Baseball is King

No Question about it, baseball is king of spectator sports in Venezuela. When U.S. oil companies came to Venezuela in the early 1900s, their personnel brought the game with them. Baseball’s popularity took off slowly, but by the 1940s professional winter leagues had started in the country. Eventually teams spread throughout the country and maintained the support of North America. Along with this, the level of play increased as well. Major league teams scout here regularly, and many Venezuelan players make it to the major league. Many of these players come back to Venezuela in the American off-season to maintain their skills, as well as support their country.       Baseball games in Venezuela are a sight to be seen. The crowds are as rowdy at these games as I have ever seen. There is yelling, screaming, cheering, and even bands playing throughout the entire game. Every pitch brings excitement to the crowd. We witnessed a game being played by the Magallanes, who were and obvious hometown favorite. There were many major league players filling in on the team, and the people there loved them. The game was an exciting one, and the people of all ages gave us an experience we will not soon forget.

This shot was taken from the airplane that we took to the islands of Los Roques.

A map of the islands that we visited where we participated in activities such as snorkling and swimming.

Prepared by:  Kalow Huff