MIAMI — So much of what there is to appreciate and embrace about Miami — the passion, the diversity, the love of a good party — was in loud, colorful display Wednesday as the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico met at Marlins Park in a winner-take-all game to reach the quarterfinal of the World Baseball Classic.
And this was four hours before the first pitch.
Flags and shirts from the competing countries were flying all over on the walk to the park in the middle of Little Havana. Street vendors grilled meats from small carts on corners. From somebody’s speakers boomed “Block Party” by Miami’s own DJ Laz. At the stadium the West Plaza will filled, wall to wall, with fans swaying to the Salsa beats of a pregame concert. It took a minute of careful zig-zagging to move 10 steps.
