Mayor Olivia Chow, joined by Deputy Mayor Mike Colle, representatives of the Dominican Republic, community leaders and members of Toronto’s Dominican community, officially inaugurated the Santo Domingo Baseball Diamond at Caledonia Park.
Today’s ceremony marked the City of Toronto’s formal celebration of the diamond’s commemorative naming and recognized the Dominican community’s significant contributions to baseball and Toronto’s cultural life. It also celebrated the strong cultural ties between Toronto and Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic.
The event was attended by Lucilo Santos, Consul General of the Dominican Republic in Toronto and representatives from the Afro Dominicana Community Organization. During the ceremony, Mayor Chow presented a scroll to the organization in recognition of its leadership in bringing the community together for the occasion.
The Santo Domingo Baseball Diamond honours the lasting impact of Dominican baseball in Toronto, from celebrated former Toronto Blue Jays players Tony Fernández, George Bell and Alfredo Griffin to the generations of local coaches, volunteers, families and amateur athletes who have helped the sport thrive across the city.
The inauguration also comes during the Toronto Blue Jays’ 50th season, providing an opportunity to celebrate the important role Dominican players have played in the history of the team and Toronto’s enduring love of baseball.
Quote:
“Baseball has brought generations of Torontonians together, and the Santo Domingo Baseball Diamond is a wonderful tribute to the Dominican community’s lasting contributions to the sport and our city. This diamond celebrates the players who inspired us, as well as the coaches, volunteers, families and young athletes who continue to build Toronto’s baseball community. I am proud to formally inaugurate this special space and celebrate the strong friendship between Toronto and Santo Domingo.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.