SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS, Dominican Republic — Manny Acta, general manager of Aguilas Cibaenas, slipped out of the home clubhouse at Estadio Cibao on a steamy December day and ascended the dugout steps. Shielding his eyes, Acta surveyed the stands, already crowded and alive with the hum of children tooting plastic horns 30 minutes before game time.
At Estadio Cibao, the largest and most colorful stadium on the Dominican Winter League circuit, a baseball game is a nine-inning assault on the senses. Flags wave. Merengue pulses. These are among the most devoted sports fans anywhere, but they expect much.