Back in the USA: Winter Ball Takeaways

​​We’re officially back in the United States after three weeks in the Dominican Republic. Matt was released from the Toros. 
 
Honestly, Matt didn’t get much of chance. He only got 11 at-bats. He went 3-for-11, all DH and most against left-handers. But winter ball especially in the DR and especially with the Toros is all about big league names. Each team can only have 10 imported players on the roster, and the week Matt was released they needed his spot for a pitcher and were also activating Hunter Pence and Yunel Escobar. Matt was the only position player (outside of one of two catchers) of the imported players who doesn’t have big league time. The Toros were struggling to win games (which is all that matters there) so trying a lot of different things. 
 
It also didn’t help that Matt had originally signed a contract for the first half and the Dodgers vetoed that so were lucky to even still get a spot at all. The GM was super nice and said he hopes Matt can come back next year. 
 
At the end of the day, we had a great experience both at the baseball games and at the resort. The resort was beautiful, and the team did everything to accommodate our needs during our stay. Matt got work in for three weeks which was another important thing.

Takeaways

1. Your stomach will take a week or so to adjust to food in the DR.
2. Take a hot plate and pan if going to be staying at the hotel.
3. Baseball politics are present in major league baseball but especially in winter ball. One guy only got five at-bats and was released. One guy has been coming to play for four years and his picture is the only American on the outside of the stadium he got sent home too. Just have to take it like it is. Make good relationships with everyone in charge if you plan to come back in the future. 
4. There are a lot more off days then in the minor leagues so do all the things during your time there.
5. Always, always, always take your stuff with you. (Even if you go to the bathroom while sitting in a security guarded suite.)
6. I’ve never been one to wear water shoes until I stepped on a spiky fish and got 19 spikes in my foot. I freaked out at first. Went to the first aid station and it ended up not being a big deal. So I wore water shoes from then on.
7. Embrace the game atmosphere. They can get a little crazy. Enjoy it but be smart.
8. The language barrier is hard but use hand signals and just try your best. Broken Spanish/broken English is pretty much enough to communicate effectively.
9. Don’t over tip. Money goes a longer way in the DR then in the States and there is already a tip tax on the bill.
10. Be kind to everyone. All the players and spouses you’re going to be around. The resort staff. The team management. Don’t be high maintenance when you already have a sweet setup. Everything isn’t going to be perfect and that’s okay.

 
I’m sure I will think of more later. These were just off the top of my head. And I want to do just a post on Casa de Campo later.
 
We’re super grateful for our time and experience there and hope Matt can go play there again at some point and play a few more games to get into a good groove!