Venezuela’s Tigres Stun the Crowd

When most think of Venezuela, baseball doesn’t automatically come to mind. But more and more talented squads are proving it should.

Venezuela’s Tigres de Aragua, one of the most impressive winter league teams in the nation since American manager Buddy Bailey took over five years ago, shocked Caribbean Series fans after they pummeled the Dominican team slated to win with an 8-5 victory.

It was supposed to be a sure thing for the Aguilas Cibaenas of the Dominican Republic, who had only suffered one loss and were viewed as a shoe-in to win the match. But, the Venezuelan Tigres have continually shown that they are not a team to be taken for granted. In 2003, they set a record for winning percentage in a season and then won the next two titles after that. Currently, they have back-to-back championships. The team also boasts an impressive roster and statistics.