FROM CBD NEWS SOURCE
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Wake Forest baseball team will be traveling to the Dominican Republic December 16-22 to play six games against local competition, as announced by head coach Tom Walter.
The international trip will serve as a finale to the Demon Deacons’ annual fall ball practice schedule. With the trip to the Dominican not occurring until December 16, Wake Forest will not begin fall practice until November 1.
“This is a great opportunity to come together as a team. Last year we took a giant step forward and were as talented as anyone we played,” said Walter. “Last year we fell a game or two short because we lacked the X-factor – toughness. We will come back from this as a tougher, more focused, more competitive team.
“Our players will see first-hand what international players do on a daily basis to prepare for professional baseball. The reason that 40% of MLB players come from foreign countries is that they are outworking us,” said Walter.
After flying into Santo Domingo on December 16, Wake Forest will play two games on December 17 and December 21, while playing one game on December 18 and December 20.
In addition to practicing and competing in the Dominican Republic, the Demon Deacons will be participating in community service events such as helping at a youth baseball clinic and visiting a local orphanage. The team is also scheduled to spend one day away from baseball to enjoy a beach excursion to Saona Island on December 19.
Below is a tentative itinerary of Wake Forest’s trip to the Dominican Republic.
Sunday, December 16
4 p.m. – arrive at resort
5 p.m. – orientation
6 p.m. – practice
Monday, December 17
10 a.m. – game versus the National Police team
2 p.m. – game versus the Guayacanes AA team
Tuesday, December 18
10 a.m. – youth clinic – donate the equipment we collect and bring
2 p.m. – game versus the San Pedro de Macoris AA team
Wednesday, December 19
All day – beach excursion to Saona Island
Thursday, December 20
10 a.m. – game versus the National Navy team
2 p.m. – afternoon tour of the Colonial Zone and visit a local orphanage
7 p.m. – attend a Dominican Winter League game
Friday, December 21
10 a.m. – game versus the National Army team
2 p.m. – game versus the University of Santo Domingo
Saturday, December 22
10 a.m. – team practice
2 p.m. – return to US
