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All-Latino baseball team: The best all-time lineup of players born in Dominican Republic

September 24, 2021
Albert Pujols became the sixth player with 3,000 hits and 500 career home runs.

Albert Pujols became the sixth player with 3,000 hits and 500 career home runs.

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, USA TODAY Sports put together All-Latino baseball lineups from throughout Latin America.

The Dominican Republic has produced some of the greatest players in the history of baseball and while only three Dominican-born players are currently in the Hall of Fame, that list looks to grow in the coming years with David Ortiz on the ballot for 2022 as well as Adrián Beltré and Albert Pujols down the line.

In 1956, Ozzie Virgil Sr. became the first Dominican-born player in MLB history.

“Virgil should be for my country as important as [Jackie] Robinson [is] to the African-American,” Ortiz told ESPN in 2006. “I’d place his legacy up there with that of those who established our republic. … If I weren’t playing baseball, I would most likely be working in my country. I thank God every day for opening the doors to the big leagues for me.”

There were 98 Dominican-born players on MLB opening day rosters in 2021, more than any other country – with Venezuela at 64 and 19 Cubans rounding out the top three countries with the most representation.

Catcher: Tony Peña, 1980-97

First base: Albert Pujols, 2001-present

Second base: Robinson Canó, 2005-2020

Third base: Adrián Beltré, 1998-2018

Adrian Beltre was a five-time Gold Glove third baseman who retired with 3,166 hits.Adrian Beltre was a five-time Gold Glove third baseman who retired with 3,166 hits.

Adrian Beltre was a five-time Gold Glove third baseman who retired with 3,166 hits.

Shortstop: Miguel Tejada, 1997-2013

Outfield: Vladimir Guerrero, 1996-2011 (Hall of Fame)

Outfield: Sammy Sosa, 1989-2007

Outfield: Manny Ramírez, 1993-2011

Manny Ramirez slugged 555 home runs and drove in 1,831 runs over 19 seasons.Manny Ramirez slugged 555 home runs and drove in 1,831 runs over 19 seasons.

Manny Ramirez slugged 555 home runs and drove in 1,831 runs over 19 seasons.

Designated hitter: David Ortiz, 1997-2016

David Ortiz was a three-time World Series champion, 10-time All-Star and one of the biggest clutch hitters in baseball.David Ortiz was a three-time World Series champion, 10-time All-Star and one of the biggest clutch hitters in baseball.

David Ortiz was a three-time World Series champion, 10-time All-Star and one of the biggest clutch hitters in baseball.

Utility: Felipe Alou, 1958-74

Pedro Martinez is a three-time Cy Young winner who also won the ERA title five times.Pedro Martinez is a three-time Cy Young winner who also won the ERA title five times.

Pedro Martinez is a three-time Cy Young winner who also won the ERA title five times.

Starting pitcher: Pedro Martínez, 1992-2009 (Hall of Fame)

Starting pitcher: Juan Marichal, 1960-75 (Hall of Fame)

Starting pitcher: Bartolo Colón, 1997-2018

Relief pitcher: Francisco Cordero, 1999-2012

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Best Dominican Republic baseball players: Top MLB stars from the DR

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