A School for Players

A few days ago, I wrote about a unique educational program that the New York Mets sponsor for their players. Recognizing the fact that most of their young players have little educational background, and a very small percentage will even make it to the US to play in the Minor Leagues, the Mets send their team to a Dominican school to receive the equivalent of a high school degree. Today, I was able to attend the school with the team, talk to the school's director, and observe some of the classes. While not directly related to my objective to learn about the impact of baseball on the community, I felt that it was an imortant program to check out.

The Mets attend a school called "Colegio Instituto" located in the capital of Santo Domingo, about a 45 minute bus ride from their academy (not an inconsequential factor, when you consider their already very busy schedules). The school is a private school by day, run by an American, Valarie Lebron, who decided to stay in the Dominican Republic after her father worked here in the US consulate (my dad also worked in the US consulate about 12 years ago). In 2004, Lebron was approached by the Cleveland Indians, who asked if she could develop a special educational program for their academy players. She obliged, and this unique program was born.

Whereas most Dominican academy players only receive periodic English instruction, kids that attend Colegio Instituto receive a variety of classes; much like any US high school student. Lebron told me that they take chemistry, physics, critical thinking, computers, and even French. While these subjects may seem useless for a potential ballplayer, Lebron explained that the majority of these students have never received anything close to a formal education. The opportunity to become exposed to multiple disciplines can broaded their horizons, and make them better rounded individuals.

The program is fairly time intensive; players leave the academy at 3:30, receive 3 hours of instruction, and don't get back until almost 8. This happens three times a week during the summer, and four times a week during the fall and spring. Thus, in order for the teams to justify the committment, there needs to be a positive output. Lebron was adamant that a better, well rounded education would help the kids become better players. She enthusiastically explained that these kids are 16, 17, and 18 years old, have just received upwards of $50,000 in signing bonus, and barely know how to eat with a fork. When they get to the minors, they're playing next to teammates that have at least a high school degree, if they haven't attended college. A thorough education, she argued, can absolutely help players become more disciplined people, and advance in their career. She told me several stories to illustrate her point, including an Indians player that was about to be released, started to attend the school, and is now excelling in AA. Obviously, the program is also extremely helpful for the majority of players that don't make the big leagues, as they have something to fall back on.

Currently, the Mets and Royals are the only teams that mandate that their players receive this comprehensive education. The Indians thought it was too big of a time committment, and the Red Sox also stopped services because of the long commute, and because they felt that chemistry and French would not help their athletes. It will be interesting to see if more teams do hop on the boat; Lebron is exploring the possibility of sending the teachers to academies to reduce the commute. In the end, I feel, it will depend on the results of the players. If the Mets and Royals start mass producing Dominican major leaguers, don't be surprised if every team hops on board. While an ideal world would see every team employ such a program, it won't happen without results.

I also got to observe some of the classes. Based on what other teams had told me about their English classes, I expected the kids to be tired and barely pay attention to the teacher. I was pleasantly surprised. In one class, the teacher explained the muscular system; the majority of the class actively participated, attempting to guess the names of their muscles and how to use them for baseball. While some kids slept in the corner, most were eager to get involved. In another class, a teacher explained critical thinking skills to the students, encouraging them to evaluate, reflect, and analyze on every situation that they encounter. This may sound elementary, but it was fascinating to hear the exchange. While the players started with baseball, reflecting on how critical thinking skills could help them get out of a slump or get through a bad pitching game, the conversation quickly turned to life. The players eagerly talked about experiences in their lives; encounters with women or neighbors who wanted their newfound wealth. The class seemed incredibly beneficial for the youth.

It will be interesting to see the results of the education. On the way back in the bus, the players stood in the aisle, sang from their IPods, and shouted at women on the street. After all, they are just kids. But, the program does seem to have incredible potential, both for major leaguers and released athletes. I hope more teams try it out.

In the morning, I spent some time at the Marlins facility. I talked briefly with their Director of Latin American Operations. He explained that their interaction with the community revolved around giving old equipment to buscones (Dominican scouts and trainers). This was pretty disappointing; they had not set up any relationship with any school or community, and instead, wanted to give their old gloves to people that have selfish interests in using the eqipment. Less than a kilometer away, I explored a poor town, Los Cruces. Some people had not even heard of the Marlins, despite their proximity, and others said that they had not ever interacted in the community. Obviously for the Marlins, helping the community they are a part of is not a priority.

Tomorrow, it's off to the Dodgers' Campo las Palmas, the origin of the modern Dominican baseball academy.