Baseball in the Dominican | Baseball & Cigars | Puff Lifestyle

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While the Dominican Republic is known as a cigar-producing giant, baseball is like the true religion of the island nation. When the TV feed comes in from America, everyone stops to watch their favorite Dominicano take to the field. They will root like crazy for the team with the most Dominicans and cheer like mad as their fellow countrymen excel in the big leagues. Past greats like Jesus Felipe, and Matty Alou, Joaquin Andujar, Cesar Cedeno, George Bell, and of course the great San Fransisco high-kicking pitcher, Juan Marichal are treated like national heroes in their homeland. And now the majors are dominated by Dominican superstars such as Albert Pujols, Bartolo Colon, Vladimir Guerrero, Tony Pena , Manny Ramirez, Alfonso Soriano, and David Ortiz. Mets shortstop, Jose Reyes’ mom worked for General Cigar and Jose himself was the paperboy to General’s former CEO, the great Daniel Nunez. And how great it must be to attend a game in the DR, while lighting up a big stogie and everyone around you just smiles.

There are a few major league stadiums that feature cigar bars, much to the dismay of the Big Brother contingent. Even at a ballgame, the intrusive numbskulls feel it’s their duty to save us from ourselves. Here, where I live in downtown St. Petersburg, Tropicana Field has the beautiful Cuesta-Rey Cigar Bar that over looks the diamond. The organization known as Smoke Free Florida has vehemently tried to shut them down, but thankfully the Tampa Rays ownership recognizes that the Newman family has been an integral part of the Tampa-St.Pete community for over a hundred years, and fully supports their right to exist.
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So, as I end this piece of passion and nostalgic bliss, I’m winding down on a delicious Diamond Crown maduro while the Rays head into their half of the seventh with a four run lead over the rival Yanks.

Ah… a good ball game and a good smoke. I hate to be cliché, but as the old saying goes - it don’t get any better than this.

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written by doble_ligero, June 18, 2009

I too felt compelled to light up at the pony league park where my fiance's son plays. It was about the 5th game of a 2-2 season thus far. I was designated tower person when his team was the home team, running the scoreboard, announcing and playing bumper and walk up music. I decided to enjoy a short smoke during the game while performing my duties. The team's bats and pitching dominated the game. Being the superstitious baseball fan (and former player) that I am. I kept the smoke in my gametime ritual. The team went on to blow through the 16 game season winning the title by 4 games, then went undefeated in the post season tournament. I'd like to think the leaf played its part in their success.

I even had compliments on the 'incense' i was burning in the tower from both bleachers.

Long ashes....

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