With Major League Baseball’s spring training approaching in just two weeks, baseball enthusiasts won’t have to wait long for action on their screens. MLB Network will be airing the complete 2025 Caribbean Series starting January 31. This esteemed international event showcases teams from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela, along with Japan participating for the first time. The tournament will feature 14 games over 8 days in Mexicali, Mexico, kicking off with the Dominican Republic vs. Venezuela at 4:30 p.m. ET on January 31, followed by Puerto Rico vs. Mexico at 11 p.m. The championship match is set for February 7 at 10 p.m.
Veteran broadcaster Craig Minervini will share the commentary alongside Doug Wright, Rod Allen, and Jeff Nelson, all of whom contribute to Miami Marlins broadcasts on FanDuel Sports Network Florida. Minervini’s extensive career includes broadcasting World Wrestling Entertainment matches under the name Craig DeGeorge. We recently spoke to him about the Caribbean Series and his career journey.
Note: This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
Awful Announcing: Why should someone tune in to watch the Caribbean Series?
Craig Minervini: “By this time of the year, baseball fans are craving the game. The Winter League can only satisfy so much. You start hearing about massive signings in the majors… fans just want quality baseball. While it’s not all major league stars, many significant names play in this tournament, so you’re guaranteed exciting games with lively atmospheres filled with music and passionate fans in Mexicali.”
Why is Japan in this tournament?
“Each year, they invite guest teams; for instance, Colombia participated a few years ago, winning in 2022. Traditionally, the teams from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela make up the competition. This year, they reached an agreement with Japan to bring in a team called the Japan Breeze.”
How challenging is it for you in terms of preparation?
“It’s tricky since you don’t have access to all the information you would expect in the majors. I rely heavily on Baseball Reference, which can be challenging at times. Recently it was announced that Robinson Canó will be playing for the Dominican Republic, and Albert Pujols is the team’s manager—a few big names you might recognize. However, it’s difficult without the complete rosters, which are just now being released. Although it poses a challenge, we’re accustomed to it and excited to be doing baseball.”
Is there a favorite to win it all?
“The Dominican Republic has a record 22 championships, easily the most. Puerto Rico stands at 16. I would have to lean toward the Dominican Republic as the favorite this year. They won last night, and that momentum could carry them through.”
Are there other players fans might recognize?
“Former Marlin Isan Díaz, who was the MVP of the qualifying tournament, is someone to watch for. Other names include Hernán Pérez and Alexi Amarista, but it ultimately depends on the decisions made by Major League teams about their players’ participation.”
What’s your role with the Marlins these days?
“I am the television host and I handle various play-by-play duties. This year, I’m scheduled to do approximately 47 to 50 games across TV and radio, which is significantly more than last year.”
How did you end up in Kevin James’ Here Comes the Boom?
“Growing up on Long Island, my brother is a standup comedian who owned a comedy club where Kevin James began his career. When Kevin was making the film, he reached out to my brother and me, asking if we wanted to be involved. Naturally, we jumped at the opportunity!”
What do you remember about the experience?
“I had to leave a Marlins road trip for filming, but it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had. On the first take, the director was frustrated because I was looking directly at the camera; he shouted, ‘Don’t look at the camera!’ So I adjusted my performance and found my way around the ring. It turned out fine.”
Why did you use the name Craig DeGeorge during your wrestling days?
“The WWF asked me to change my name from Minervini, so I quickly came up with DeGeorge in about 20 minutes. The change came last minute when Mean Gene Okerlund informed me that Vince McMahon wanted me on that night.”
Do you have any entertaining stories from your wrestling days?
“Once, while interviewing Andre the Giant in Philly, he had this unique timing in his speech that made it hard to predict when he had finished talking. When he stopped, I took the mic back too soon, and he elbowed me in the gut—one of those moments that made for great TV but left my stomach feeling sore for a day!”
