Explain the significance of baseball in…

The importance of baseball in Cuba and the Dominican Republic is paramount. In Cuba, baseball has been the leading team sport since 1864 when it was introduced by Cuban students returning from the US. Under the Socialist regime, sports, particularly baseball, hold significant value and since 1961, only amateur baseball is sanctioned. In Cuba, baseball has become akin to a “religion.” Many Cuban players have found great success in Major League Baseball, including notable names like Jos√© Canseco, Minnie Minoso, and Rafael Palmeiro. Similarly, in the Dominican Republic, baseball is revered as the national sport, with origins tracing back to the late 1870s. The Dominican Republic produces a remarkable number of talented players who compete professionally in the United States, ranking second only to American players. Prominent Dominican Major Leaguers include Pedro Mart√≠nez, Bartolo Col√≥n, and Juan Marichal. Thus, for both nations, baseball is not just a pastime but an integral part of their cultural identity and traditions, contributing numerous exceptional players to the Major League rosters.