Juan Soto welcomes Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz at Citi Field during Hispanic Heritage Month

NEW YORK. – Juan Soto, received at Citi Field stadium the Minister of Sports and Recreation of the Dominican Republic, Kelvin Cruz, accompanied by his wife Gleidy de la Mota and his son Kelvin Junior Cruz, within the framework of the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States.

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The meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere, highlighting the importance of this commemorative month, which is celebrated from September 15th to October 15th and recognizes the contributions of the Hispanic community to the history, culture, and development of the North American nation. During the visit, Soto gifted Minister Cruz a signed jersey and bat, a gesture that was enthusiastically received by the Dominican official’s family. In addition, they took the opportunity to take photographs and talk about the impact of sport on cultural integration. Soto, who signed a historic 15-year, US$765 million contract with the Mets in December 2024, was very enthusiastic sharing with the Minister, who also serves as the elected mayor of La Vega (2024-2028) and was appointed as the head of Sports in August 2024 by President Luis Abinader. Both Soto and Cruz agreed on the importance of highlighting the influence of Hispanics in American society and the need to continue strengthening ties between the Dominican Republic and its diaspora through baseball and other cultural expressions. Major League Baseball and its teams carry out a schedule of special activities each year to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting the contributions of generations of Hispanic players who have left their mark on the history of baseball.