By now everyone knows that our hometown baseball team, the Venados, won the championship series against Mexicali and will be representing Mexico in the Caribbean League World Series in the Dominican Republic February 1 – 7. CONGRATULATIONS! We very much enjoyed the cheering every time the team won a home game, and the fireworks were spectacular.

Can you believe they’re doing the series during Carnavál? What’s up with THAT?

Like the great hometown team they are, the new champions held a parade (after a Mass in the cathedral) around downtown and then down the malecón, ending at the Saenz Venados baseball player statue right in front of our house. It was awesome to see! The bus and two flatbeds full of players, coaches, and their families stopped ocean-side while heading north, gave out free shirts and caps, and spent well over an hour signing autographs and taking pictures with everyone. It cracked me up to see how everyone wanted to hand their baby up to players on the truck to take a photo. Do they think the baby has any clue who the guy is? One thing that puzzled me, however: where was the trophy??? I would have thought they’d be holding it up high and proudly!

The players and the coaches all looked so happy! I loved that the Carnavál lights were up and lit, adding to the festivities. Here are a few pics (you know I can never take just a few). Click on any photo to enlarge it or view a slideshow.

There had to be about 1500 people gathered in front of Olas Altas Inn, and I can only imagine how many hundreds more had lined the parade route and attended Mass. Patas Saladas do love their team! Especially when they win 😉 There were a few bands, one of which got down off the flatbed to set up on the malecón, and all of whom added to the merriment. Vennie was there, eager to take photos with the kids, engaging in his normal antics. Guys were selling flags and banners, the Pacífico girls strutted their stuff, and there was a killer sunset. All in all, not a bad way to spend an hour on a Monday afternoon!

Once the parade stopped so the team could greet the fans, the fireworks guys who lead parades here walked down to the beach, and from there they lit a good 15-20 minutes worth of fireworks. You know how they hold the bottle rockets in their hand, much braver or more foolhardy than what I think is safe? I was able to get some very cool shots of the fireworks blasting up from the beach, with our islands and the setting sun in the background. I hope you enjoy them.

As usual, we had a stunning sunset that served as a backdrop to this wonderful event. We are so blessed to live here. With the ships, ferry, tour boats and private boats out in the bay, it was a glorious sight.

I should also mention that it’s not the existing Venados team that plays in the Serie del Caribe. They assemble a sort of All Star team, with some of our players and other star players in the league. I loved that the sign in the front of the bus said, “Venados de México”!

Muchas felicidades, Venados!!! Thank you for loving us back! And éxito in the DR!!!