year, $27 million contract extension with the |
15. Tony Peña
Tony Peña was born in 1957 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) player, primarily a catcher. He presently works for MLB Network as a color commentator. Before joining the broadcast team, he served as the play-by-play announcer for the Nationals’ Triple-A affiliate Potomac Nationals.
| Tony Pe a | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Antonio Francisco Peña Padilla |
| Date of Birth | June 4, 1957 |
| Place of Birth | Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic |
| Position | Catcher / Manager |
| MLB Debut | September 1, 1980, for the Pittsburgh Pirates |
| Last MLB Appearance | September 28, 1997, for the Houston Astros |
| Batting Average | .260 |
| Home Runs | 107 |
| Runs Batted In | 708 |
| Managerial Record | 198-285 |
| Winning Percentage | .410 |
| Teams Played For | Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox, |
| Teams Managed | Kansas City Royals |
| Teams Coached | New York Yankees |
| Career Highlights | 5× All-Star |
| Baseball Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2016 |
| Defensive Prowess | Known for unorthodox squat behind home plate |
| Catching Achievements | Led league in putouts, assists, and caught stealing |
| Notable Accomplishments | Led 2003 Kansas City Royals to a winning record |
16. Johnny Cueto
Cueto was born in 1986 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He has played for the San Francisco Giants and Cincinnati Reds. In his career as a Giant, Cueto has been selected to three All-Star Games (2012–2014). Noted for being an effective control pitcher with exceptional ground ball outs, Cueto only allows six hits per 9 innings.
| Johnny Cueto | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Johnny Cueto |
| Nickname | Cueto in 2016 |
| Team | Miami Marlins – No. 47 |
| Position | Pitcher |
| Birthdate | February 15, 1986 |
| Birthplace | San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic |
| Bats | Right |
| Throws | Right |
| MLB Debut | April 3, 2008, for the Cincinnati Reds |
| Teams Played For | Cincinnati Reds (2008–2015), Kansas City Royals (2015), San Francisco Giants (2016–2021), Chicago White Sox (2022), Miami Marlins (2023–present) |
| Career Highlights | 2× All-Star (2014, 2016), World Series champion (2015), NL strikeout leader (2014) |
| Notable Achievements | Emerged as the ace of the Reds pitching staff and one of the top pitchers in the National League, Posted strong seasons with high win totals and low earned run averages, Finished as the runner-up for the Cy Young Award in 2012 and 2014, Selected as an All-Star in 2014 and 2016, Helped lead the Giants to the postseason in 2016 |
| Additional Information | Underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018 |
17. Jhonny Peralta
Jhonny Peralta was born in 1982 in La Vega, Dominican Republic. He is a former Major League Baseball shortstop, third baseman, and designated hitter. He has played for the same team his entire career, the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals. Peralta has won four Gold Glove Awards, two with the Royals and two with the Tigers.
| Jhonny Peralta | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jhonny Antonio Peralta |
| Birthdate | May 28, 1982 (age 41) |
| Birthplace | Santiago, Dominican Republic |
| Batted | Right |
| Threw | Right |
| MLB Debut | June 12, 2003, for the Cleveland Indians |
| Last MLB Appearance | June 6, 2017, for the St. Louis Cardinals |
| Batting Average | .267 |
| Home Runs | 202 |
| Runs Batted In | 873 |
| Teams | Cleveland Indians (2003–2010) Detroit Tigers (2010–2013) St. Louis Cardinals (2014–2017) |
| Career Highlights | 3× All-Star (2011, 2013, 2015) |
| Position | Shortstop |
| Defensive Rating | Average defensively |
| Power Hitter | Known for solid hitting with power |
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Offensive Consistency | Reached at least 100 hits, double figures in home runs, and doubles from 2005 to 2015 |
| Single-Season Records | Set single-season home run records for shortstops for the Indians in 2005 and the Cardinals in 2014 |
| Suspension | Served a 50-game suspension in 2013 for his role in the Biogenesis scandal |
| Contract | Signed a four-year contract worth $53 million with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2013 |
18. Ervin Santana
Santana was born in 1982 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Additionally, he has represented the Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and Atlanta Braves. During the 2008 World Series, Santana’s Angels faced the Tampa Bay Rays, where Santana started Game 1 of the Series and pitched six innings with no earned runs allowed.
| Ervin Santana | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ervin Ramon Santana |
| Birthdate | December 12, 1982 |
| Birthplace | San Cristobal, Dominican Republic |
| Bats | Right |
| Throws | Right |
| MLB Debut | May 17, 2005, for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim |
| Win-Loss Record | 151-129 |
| Earned Run Average | 4.11 |
| Strikeouts | 1,978 |
| Teams | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2005–2012), Kansas City Royals (2013), Atlanta Braves (2014), Minnesota Twins (2015–2018), Chicago White Sox (2019), Kansas City Royals (2021) |
| Career Highlights | 2× All-Star (2008, 2017), Pitched a no-hitter (July 27, 2011) |
| Birth Name | Johan Ramon Santana |
| Name Change | Changed his name to Ervin Santana to avoid confusion with Johan Santana |
| Amateur Free Agent | Signed with the Anaheim Angels on September 2, 2000 |
| Notable Achievements | Pitched a complete game shutout in his second start, Threw a no-hitter in 2011 |
| Career Records | 100th career win, 16 complete games, 3 shutouts |
| Injury and Surgery | Delayed season in 2018 due to finger surgery, limited to 5 starts |
| World Baseball Classic | Represented Team Dominican Republic in the 2017 tournament |
19. Nelson Cruz
Nelson Cruz was born in 1981 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is a Dominican professional baseball outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has played with the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Baltimore Orioles throughout his career. He is noted for his power-hitting, having courted controversy when he was caught using performance-enhancing drugs in violation of MLB’s drug policy and suspended.
| Nelson Cruz | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nelson Ramón Cruz Martínez Jr. |
| Date of Birth | July 1, 1980 |
| Birthplace | Las Matas de Santa Cruz, Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican-American |
| Position | Designated Hitter / Right Fielder |
| Current Team | San Diego Padres |
| MLB Teams Played For | Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres |
| MLB Debut | September 17, 2005 |
| All-Star Appearances | 7 |
| Notable Awards | 4× Silver Slugger Award, 2× Edgar Martínez Award, ALCS MVP, Roberto Clemente Award, Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award |
| Home Run Leader | AL (2014) |
| RBI Leader | AL (2017) |
| World Series Appearances | 2 |
| Notable Achievements | Hit 346 home runs in the 2010s (most by any player in the decade) |
| Batting Stance | Open stance |
| Known for | Power hitting |
| Charity Work | Donated $20,000 to help buy a firetruck for Las Matas de Santa Cruz |
| Family | Father: Nelson Cruz Sr. |
| Interests | Former Dominican Republic Junior National Basketball Team player |
20. Bartolo Colon
Bartolo Colon was born in 1973 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher and current TV analyst for the New York Mets. Before starting his Major League career, Colon also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Florida Marlins, and New York Yankees.
| Bartolo Colon | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bartolo Colon |
| Nickname | “Big Sexy” |
| Nationality | Dominican-American |
| Position | Pitcher |
| Date of Birth | May 24, 1973 |
| Birthplace | Altamira, Dominican Republic |
| MLB Teams | Cleveland Indians, Montreal Expos, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers |
| Career Highlights | 4× All-Star, AL Cy Young Award, AL wins leader |
| MLB Statistics | Win-Loss Record: 247-188, Earned Run Average: 4.12, Strikeouts: 2,535 |
| Oldest Career Milestones | Oldest player to hit first career home run |
| Charity Work | Actively involved in major charity work |
| Personal Tragedy | Mother passed away from breast cancer in 2014 |
| Early Life | Grew up in Altamira, Dominican Republic, worked in agriculture as a child, credited childhood job for his strength |
| Minor League Career | Signed by the Cleveland Indians as an amateur free agent in 1993 |
| Major League Career | Made MLB debut in 1997, played for multiple teams, achieved significant milestones and records |
| Comeback and Retirement | Overcame injuries and surgeries, announced retirement plans after the 2022-23 Dominican winter season |
| Legacy | Respected and admired for his longevity and contributions to the game of baseball |
21. Francisco Cordero
Francisco Cordero was born in 1975 in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic. He is a retired Major League Baseball relief pitcher who played for the Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, and Cincinnati Reds. Cordero is a four-time All-Star, eight-time Gold Glove winner, and three-time World Series champion with the Rangers in 2010, 2011, and 2012, and the Blue Jays in 1992 and 1993.
| Francisco Cordero | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Francisco Javier Cordero |
| Nickname | CoCo |
| Birthdate | May 11, 1975 |
| Birthplace | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
| Batted | Right |
| Threw | Right |
| MLB Debut | August 2, 1999, for the Detroit Tigers |
| Last MLB Appearance | August 1, 2012, for the Houston Astros |
| Teams Played For | Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinnati Reds, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros |
| Career Highlights | 3× MLB All-Star (2004, 2007, 2009) |
| Saves | 329 |
| Win-Loss Record | 47–53 |
| Earned Run Average | 3.38 |
| Strikeouts | 796 |
| High School | Colegio Luz Arroyo Hondo High School (Dominican Republic) |
| Position | Pitcher |