|
|
Article: Latin America: BASEBALL'S FRONTIER; Pride of Paya; Twins shortstop Cristian Guzman can afford to live anywhere he wants, but each winter he returns to his homeland, where he is regarded as a local hero.(SPORTS)(SERIES: Latin America: BASEBALL'S FRONTIER)
- Article from:
- Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)
- Article date:
- January 13, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Star Tribune Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Byline: Jim Souhan; Staff Writer
Bani, Dominican Republic -- Chickens pecked the bullpen mound. A cow grazed by the outfield fence.
Down the right field line of the modest ballpark that houses the Twins' academy in Santana, Dominican Republic, Twins prospects stood in a dirt-floor batting cage, silently waiting their turn to hit off a tee.
In America, batting cages generate constant chatter. Here, on this brilliant Dominican morning, the players, dressed in shorts and T-shirts, treated batting practice as if it were a form of solemn prayer.
Then, 100 yards away, a pristine white Cadillac Escalade pulled behind the clubhouse. The ...