Dominican Baseball Dreams

Bestselling author Mark Kurlansky has written wide-ranging books revolving around seemingly small subjects like cod, oysters, and salt.

In his newest, “The Eastern Stars,” he turns to a small Dominican town, and its outsized influence on the world of baseball.

San Pedro de Macoris has produced sugar for the world for hundreds of years. It’s also brought us Robinson Cano, Sammy Sosa, Alfonso Soriano, and a full  roster of other Major Leaguers.

What is it about this sugar-town that breeds baseball greatness?

This Hour, On Point: San Pedro, the Dominican Republic, and the history behind the baseball.Guest:

Mark Kurlansky, bestselling author of "Cod," and "Salt." His new book is "The Eastern Stars: How Baseball Changed the Dominican Town of San Pedro de Macoris."

Read an excerpt from "The Eastern Stars."