Lady Spirit Go 4-0 Against Dominican National Team

Thursday, November 11, 2004

CHECK OUT THE NEW PHOTOS FROM THE DOMINICAN!

Playing in front of 3,000 fans, while sipping juice from coconuts on the bench, the Lady Spirit took on the Dominican National Team in Bonoa, Dominican Republic.  While the Lady Spirit went 4-0 against the Dominican Women, the games were no cake walk. The Lady Spirit only squeaked by the quick and hard hitting Dominicans winning 8-7 and 6-5 in two of the four games.  The Lady Spirit's bats came alive in the other 2 contests, as they defeated their opponents 12-4 and 11-5.  Beyond baseball, the Lady Spirit reached out to the community donating thousands of dollars of baseball equipment, and visiting schools, while making many new friends along the way.  Despite the language barrier, the two teams bonded through baseball, music (very LOUD music at that!), dancing (the merengue), and eating many fried plantains!

While the beaches and landscape were breathtaking, the scenery sharply contrasted with the widespread poverty which touched the hearts of all.  The gap between the rich and poor was gaping.  But, the spirit of the country was alive...as the Dominicans seemed quite content as long as there was baseball, music, dancing, and, ok,....fried plantains.  And, during our time there, we immersed ourselves in the same…playing baseball (at times to the beat of the local music) and then dancing the night away.  Thank you to all of our Dominican friends for your hospitality and for making this trip an experience of a lifetime.  We cannot wait to return to your country and to host you in ours. 

For Pics from the Lady Spirit Trip to the Dominican check out: 

http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?&collid=921987588105&page=1&sort_order=0  NEW!

http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?&collid=100131428105&page=1&sort_order=0
Check back for more pics soon!

A Thank You To Nick Lopardo -

Hi Nick,

I just wanted to let you know that the Dominican Exhibition baseball Tournament was the trip of a lifetime for me. From baseball, to Dominican Culture, to being a part of a team that has such strong chemistry - I think each one contributed more than I can even explain.  For various reasons, I was a bit indecisive about committing to the trip.  Once I was there, however, with that group and experiencing the pride that the Dominican’s have for their baseball, I feel rejuvenated and even more connected to baseball than I have felt in a long time. 

Your generosity and support is appreciated more than you know.  I’ve played in with this group of women since the “league’s” inception about 5 or 6 years ago. Nothing we have ever had (or probably ever will have) can compare to what you have given to us.  Despite the struggles we have recently encountered, the group that just went on this trip to the Dominican has really shown acceptance, camaraderie, competitiveness and dedication. 

The feelings we had after being greeted at the airport by the press and the minister of baseball was simply beyond belief.  Who could have imagined that was just the beginning!  The crowds that came out to support women’s baseball were even larger and louder than I could have even guessed.  Interacting with the locals and representing the US was an experience that I owe solely to you.  I think our entire team was awestruck for most of the week.  We were all touched in so many different ways, by so many different encounters during this trip.

I appreciate the opportunity, and would love to take part in any of your future endeavors.

Thanks again,

Kelly