Final answer:
The Dominican Republic's passion for baseball is rooted in historical U.S. involvement that introduced the sport, which has since become integral to its culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Dominican Republic and other Caribbean nations have a strong affinity for the sport of baseball. This can be traced back to historical events, such as the U.S. Marine occupations, during which baseball was introduced and rapidly became a favorite pastime. In the Dominican, baseball is more than a sport; it is a cultural phenomenon. Historically, Major League and Negro League players from the U.S. toured Latin American countries, including the Dominican Republic, which led to the discovery of talented Latino ballplayers. These individuals not only became sports icons but also served as community leaders and early activists against segregation.
The Dominican Republic, once primarily known as an exporter of sugar, coffee, and tobacco, now has a diversified economy with the service sector being the largest employer. Despite facing challenges like income inequality and a reliance on tourism, the country has developed light industries and information technologies, and deals like the Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) have had significant impacts on its economy.