On December 9, 2007 the 8th Annual Juan Encarnación Softball Classic took place in Las Matas de Farfán. This is the third one in a row that I attend and they did not disappoint. They hold a softball game played by MLB current and former players as well as locals participating. This year Vladimir Guerrero made a cameo appearance arriving by helicopter, but did not play. Others in attendance were José Rijo, Ricardo Carty, Ronny Paulino, Octavio Dotel, Julio Santana, D´Angelo Jiménez, Julio Mateo, Kelvin Jiménez , Odalis Pérez, Alberto Castillo, Roberto Novoa, Ramón Santiago and Víctor Méndez.
This year the event had more meaning on two different levels. The country had recently been ravaged by two hurricanes and Juan Encarnación is still unaware when he will return to the diamond. Last season he suffered an eye injury while standing in the on deck circle. He was hit by a foul ball that fractured his eye socket.
After the game there were live performances held throughout the town for the people to enjoy.
This year the event had more meaning on two different levels. The country had recently been ravaged by two hurricanes and Juan Encarnación is still unaware when he will return to the diamond. Last season he suffered an eye injury while standing in the on deck circle. He was hit by a foul ball that fractured his eye socket.
After the game there were live performances held throughout the town for the people to enjoy.
