Today, I set off to further investigate Esperanza's microfinance program with Daniel Castillo, who helps the organization take care of their visits from the outside. Daniel told me that they get quite a few people that come in internationally, mostly from the US, to observe the innovative microfinance sysem, as well as to provide health-care clinics and provide the community with dental service. There is quite a significant interest in microfinance to help empower impoverished communities, as evidenced by the success of the American organization, Kiva, which sponsors programs in countries throughout the world.
We first visited a small town close to the Mets complex. About forty women were gathered in a school room, separated into groups of five (the five people form a group, who are collectively responsible for the project). The purpose of the meeting was to collect payments on the loan, which occurs bi-weekly. Yet, the women were not able to provide the entirety of their loan payments; several women had not come to the meeting, and thus, the entire 40-person group was $30 short. The loan collector from Esperanza insisted that he could not leave until all the money was collected; the women are part of a community bank, and must hold each other accountable. Thus, in order to ensure the long-term viability of their bank, the women had to take funds out of their personal savings to pay the collective debt.
While Daniel assured me that the practice was not common, it was interesting to watch. Some women yelled at each other, some laughed, as they tried to gather all of the funds. It is part of Esperanza's greater philosophy, though, to ensure that the women can become self-sustainable, rather than only relying on the Esperanza organization. In the end, they came up with the money, and were happy to leave the meeting.
We then had the opportunity to walk through the town with the women and visit their businessess. The town is poor; the dirt roads made driving almost impossible. But the women were all excited about their businesses; one owned a clothing store (based out of her house on the side of the road, she sold shirts and shoes for about $1 each). Another woman had a successful vegetable stand. Another woman we met had just decided to join Esperanza's program to help with her eatery; she had actully utilized another local loan agency in the past, but their rates were too high, they collected on a weekly basis, and provided no logistical support. All of the women were grateful for the help that Esperanza had provided them.
I talked to Daniel for a while about the aim of Esperanza's programs. In addition to the microfinance program, they help put floors on houses (we got to see a few houses that had recently done this), provide an inexpensive health care service, and provide the baseball fields I talked about earlier. Their general philosophy is to, as Daniel put it, teach the people how to fish rather than giving them the fish. They hope that the people will not need their services after their businesses take off.
This is relevant to baseball because of the way that the academies tackle their programs. Daniel told me that the Mets support has been indispensible for Esperanza; they have funded their programs, provided them with land for the baseball fields, and even offered to host Esperanza's office at their academy. But this reflects a general Mets philosophy of empowering the community as well, rather than just providing them resources. Daniel told me that the Mets are planning to open a field across the street from their current facility for kids in the community, and their work through Esperanza shows their committment to the larger community.
Daniel also told me that it's important for major league teams to actually get into the community and help out, like the Mets, A's, and Padres, rather than just staying in their exclusive spot and giving out supplies. He specifically mentioned the Dodgers as a team that had been in the country since the 1980's, but had undertaken little concrete activities to actually help empower their nearby communities. Teams have the potential to make a difference, but not everyone is doing it.
The trip today confirmed earlier sentiments; if teams really want to make a difference, they need to make a committment to understanding nearby Dominican communities and becoming active, rather than just giving out gloves and calling it a day. When I make my final recommendations at the end of the project, that will be paramount. Teams need to demonstrate a real committment to the community if they hope to surpass image-based equipment donations. I hope, that in the coming years, we see more Mets, Padres, and A's, and less Marlins, Reds, and Dodgers.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
The La Victoria Athletics
Today, I visited my final baseball academy on this trip; the Oakland Athletics, located in La Victoria, about an hour outside of Santo Domingo. The academy is only about a five minute talk from the middle of town, and one could be forgiven for thinking that the actual A's were based in La Victoria, rather than in Oakland.
After arriving at the academy, I was struck by the significant crowd that had gathered to watch the A's take on the Phillies. At least one hundred people, ranging from interested local players to small toddlers to old men, had gathered in the stands, busily chatting while the teams got ready to play. The crowd was the largest I had seen at a Dominican Summer League game, even besting the San Diego Padres' significant base. When the game got started, the crowd cheered with every A's successful play, and booed the umpire after a questionable call. It was a different environment from most academies I've visited.
Indeed, Raymond Abreu, who has run the Dominican operations for the A's for the past 14 years, told me that the crowd size has become a norm. When the team is in playoff contention (this year they're a little far back), he told me that hundreds of people pack the stands, even bringing noisemakers to voice their support. Raymond told me that the A's have had an academy in La Victoria since 1997, and have made significant efforts to become part of the community, rather than simply an extravagant complex unreachable for the masses.
To this extent, the A's have engaged in several community programs throughout the past decade. They have worked significantly through a local church, establishing a relationship, and providing clothes and uniforms whenever they are needed. They helped a local school by providing desks, and in one of their most extensive projects, gave away over 2,000 wheelchairs to handicapped people in La Victoria. In a country with a shoddy health care system, this was an especially useful, and innovative, idea, and they surveyed the community beforehand to ensure that they chairs would be used properly. They continue to work through the church, rather than simply giving away equipment and clothes on an informal basis.
Abreu's passion, however, is helping out kids in the community. Every day, after the A's team plays their game, kids from the community can come to the complex and play themselves. The A's even built a little league field on their premises for this explicit purpose. In order to play, however, the kids must register, providing proof that they attend school. Abreu said this system has worked well, and ensured that all the kids are simultaneously pursuing an education while playing baseball. The program is supervised by older kids from the community, as the players range from 5-12 years old. At the same time, however, the A's support the older youth leagues as well. While I was there, a youth team from the community played a game at the same time as the A's. Abreu has made sure that the A's facility can be used by everyone in the community.
The efforts seem to have paid off. When I took a walk in La Victoria, I saw people wearing A's parephernilia, ranging from shirts to hats to even umbrellas. Most people I talked to were appreciative of their efforts (especially mothers, who were thankful their kids could play on the fields), and all had attended a game at some point. I must add that a few kids I talked to at the A's complex complained that they had not received any equipment from the A's. Abreu said this is a problem; they have given away some uniforms and gloves, but then every kid in the entire community wants some. So they have to walk a fine line, and obviously, upset some people in the process. It is difficult for the team to please everyone.
It was also interesting to talk to Abreu about the A's general philosophy in Latin America. The A's are well known in the US for being an excetional small market team; they don't have a high pay-roll, but consistently get good results. This comes from an effective farm system, ranging from the DR to the minors. Indeed, they have produced many players from their academy, including Miguel Tejada (a former MVP) and Angel Berroa (a former Rookie of the Year). With the big league team struggling, Abreu told me that they have made a decision to get more competitive in Latin America. This became evident when they offered a record $4.2 million to 16 year old pitcher Michel Inoa (who was at the academy). They try to run a cost-efficient operation in their Dominican facility; the academy is modest, but they host two teams (a total of 70 players) and provide all the basic comforts. Abreu told me they don't need the extravagance of the Mets and Padres facilities in order to be effective in producing players.
It was clear that the A's have made a real investment in the Dominican Republic, and not just to produce big-league players. They recognize the importance of helping out in the community (Abreu spoke in rather religious terms about the need to take care of people that are less fortunate), and now have an extremely positive image in La Victoria, and throughout the country. Indeed, one could argue that the A's should be an example for all teams in the country, in their approach to making their operations in the DR a priority, both from a player development and community development standpoint (one could also probably argue that the Padres took heed of this example, especially because their current Vice President, Sandy Alderson, used to have a prominent position with the A's). It was a good last academy to visit.
After arriving at the academy, I was struck by the significant crowd that had gathered to watch the A's take on the Phillies. At least one hundred people, ranging from interested local players to small toddlers to old men, had gathered in the stands, busily chatting while the teams got ready to play. The crowd was the largest I had seen at a Dominican Summer League game, even besting the San Diego Padres' significant base. When the game got started, the crowd cheered with every A's successful play, and booed the umpire after a questionable call. It was a different environment from most academies I've visited.
Indeed, Raymond Abreu, who has run the Dominican operations for the A's for the past 14 years, told me that the crowd size has become a norm. When the team is in playoff contention (this year they're a little far back), he told me that hundreds of people pack the stands, even bringing noisemakers to voice their support. Raymond told me that the A's have had an academy in La Victoria since 1997, and have made significant efforts to become part of the community, rather than simply an extravagant complex unreachable for the masses.
To this extent, the A's have engaged in several community programs throughout the past decade. They have worked significantly through a local church, establishing a relationship, and providing clothes and uniforms whenever they are needed. They helped a local school by providing desks, and in one of their most extensive projects, gave away over 2,000 wheelchairs to handicapped people in La Victoria. In a country with a shoddy health care system, this was an especially useful, and innovative, idea, and they surveyed the community beforehand to ensure that they chairs would be used properly. They continue to work through the church, rather than simply giving away equipment and clothes on an informal basis.
Abreu's passion, however, is helping out kids in the community. Every day, after the A's team plays their game, kids from the community can come to the complex and play themselves. The A's even built a little league field on their premises for this explicit purpose. In order to play, however, the kids must register, providing proof that they attend school. Abreu said this system has worked well, and ensured that all the kids are simultaneously pursuing an education while playing baseball. The program is supervised by older kids from the community, as the players range from 5-12 years old. At the same time, however, the A's support the older youth leagues as well. While I was there, a youth team from the community played a game at the same time as the A's. Abreu has made sure that the A's facility can be used by everyone in the community.
The efforts seem to have paid off. When I took a walk in La Victoria, I saw people wearing A's parephernilia, ranging from shirts to hats to even umbrellas. Most people I talked to were appreciative of their efforts (especially mothers, who were thankful their kids could play on the fields), and all had attended a game at some point. I must add that a few kids I talked to at the A's complex complained that they had not received any equipment from the A's. Abreu said this is a problem; they have given away some uniforms and gloves, but then every kid in the entire community wants some. So they have to walk a fine line, and obviously, upset some people in the process. It is difficult for the team to please everyone.
It was also interesting to talk to Abreu about the A's general philosophy in Latin America. The A's are well known in the US for being an excetional small market team; they don't have a high pay-roll, but consistently get good results. This comes from an effective farm system, ranging from the DR to the minors. Indeed, they have produced many players from their academy, including Miguel Tejada (a former MVP) and Angel Berroa (a former Rookie of the Year). With the big league team struggling, Abreu told me that they have made a decision to get more competitive in Latin America. This became evident when they offered a record $4.2 million to 16 year old pitcher Michel Inoa (who was at the academy). They try to run a cost-efficient operation in their Dominican facility; the academy is modest, but they host two teams (a total of 70 players) and provide all the basic comforts. Abreu told me they don't need the extravagance of the Mets and Padres facilities in order to be effective in producing players.
It was clear that the A's have made a real investment in the Dominican Republic, and not just to produce big-league players. They recognize the importance of helping out in the community (Abreu spoke in rather religious terms about the need to take care of people that are less fortunate), and now have an extremely positive image in La Victoria, and throughout the country. Indeed, one could argue that the A's should be an example for all teams in the country, in their approach to making their operations in the DR a priority, both from a player development and community development standpoint (one could also probably argue that the Padres took heed of this example, especially because their current Vice President, Sandy Alderson, used to have a prominent position with the A's). It was a good last academy to visit.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
D-Backs and San Pedro
Early this morning, I had the opportunity to spend time with Junior Noboa, the Assistant General Manager to the Arizona Diamondbacks, and their Director of Latin American Operations. Junior has been around the game for a long time; he played in the Majors for eight years, serving as a utility player on a number of teams, and is one of the oldest employees for the Diamondbacks, first starting when the team officially became a franchise in 1995. Because of his extensive experience, he had a great perspective on baseball in the Dominican Republic, and it was a pleasure to talk with him.
In many ways, Noboa is the pioneer of the modern Major League academy in the country. In 1995, after signing with the Diamondbacks, the Dodgers were still the only team with a real facility in the country (other teams had scouting programs and teams, but they were in bad shape). Noboa decided to build a facility close to Boca Chica, where I am staying now. He told me that he talked to Peter O'Malley, then the owner of the Dodgers, about his venture. O'Malley called him crazy, saying that it was a waste of time and space to build academies near Boca Chica, instead of near the Dodgers academy. Regardless, Noboa built the first baseball facility in Boca Chica, which at the time housed the Indians and Diamondbacks. Thirteen years later, the Boca Chica area is home to about 14 of the 29 big league teams with operations in the country.
Noboa emphasized the positive benefits that the academy has provided for the country. First and foremost, it makes life much easier on the players. In 1986, Noboa was signed by the Cleveland Indians as a sixteen year old. One week later, he was whisked off to a farm team in New York, never having been away from his family, and with limited English. Now, players get a full 2-3 years to develop, learn English, and receive cultural instruction before leaving the country. In addition, Noboa cited the many employees that MLB employs, and the fact that MLB is now invests about $100 million annually in the country (this does not include Major League salaries). Finally, Noboa told me that reaching the Major Leagues provides a dream for every Dominican boy, important in a country full of economic plight.
The Diamondbacks also, in large part to Noboa's efforts, are active in the community. They have helped build schools, baseball fields, and sponsored medical clinics. Noboa told me the Diamondbacks have also worked with the US Chamber of Commerce. In a program like the Padres carried out, the Diamondbacks with the Chamber to identify projects, and then give money, which is in turn matched by USAID. It appears that this method is effective, as the Chamber of Commerce can effectively survey a community and identify its needs, which both Noboa and the Padres told me.
While the Diamondbacks currently only have an English tutor come three to four times a week, Noboa emphasized the importance of education for the Dominican players. He understands both the potential downfall of players that don't make it to the US, and the weak Dominican education system in general. He told me he admires the efforts of teams like the Mets, and hopes that his team moves in that direction in the near future.
In addition to his efforts to work in the community with the Diamondbacks, Noboa is active in personal enterprises. He is the owner of Baseball City (Baseball City is a group of six facilities on the same land; Junior owns both the land and the facilities), and runs a company which builds academies throughout the country, and then leases them to major league teams. Additionally, Noboa recently started working on a facility which will allow impoverished kids to come for a week and receive baseball instruction, while learning the importance of staying off the street and staying in school. Noboa lit up when he talked about this project, which he hopes will be able to house 600 kids at a time. He took me to see the complex; it had two beautiful baseball fields, a soccer field, and two basketball courts. They are currently constructing a dormitory, and he hopes that it will be done by next year. While no teams are officially sponsoring the facility, Noboa said that players like Mariano Rivera and Brandon Webb have expressed interest in helping out.
Noboa, through both his efforts with the Diamondbacks, and in his personal endeavors, has demonstrated the real impact that baseball can make in the Dominican community. He has helped to create jobs, worked with institutions to identify community needs, and continues to help the Dominican youth. It was truly inspiring to be able to spend time with him, as he exuded passion and enthusiasm throughout our conversations.
In the afternoon, I traveled to San Pedro de Macoris. Known as the center of Dominican baseball, San Pedro has produced more players than any other place in the country. While the city itself is not much to look at, full of low-income housing and devoid of any tourist hotspots, the baseball stadium in the center of town is as nice as any American minor league stadium. It provides a huge juxtaposition; indeed, the roads around the stadium are full of tin-roofed houses without electricity, while the stadium itself has huge lights for night games. Although there are currently no games going on, I got to walk inside the stadium; the field is perfectly maintained, and the seats look comfortable as well. For San Pedro, baseball is larger than life.
I walked a few minutes out of town to the orphanage the Red Sox work with, Mis Pequenos Hermanos. I was able to talk to their Director, an Irish man who has been there since the orphanage opened in 2002. The orphanage currently houses about 120 kids, but is expanding, and they hope to have 500 soon. The facilities themselves are actually quite nice; they have a primary school, are building new classrooms, and have decent accomodation for the kids. The Director told me that the Red Sox Lindos Suenos program had just finished up about three weeks ago; kids had come from the States to work with kids from the DR to build a baseball field in the orphanage. He was quite pleased with the result, although the field was not yet finished. He said that he expected local contractors to finish it soon, and they planned to open the field beyond the orphanage, to the accompanying town. All the children I talked to were very excited to play on the field, and asked me to come back soon to play with them. Additionally, the Red Sox plan to come back in the next few years to continue their relationship. It seems that it is working better than the field the team built in El Mamon, demonstrating the importance of building an actual relationship when helping out in a community.
In many ways, Noboa is the pioneer of the modern Major League academy in the country. In 1995, after signing with the Diamondbacks, the Dodgers were still the only team with a real facility in the country (other teams had scouting programs and teams, but they were in bad shape). Noboa decided to build a facility close to Boca Chica, where I am staying now. He told me that he talked to Peter O'Malley, then the owner of the Dodgers, about his venture. O'Malley called him crazy, saying that it was a waste of time and space to build academies near Boca Chica, instead of near the Dodgers academy. Regardless, Noboa built the first baseball facility in Boca Chica, which at the time housed the Indians and Diamondbacks. Thirteen years later, the Boca Chica area is home to about 14 of the 29 big league teams with operations in the country.
Noboa emphasized the positive benefits that the academy has provided for the country. First and foremost, it makes life much easier on the players. In 1986, Noboa was signed by the Cleveland Indians as a sixteen year old. One week later, he was whisked off to a farm team in New York, never having been away from his family, and with limited English. Now, players get a full 2-3 years to develop, learn English, and receive cultural instruction before leaving the country. In addition, Noboa cited the many employees that MLB employs, and the fact that MLB is now invests about $100 million annually in the country (this does not include Major League salaries). Finally, Noboa told me that reaching the Major Leagues provides a dream for every Dominican boy, important in a country full of economic plight.
The Diamondbacks also, in large part to Noboa's efforts, are active in the community. They have helped build schools, baseball fields, and sponsored medical clinics. Noboa told me the Diamondbacks have also worked with the US Chamber of Commerce. In a program like the Padres carried out, the Diamondbacks with the Chamber to identify projects, and then give money, which is in turn matched by USAID. It appears that this method is effective, as the Chamber of Commerce can effectively survey a community and identify its needs, which both Noboa and the Padres told me.
While the Diamondbacks currently only have an English tutor come three to four times a week, Noboa emphasized the importance of education for the Dominican players. He understands both the potential downfall of players that don't make it to the US, and the weak Dominican education system in general. He told me he admires the efforts of teams like the Mets, and hopes that his team moves in that direction in the near future.
In addition to his efforts to work in the community with the Diamondbacks, Noboa is active in personal enterprises. He is the owner of Baseball City (Baseball City is a group of six facilities on the same land; Junior owns both the land and the facilities), and runs a company which builds academies throughout the country, and then leases them to major league teams. Additionally, Noboa recently started working on a facility which will allow impoverished kids to come for a week and receive baseball instruction, while learning the importance of staying off the street and staying in school. Noboa lit up when he talked about this project, which he hopes will be able to house 600 kids at a time. He took me to see the complex; it had two beautiful baseball fields, a soccer field, and two basketball courts. They are currently constructing a dormitory, and he hopes that it will be done by next year. While no teams are officially sponsoring the facility, Noboa said that players like Mariano Rivera and Brandon Webb have expressed interest in helping out.
Noboa, through both his efforts with the Diamondbacks, and in his personal endeavors, has demonstrated the real impact that baseball can make in the Dominican community. He has helped to create jobs, worked with institutions to identify community needs, and continues to help the Dominican youth. It was truly inspiring to be able to spend time with him, as he exuded passion and enthusiasm throughout our conversations.
In the afternoon, I traveled to San Pedro de Macoris. Known as the center of Dominican baseball, San Pedro has produced more players than any other place in the country. While the city itself is not much to look at, full of low-income housing and devoid of any tourist hotspots, the baseball stadium in the center of town is as nice as any American minor league stadium. It provides a huge juxtaposition; indeed, the roads around the stadium are full of tin-roofed houses without electricity, while the stadium itself has huge lights for night games. Although there are currently no games going on, I got to walk inside the stadium; the field is perfectly maintained, and the seats look comfortable as well. For San Pedro, baseball is larger than life.
I walked a few minutes out of town to the orphanage the Red Sox work with, Mis Pequenos Hermanos. I was able to talk to their Director, an Irish man who has been there since the orphanage opened in 2002. The orphanage currently houses about 120 kids, but is expanding, and they hope to have 500 soon. The facilities themselves are actually quite nice; they have a primary school, are building new classrooms, and have decent accomodation for the kids. The Director told me that the Red Sox Lindos Suenos program had just finished up about three weeks ago; kids had come from the States to work with kids from the DR to build a baseball field in the orphanage. He was quite pleased with the result, although the field was not yet finished. He said that he expected local contractors to finish it soon, and they planned to open the field beyond the orphanage, to the accompanying town. All the children I talked to were very excited to play on the field, and asked me to come back soon to play with them. Additionally, the Red Sox plan to come back in the next few years to continue their relationship. It seems that it is working better than the field the team built in El Mamon, demonstrating the importance of building an actual relationship when helping out in a community.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Fields and Microfinance
Today, I had the opportunity to observe an organization that looks to use baseball as an effective outlet for community development. Esperanza International is a Dominican organization that strives to help people fight poverty by implementing initiatives that empower local communities. While much of their work centers around microfinance grants, they have also made baseball a big part of what they do. Indeed, their Director and founder, David Valle, was a 13 year MLB catcher, who observed the realities of Dominican poverty when he played Winter Baseball in the country. After his career ended, he decided to found Esperanza, and actually take action against the poverty he had discovered throughout the country.
Rafael Ortiz, one of Valle's main assistants, was my tour guide for the day. Ortiz was knowledgeable about Esperanza, as well as its interactions with baseball. The main objective of Esperanza, according to Ortiz, is to empower the community to be able to fight poverty using tools at their own disposal. To this extent, they fund an active microfinance operation; women, known as associates, can apply for a loan in groups of 4-5 people. The average first loan is approximately $150, which the women must pay back in 6 months at a 4% interest. The women are given help in efforts to start their own businesses, most of which consist of selling some product, ranging from chicken, to juice, to charcoal. The women can also re-apply for grants at the end of the six month period. The organization has a 96% rate of women paying back the loans.
In addition to micro-finance, Esperanza has begun to construct baseball fields in communities throughout the country. Currently, they have built three, and are working on another one in Mets' star Jose Reyes' hometown. I was able to visit two of them. They were both big fields of major leauge porportions, with substantial room for a crowd. One of them was currently getting refurbished; they needed to make the infield dirt more durable. The other one was in good shape, and a number of kids were getting trained on it while we visited. In order to make sure the fields can stay in good shape, Esperanza starts a community board, comprised of members of the community, like the mayor, that make sure the field is being kept up and used well. Indeed, when I was at one of the fields, kids were raking the infield, and it looked to be in good shape.
In order to fund the fields, Esperanza has utilized funding from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund, an initiative from Major League Baseball that helps to construct fields from around the world. Additionally, Esperanza is currently beginning a project to construct a field on the Mets' academy premises, allowing youth to play there. I talked to people around the fields; all were grateful for the nice facilities, which cannot be found most places in the country. I think the fact that Esperanza plays such an active role in making sure the community takes ownership of the field is extremel important in its long term viability.
After visiting the fields, we had the opportunity to attend a meeting for a microfinance group. About twenty local women, from a town called La Paloma, gathered in a small room to pay what their bi-weekly installment of their debt. They also shared best practices and talked to me about their enterprises. They all were appreciative of Esperanza and said that their businesses were doing much better now that they had loans. Additionally, they said that baseball was a positive influence on their community. The youth always play in a field, not nearly as nice as those built by Esperanza, keeping them out of problems and danger. They excitedly talked about a few that could be signed soon by major league clubs, and the prosperity that would bring to the community.
The Mets have been an extremely active proponent of the microgrants operation, holding fundraisers in New York annually. They've gave $25,000 last year, and continue to pour in monetary resources. Omar Minaya, the Mets GM, is good friends with Valle, and sits on the Board of Esperanza. In addition, the Mets recognize that their money is not going to pet-image projects, but rather to communities that use the money to identify and work on projects that they themselves identify. Right after the Mets inauguration last week, the team gave equipment to a nearby town. However, rather than blindly giving the gloves and bats to a town, the team followed the advice of Esperanza, who identified the town and the needs. It seems like a pretty ideal relationship.
In the coming months, Esperanza will be organizing a large-scale tournament for poor Dominican youth; using all of their baseball complexes. They also hope to complete the community field at the Mets academy. Hopefully, they will continue to be able to rely on the Mets for finanical resources, as well as other forms of support. It is an ideal relationship; one that concretely and tangibly demonstrates the positive relationship that Major League teams can have in the Dominican community. The Mets' close relationship with Esperanza can make a difference in the lives of thousands of Dominicans, and can serve as a valuable rubric for other big league teams. It was inspiring today to see youth playing on the fields, and to hear the women who have started their own businesses using, in large part, money donated by the Mets. The Mets continue to set a positive example for the rest of the country, led in no small part by their Dominican General Manager, Omar Minaya.
Rafael Ortiz, one of Valle's main assistants, was my tour guide for the day. Ortiz was knowledgeable about Esperanza, as well as its interactions with baseball. The main objective of Esperanza, according to Ortiz, is to empower the community to be able to fight poverty using tools at their own disposal. To this extent, they fund an active microfinance operation; women, known as associates, can apply for a loan in groups of 4-5 people. The average first loan is approximately $150, which the women must pay back in 6 months at a 4% interest. The women are given help in efforts to start their own businesses, most of which consist of selling some product, ranging from chicken, to juice, to charcoal. The women can also re-apply for grants at the end of the six month period. The organization has a 96% rate of women paying back the loans.
In addition to micro-finance, Esperanza has begun to construct baseball fields in communities throughout the country. Currently, they have built three, and are working on another one in Mets' star Jose Reyes' hometown. I was able to visit two of them. They were both big fields of major leauge porportions, with substantial room for a crowd. One of them was currently getting refurbished; they needed to make the infield dirt more durable. The other one was in good shape, and a number of kids were getting trained on it while we visited. In order to make sure the fields can stay in good shape, Esperanza starts a community board, comprised of members of the community, like the mayor, that make sure the field is being kept up and used well. Indeed, when I was at one of the fields, kids were raking the infield, and it looked to be in good shape.
In order to fund the fields, Esperanza has utilized funding from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund, an initiative from Major League Baseball that helps to construct fields from around the world. Additionally, Esperanza is currently beginning a project to construct a field on the Mets' academy premises, allowing youth to play there. I talked to people around the fields; all were grateful for the nice facilities, which cannot be found most places in the country. I think the fact that Esperanza plays such an active role in making sure the community takes ownership of the field is extremel important in its long term viability.
After visiting the fields, we had the opportunity to attend a meeting for a microfinance group. About twenty local women, from a town called La Paloma, gathered in a small room to pay what their bi-weekly installment of their debt. They also shared best practices and talked to me about their enterprises. They all were appreciative of Esperanza and said that their businesses were doing much better now that they had loans. Additionally, they said that baseball was a positive influence on their community. The youth always play in a field, not nearly as nice as those built by Esperanza, keeping them out of problems and danger. They excitedly talked about a few that could be signed soon by major league clubs, and the prosperity that would bring to the community.
The Mets have been an extremely active proponent of the microgrants operation, holding fundraisers in New York annually. They've gave $25,000 last year, and continue to pour in monetary resources. Omar Minaya, the Mets GM, is good friends with Valle, and sits on the Board of Esperanza. In addition, the Mets recognize that their money is not going to pet-image projects, but rather to communities that use the money to identify and work on projects that they themselves identify. Right after the Mets inauguration last week, the team gave equipment to a nearby town. However, rather than blindly giving the gloves and bats to a town, the team followed the advice of Esperanza, who identified the town and the needs. It seems like a pretty ideal relationship.
In the coming months, Esperanza will be organizing a large-scale tournament for poor Dominican youth; using all of their baseball complexes. They also hope to complete the community field at the Mets academy. Hopefully, they will continue to be able to rely on the Mets for finanical resources, as well as other forms of support. It is an ideal relationship; one that concretely and tangibly demonstrates the positive relationship that Major League teams can have in the Dominican community. The Mets' close relationship with Esperanza can make a difference in the lives of thousands of Dominicans, and can serve as a valuable rubric for other big league teams. It was inspiring today to see youth playing on the fields, and to hear the women who have started their own businesses using, in large part, money donated by the Mets. The Mets continue to set a positive example for the rest of the country, led in no small part by their Dominican General Manager, Omar Minaya.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
More Education
Today started off rather slow. I had two interviews canceled on me in the morning, so I ended up just watching the Diamondbacks play the Indians. I'm actually glad I took some time to just sit back and watch a game; I think it's been easy to get caught up in my research and forget the beauty that is the game of baseball. Despite the fact that the players are now professionals, and that they've already participated in more than ninety games this year, they still show a genuine passion for the sport. They constantly chatter during innings, cheer each other on from the dug out, and compete feverishly to win. While the concept of winning may seem straight forward, the reality is that the players should seemingly be concerned only about themselves; in the bigger picture, the team's performance doesn't matter as much as their own in their quest to make it to the States. Yet, you can tell that they're serious about winning the league. The players all know their exact place in the standings, and are desperate to improve it as the playoffs near. While baseball is a way out for youth in the Dominican Republic, it's also a passion Just watching the game, I could tell how much they enjoyed every aspect of the game. It's refreshing, having seen baseball grow into such a commercial enterprise full of complaining millionaires in the US.
In the afternoon, I traveled to the Kansas City Royals' academy to observe their educational program. The Royals also take classes as part of an all-encompassing curriculum from Colegio Instituto, but, while the Mets travel to Santo Domingo three times a week, the teachers actually come to the Royals. It has its positives and negatives. Avoiding transportation, the Roayls are able to save a large chunk of time that can go into rest for the players, or further training. Yet, as I observed the classes, it became obvious that the Royals players were not as focused as the Mets. Players filtered in and out of classrooms, lounged in couches, and constantly talked amongst each other.
Part of this is undoubtedly due to the fact that the school environment impacts the Mets; they're inside real classrooms in a nice private school. The Royals, on the other hand, are in their "homes", and feel more comfortable ignoring authority figures. Additionally, Valeree, the administrator at Colegio Instituto, was not present at the Royals Academy. With the Mets, she serves as a type of roving leader, making sure that the players are in line, and taking away hats and cell phones from distracted players. Regardless, the fact that the teachers are able to travel to the academy to give a few hours of all-encompassing classes is impressive, and should be looked at by other teams.
I continued to be impressed with the content of the curriculum. In a "critical thining" class, students were presented with a passage on a player who just received a $100,000 bonus to sign with a team. The players were then asked to identify the potential problems this could pose for the new signee, and present him with advice as he moved forward. This is something sorely missing from other teams; players have no idea what to do with all the money they're receiving. The Royals' education is proactively making the players think about these pertinent and important issues. While it's too early to analyze the results of the program, it seems like lessons such as these can only be positive.
I was able to ride with the teachers to the academy, and they talked to me about the program. While they expressed frustration that players would not always pay attention during class, they still said that the program was rewarding, and absolutely necessary for the players. They told me how quickly players can progress, and noted how gratified they felt when a player from their program made it to the US.
One other tidbit; a local little league team arrived at the Royals' facility at the same time I did. The coach told me that the Royals let the team use the academy fields four times a week. The team, from Guerra, frequently plays against other teams on the professional fields. Since the team was from Guerra, I asked the coach if they could ever use the Dodgers' fields. He responded negatively, saying that the Dodgers were not helpful at all. The coach told me that the team really appreciates being able to use the facilities; the fields throughout their town are in awful shape, and the team gets a kick out of getting to play on a "Major League" field. Indeed, I talked to the kids, and all were huge fans of the Royals. They also told me that they all wanted to play in the States when they got older (they were between 12 and 16).
It's actually a pretty simple, but effective, idea. Rather than building fields that towns may or may not use and keep up, teams can let local leagues use their own fields. While the Royals are pretty isolated from any Dominican town, allowing youth to use their fields definitely provides a valuable service to the community. I played a little with the kids, as well. I got a line drive single to left field (I'm now 3-3 in the DR), and made a put out at second base. I'm thinking about making a comeback.
In the afternoon, I traveled to the Kansas City Royals' academy to observe their educational program. The Royals also take classes as part of an all-encompassing curriculum from Colegio Instituto, but, while the Mets travel to Santo Domingo three times a week, the teachers actually come to the Royals. It has its positives and negatives. Avoiding transportation, the Roayls are able to save a large chunk of time that can go into rest for the players, or further training. Yet, as I observed the classes, it became obvious that the Royals players were not as focused as the Mets. Players filtered in and out of classrooms, lounged in couches, and constantly talked amongst each other.
Part of this is undoubtedly due to the fact that the school environment impacts the Mets; they're inside real classrooms in a nice private school. The Royals, on the other hand, are in their "homes", and feel more comfortable ignoring authority figures. Additionally, Valeree, the administrator at Colegio Instituto, was not present at the Royals Academy. With the Mets, she serves as a type of roving leader, making sure that the players are in line, and taking away hats and cell phones from distracted players. Regardless, the fact that the teachers are able to travel to the academy to give a few hours of all-encompassing classes is impressive, and should be looked at by other teams.
I continued to be impressed with the content of the curriculum. In a "critical thining" class, students were presented with a passage on a player who just received a $100,000 bonus to sign with a team. The players were then asked to identify the potential problems this could pose for the new signee, and present him with advice as he moved forward. This is something sorely missing from other teams; players have no idea what to do with all the money they're receiving. The Royals' education is proactively making the players think about these pertinent and important issues. While it's too early to analyze the results of the program, it seems like lessons such as these can only be positive.
I was able to ride with the teachers to the academy, and they talked to me about the program. While they expressed frustration that players would not always pay attention during class, they still said that the program was rewarding, and absolutely necessary for the players. They told me how quickly players can progress, and noted how gratified they felt when a player from their program made it to the US.
One other tidbit; a local little league team arrived at the Royals' facility at the same time I did. The coach told me that the Royals let the team use the academy fields four times a week. The team, from Guerra, frequently plays against other teams on the professional fields. Since the team was from Guerra, I asked the coach if they could ever use the Dodgers' fields. He responded negatively, saying that the Dodgers were not helpful at all. The coach told me that the team really appreciates being able to use the facilities; the fields throughout their town are in awful shape, and the team gets a kick out of getting to play on a "Major League" field. Indeed, I talked to the kids, and all were huge fans of the Royals. They also told me that they all wanted to play in the States when they got older (they were between 12 and 16).
It's actually a pretty simple, but effective, idea. Rather than building fields that towns may or may not use and keep up, teams can let local leagues use their own fields. While the Royals are pretty isolated from any Dominican town, allowing youth to use their fields definitely provides a valuable service to the community. I played a little with the kids, as well. I got a line drive single to left field (I'm now 3-3 in the DR), and made a put out at second base. I'm thinking about making a comeback.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The Original Dominican Baseball Academy
Today, I visited Campo las Palmas, the Los Angeles Dodgers' Dominican baseball facility, and one of the original academies in the country. Officially inauguared in 1987, the academy is the longest standing in the country, and helped to set the tone for the modern facilities constructed by teams throughout the country. The Dodgers have a rich Dominican history, and players like Pedro Martinez, his brother Ramon, Raul Mondesi, and Pedro Astacio have all passed through the palm-tree lined fields of Campo las Palmas. Over the years, the Dodgers have become synonymous with Dominican baseball.
Campo las Palmas retains a vintage feel, distinctive from the other academies I have visited. It is located on 250 sprawling acres, carefully landscaped and filled with palm trees, fish infested lagoons, and, of course, four baseball fields. The Dodgers even used to own a farm land, but they just sold off the last of their cattle. Whereas some of the other academies feel like mini-Americas, Campo las Palmas is the essence of the Dominican Republic. There is, however, a fine line between Shea Stadium vintage (getting teared down this year because of its decrepit state) and Fenway Park vintage, which is classic despite its old age. Campo las Palmas carefully treads that line. The Dodgers have been forced to invest upwards of $100,000 in the facility in the last year, to ensure it can stay up to pace with the modern academy. It's only received air conditioning in the offices, along with new desks and chairs. The players' bathrooms are also getting a refurbishing. Yet, in stark contrast to other academies, all 40 of the players sleep in the same millitary-barracks like room. The cafeteria looks about ready to fall apart, and the locker room looks like it hasn't been touched in years. In any case, the Dodgers are doing their best to retain the classic feel while ensuring the academy remains functional.
Unfortunately, the Director of the Academy was out sick, but I did have the opportunity to spend some time with the Assistant of Baseball operations, a recent graduate of Cornell. Despite having only spent a short time with the team, he had a good read on the academy. Education-wise, the Dodgers have largely remained on par with other teams. Players take English classes every other day, but the course is not very time or work intensive. The team is, however, looking into creating a permanent curriculum that monitor player progress. Additionally, the team hopes to put more of an emphasis on cultural assimiliation, teaching players about life in the US. To this end, Ramon Martinez and Pedro Astacio came through the camp a few weeks ago to talk about their exeriences.
Campo las Palmas is about three kilometers from Guerra, a fairly large town. Because they have been in the area for so long, they do have a decent relationship with the town. The stands are supposedly filled for games on Fridays and Saturdays, and everybody in Guerra is a Dodgers fan. The Dodgers have also attempted to, rather than sporadically providing aid, set up a relationship with a local school, Vivo Futuro. In 2005, former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda funded 3 buses for the school, and the Dodgers have continued to provide money, following a 2006 visit by their owner. I saw a letter recently sent to the academy, providing another $10,000 in aid for the school. It seems that this effort to establish a relationship can prove to be effective in making a difference and establishing relationships.
I traveled into Guerra with a farmer who used to work with the team to maintain their fields; he was appreciative of their help and said the Dodgers had a good image in Guerra. I was also able to visit Vivo Futuro. The school looked very nice, but unfortunately, no administrators were available to talk to me about the relationship with the Dodgers. I decided to take a trip to the Mayor's office to see what he thought about the team. While he was not in, I talked to his Executive Assistant. She told me that she appreciated the efforts the Dodgers had made to improve Vivo Futuro, but did not think they had done much for the larger community of Guerra. She called Campo las Palmas a largely exclusive establishment, and implied that the authorities rarely traveled into Guerra. She emphasized there was a lot more that the team could do in the town, and their arms were open for a collaboration.
I do think that the Dodgers have taken a positive step in establishing a relationship with a school that appears to span several years. And a team cannot be expected to take on too much in a town. It seems, however, that after 21 years in Guerra, they might be able to make some more substantial efforts in the town itself. The roads are falling apart, poverty is rampant, and the local little league fields are not in good shape. Hopefully, the Dodgers will move beyond Vivo Futuro and begin to work in the larger Guerra community.
In the afternoon, I was also able to travel to Baseball City to observe the Cincinnati Reds' English classes. They provided a sharp contrast to the Mets' educational program. About half the team lounged in couches in their entertainment facilities, looking about ready to fall asleep. The teacher wrote several unrelated English phrases and words on the board (everything from "cold" to "kiss" to "cup"), directly translated the words, and then asked the players to repeat him as he articulated the phrases. Then, he would ask two players to speak at the front of the room. However, these players received little feedback, and talked too quietly to be heard by the rest of the class. Whereas Valarie would take away cell phones when the Mets players took them out during school, the Reds busily texted away, even answering calls during the class. It is unfortunate that Major League Baseball has not set standards or provided curriculums for English classes; it seems that most of the teams simply do the bare minimum for their players.
Tomorrow, it's back to Baseball City to talk to the Diamondbacks and the Cubs.
Campo las Palmas retains a vintage feel, distinctive from the other academies I have visited. It is located on 250 sprawling acres, carefully landscaped and filled with palm trees, fish infested lagoons, and, of course, four baseball fields. The Dodgers even used to own a farm land, but they just sold off the last of their cattle. Whereas some of the other academies feel like mini-Americas, Campo las Palmas is the essence of the Dominican Republic. There is, however, a fine line between Shea Stadium vintage (getting teared down this year because of its decrepit state) and Fenway Park vintage, which is classic despite its old age. Campo las Palmas carefully treads that line. The Dodgers have been forced to invest upwards of $100,000 in the facility in the last year, to ensure it can stay up to pace with the modern academy. It's only received air conditioning in the offices, along with new desks and chairs. The players' bathrooms are also getting a refurbishing. Yet, in stark contrast to other academies, all 40 of the players sleep in the same millitary-barracks like room. The cafeteria looks about ready to fall apart, and the locker room looks like it hasn't been touched in years. In any case, the Dodgers are doing their best to retain the classic feel while ensuring the academy remains functional.
Unfortunately, the Director of the Academy was out sick, but I did have the opportunity to spend some time with the Assistant of Baseball operations, a recent graduate of Cornell. Despite having only spent a short time with the team, he had a good read on the academy. Education-wise, the Dodgers have largely remained on par with other teams. Players take English classes every other day, but the course is not very time or work intensive. The team is, however, looking into creating a permanent curriculum that monitor player progress. Additionally, the team hopes to put more of an emphasis on cultural assimiliation, teaching players about life in the US. To this end, Ramon Martinez and Pedro Astacio came through the camp a few weeks ago to talk about their exeriences.
Campo las Palmas is about three kilometers from Guerra, a fairly large town. Because they have been in the area for so long, they do have a decent relationship with the town. The stands are supposedly filled for games on Fridays and Saturdays, and everybody in Guerra is a Dodgers fan. The Dodgers have also attempted to, rather than sporadically providing aid, set up a relationship with a local school, Vivo Futuro. In 2005, former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda funded 3 buses for the school, and the Dodgers have continued to provide money, following a 2006 visit by their owner. I saw a letter recently sent to the academy, providing another $10,000 in aid for the school. It seems that this effort to establish a relationship can prove to be effective in making a difference and establishing relationships.
I traveled into Guerra with a farmer who used to work with the team to maintain their fields; he was appreciative of their help and said the Dodgers had a good image in Guerra. I was also able to visit Vivo Futuro. The school looked very nice, but unfortunately, no administrators were available to talk to me about the relationship with the Dodgers. I decided to take a trip to the Mayor's office to see what he thought about the team. While he was not in, I talked to his Executive Assistant. She told me that she appreciated the efforts the Dodgers had made to improve Vivo Futuro, but did not think they had done much for the larger community of Guerra. She called Campo las Palmas a largely exclusive establishment, and implied that the authorities rarely traveled into Guerra. She emphasized there was a lot more that the team could do in the town, and their arms were open for a collaboration.
I do think that the Dodgers have taken a positive step in establishing a relationship with a school that appears to span several years. And a team cannot be expected to take on too much in a town. It seems, however, that after 21 years in Guerra, they might be able to make some more substantial efforts in the town itself. The roads are falling apart, poverty is rampant, and the local little league fields are not in good shape. Hopefully, the Dodgers will move beyond Vivo Futuro and begin to work in the larger Guerra community.
In the afternoon, I was also able to travel to Baseball City to observe the Cincinnati Reds' English classes. They provided a sharp contrast to the Mets' educational program. About half the team lounged in couches in their entertainment facilities, looking about ready to fall asleep. The teacher wrote several unrelated English phrases and words on the board (everything from "cold" to "kiss" to "cup"), directly translated the words, and then asked the players to repeat him as he articulated the phrases. Then, he would ask two players to speak at the front of the room. However, these players received little feedback, and talked too quietly to be heard by the rest of the class. Whereas Valarie would take away cell phones when the Mets players took them out during school, the Reds busily texted away, even answering calls during the class. It is unfortunate that Major League Baseball has not set standards or provided curriculums for English classes; it seems that most of the teams simply do the bare minimum for their players.
Tomorrow, it's back to Baseball City to talk to the Diamondbacks and the Cubs.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Las Mediarojas de Boston
Today, I visited the Boston Red Sox academy. The facility is located about a half hour from Boca Chica, near a town called El Mamon.
The academy is standard. One building houses everything; the eating facilities, clubhouse, gym, and accommodations. Anywhere from 8-16 players share a room full of bunk-beds, and the common area had two pool tables, a small TV, and mattresses to the side, probably used when the academy has extra kids. It's a very modest facility, especially when you take into account Boston's massive budget, but they think it does the trick.
I had a long interview with Jesus "Jay" Alou, a former big leaguer who has been involved in Dominican baseball for over fifty years. He is known as one of the best sources of knowledge on the sport and its evolution in the country, and it truly was a pleasure to be able to speak with him. I could sense how much he continues to love the game, but at the same time, how much he loves his country.
Alou explained that the Red Sox have been very active in the community, but wished they could do more. He reiterated that the Dominican Republic is a very poor country that has many needs, and the Red Sox try to do to their part, but he humbly acknowledged that it is not enough. Alou said that win the Red Sox opened their facility in 2002, the owner, John Henry, stated that the team was coming not just to develop players, but to develop the Dominican community.
The Red Sox facility is next to a small community called El Mamon. A few years ago, Charlene Engelhard, a Boston fan and philanthropist, gave $100,000 to fund a program called "Lindos Suenos" (Pretty dreams). The program involved 12 Dominicans and 12 Americans working together on a community project by day, and playing baseball at the Red Sox facility by night. The first project involved building a field and daycare building in El Mamon, and Jesus said that the program has continued every year since, with many kids applying to participate.
In addition to Lindos Suenos, Alou stated that the Red Sox help out in the community when they can, helping local kids through school and helping families with finanical problems. They have also moved beyond El Mamon, funding an ambulance and hospital in the town of Haina, where Alou and Red Sox slugger David Ortiz were born. This year, Alou explained that the team has begun to work with an orphanage in San Pedro de Macoris, with which they hope to develop a longterm relationship. Indeed, Alou, and the Red Sox, are very passionate about helping out those in the community.
After talking to Alou, I ventured through El Mamon, guided by a few 8-year old kids. I immediately ran into Gloria, who said she used to coordinate the day-care center the Red Sox built through Lindos Suenos. She said she appreciated the Red Sox help, but that they had not done much in a while, and hoped that they would come back. After a long trek into the outskirts of the community, Gloria's daughter showed me the day-care center, noting that it had not been fully operational in three years. Additionally, the field built through Lindos Suenos appeared unused, with weeds growing in the infield. When I arrived there, some men were talking about moving the stands to a nearby public field, where people actually did play baseball.
Apparently, the Red Sox had invested significant time and money in constructing facilities that the town completely disregarded. Some of this may be the result of the team's failure to develop an adequate relationship with the town and keep track of its facilities. But, in a subsequent conversation with Alou, he expressed frustration that the town could not take care of the donated projects, and still wanted more. This demonstrates a basic problem with these community programs; teams may look for quick image fixes, but fail to actually ensure that their projects become sustainable. I'm beginning to see the value in teams setting up relationships with communities, rather than just constructing facilities, getting publicity, and then leaving.
The Red Sox also employed an American law-student intern for the summer. He's been with the team for two months, basically helping the kids with their English classes (the Sox commute 45 minutes 4 times a week for their classes, which is more than most...although Alou admitted that the team used to use a system like that of the Mets, and stopped, because it was too much work for the kids). We had an interesting conversation about the development of the players. He emphatically said that MLB was not exploiting the players; baseball gave them a choice they wouldn't have in any other sector. At the same time, many seemed under-equipped to handle the real world because they had never received a formal education. But much of this is due to the weak Dominican educational infrastructure.
Anyways, the day was very interesting. The Red Sox have certainly accomplished a lot in the community, but may have failed to ensure their efforts remain sustainable. Hopefully, their relationship with the orphanage will develop over time (I may try to visit in the coming week).
The academy is standard. One building houses everything; the eating facilities, clubhouse, gym, and accommodations. Anywhere from 8-16 players share a room full of bunk-beds, and the common area had two pool tables, a small TV, and mattresses to the side, probably used when the academy has extra kids. It's a very modest facility, especially when you take into account Boston's massive budget, but they think it does the trick.
I had a long interview with Jesus "Jay" Alou, a former big leaguer who has been involved in Dominican baseball for over fifty years. He is known as one of the best sources of knowledge on the sport and its evolution in the country, and it truly was a pleasure to be able to speak with him. I could sense how much he continues to love the game, but at the same time, how much he loves his country.
Alou explained that the Red Sox have been very active in the community, but wished they could do more. He reiterated that the Dominican Republic is a very poor country that has many needs, and the Red Sox try to do to their part, but he humbly acknowledged that it is not enough. Alou said that win the Red Sox opened their facility in 2002, the owner, John Henry, stated that the team was coming not just to develop players, but to develop the Dominican community.
The Red Sox facility is next to a small community called El Mamon. A few years ago, Charlene Engelhard, a Boston fan and philanthropist, gave $100,000 to fund a program called "Lindos Suenos" (Pretty dreams). The program involved 12 Dominicans and 12 Americans working together on a community project by day, and playing baseball at the Red Sox facility by night. The first project involved building a field and daycare building in El Mamon, and Jesus said that the program has continued every year since, with many kids applying to participate.
In addition to Lindos Suenos, Alou stated that the Red Sox help out in the community when they can, helping local kids through school and helping families with finanical problems. They have also moved beyond El Mamon, funding an ambulance and hospital in the town of Haina, where Alou and Red Sox slugger David Ortiz were born. This year, Alou explained that the team has begun to work with an orphanage in San Pedro de Macoris, with which they hope to develop a longterm relationship. Indeed, Alou, and the Red Sox, are very passionate about helping out those in the community.
After talking to Alou, I ventured through El Mamon, guided by a few 8-year old kids. I immediately ran into Gloria, who said she used to coordinate the day-care center the Red Sox built through Lindos Suenos. She said she appreciated the Red Sox help, but that they had not done much in a while, and hoped that they would come back. After a long trek into the outskirts of the community, Gloria's daughter showed me the day-care center, noting that it had not been fully operational in three years. Additionally, the field built through Lindos Suenos appeared unused, with weeds growing in the infield. When I arrived there, some men were talking about moving the stands to a nearby public field, where people actually did play baseball.
Apparently, the Red Sox had invested significant time and money in constructing facilities that the town completely disregarded. Some of this may be the result of the team's failure to develop an adequate relationship with the town and keep track of its facilities. But, in a subsequent conversation with Alou, he expressed frustration that the town could not take care of the donated projects, and still wanted more. This demonstrates a basic problem with these community programs; teams may look for quick image fixes, but fail to actually ensure that their projects become sustainable. I'm beginning to see the value in teams setting up relationships with communities, rather than just constructing facilities, getting publicity, and then leaving.
The Red Sox also employed an American law-student intern for the summer. He's been with the team for two months, basically helping the kids with their English classes (the Sox commute 45 minutes 4 times a week for their classes, which is more than most...although Alou admitted that the team used to use a system like that of the Mets, and stopped, because it was too much work for the kids). We had an interesting conversation about the development of the players. He emphatically said that MLB was not exploiting the players; baseball gave them a choice they wouldn't have in any other sector. At the same time, many seemed under-equipped to handle the real world because they had never received a formal education. But much of this is due to the weak Dominican educational infrastructure.
Anyways, the day was very interesting. The Red Sox have certainly accomplished a lot in the community, but may have failed to ensure their efforts remain sustainable. Hopefully, their relationship with the orphanage will develop over time (I may try to visit in the coming week).
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Pedro's Home
The academies were closed today, so I decided to make a trek to Manuguayabo, a neighborhood west of Santo Domingo, and Pedro Martinez' childhood home. Martinez, currently a pitcher on the New York Mets, is probably the most beloved baseball player in the country right now. In addition to having won multiple Cy Young awards and a World Championship with the Boston Red Sox, Pedro has made it a priority to give back to the Dominican community that formed the player and, more importantly, the person he is today.
After two gua-gua (public bus) rides, and a short stint on the back of a motoconcho (motorcycle-like taxi...terrifying experience), I got to Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción de María, a church that Pedro helped construct with his own money. Although simple, it has 17 pews, it is packed every weekend, and has a prime spot on the main spot in town. I was able to talk to the church's coordinator, an elderly lady who knew Pedro when he was growing up in Manuguayabo. She could not stop singing his praise. She said that Pedro had always promised to build a church if he made it to the big leagues, and he followed through shortly after achieving his goal. Having obviously followed his career, she told me that the church was inaugurated in the mid-February 1998, right after Pedro won his first Cy Young with the Montreal Expos, and was subsequently traded to the Red Sox (as an aside, I had the opportunity to meet Pedro at the LA Dodgers Dominican academy that same off-season, and found him, from what I remember, to be a great guy, leaving his breakfast to talk to me).
She said that Pedro has been great for the community and everybody knows about the pitcher and his accomplishments. She also regaled me with stories about his youth; describing his as a troublemaker, but at the same time, a boy that worked hard in the farm and at baseball, knowing the committment it would take to achieve his goal. She constantly recognized the immense impact Pedro has made in the community and told me she hoped that another young boy would make it as far as Pedro soon, so that Manuguayabo could continue to grow. It was fascinating that she put so much hope in a baseball player to increase the prosperity of her town.
In addition to the church, Pedro bought the land for a nearby school, which was built in a partnership with the Japanese government. The school layout is simple, but seems very functional; three stories of clean classrooms with spotless walls (not the norm for Dominican schools). In back of the school, Pedro has begun to fund the construction of a massive baseball stadium. While it seems that the construction has stalled, a lot of people I talked to were excited about the possibility of their very own baseball venue.
I also stopped by Pedro's finca (farm). He has converted his childhood home into an extravagant residence. Although no one was home, the guard allowed me to walk around the premises (I continue to be amazed that almost everyone in this country gives me full access to everything). There were three different houses, a beautiful pool, and a patio that overlooked the forest. Yet, it is evident that Pedro's newly extravagant dwellings have not changed him as a person; he continues to help neighbors. The chuch coordinator told me that friends and neighbors constantly ask him for help rebuilding homes, funding surgeries, and putting their kids through school. He always obliges.
While most of my research on this project will center on the work that Major League teams can do to promote community development, my trip to Manuguayabo demonstrated that players, with their multi-million dollar annual salaries, can make just as much of a difference. Indeed, players are revered throughout the country; everybody in the town could tell me just where Pedro's church was and where he lived, and Albert Pujols appears in Coke advertisements throughout the city. Raul Mondesi, a former ballplayer, appears in an ad for the President in his hometown of San Cristobal, and I talked to a person in Boca Chica today who said that the LA Dodgers are his new favorite team, because Dominican Manny Ramirez was just traded to them.
Because of their salaries and notoriety, Dominican players can make a huge difference in their communities. Some, like Pedro and Angels slugger Vladamir Guerrero, have made a true committment by building sustainable infrastructures in their home communities. Others however, seem to only help on the surfact, like Sammy Sosa, who gives away presents but does not seem interested in more. It was inspiring, however, to see the great work that Pedro has done with the millions he has earned through professional baseball. It is an example of basebally truly helping a community to develop into a better place.
After two gua-gua (public bus) rides, and a short stint on the back of a motoconcho (motorcycle-like taxi...terrifying experience), I got to Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción de María, a church that Pedro helped construct with his own money. Although simple, it has 17 pews, it is packed every weekend, and has a prime spot on the main spot in town. I was able to talk to the church's coordinator, an elderly lady who knew Pedro when he was growing up in Manuguayabo. She could not stop singing his praise. She said that Pedro had always promised to build a church if he made it to the big leagues, and he followed through shortly after achieving his goal. Having obviously followed his career, she told me that the church was inaugurated in the mid-February 1998, right after Pedro won his first Cy Young with the Montreal Expos, and was subsequently traded to the Red Sox (as an aside, I had the opportunity to meet Pedro at the LA Dodgers Dominican academy that same off-season, and found him, from what I remember, to be a great guy, leaving his breakfast to talk to me).
She said that Pedro has been great for the community and everybody knows about the pitcher and his accomplishments. She also regaled me with stories about his youth; describing his as a troublemaker, but at the same time, a boy that worked hard in the farm and at baseball, knowing the committment it would take to achieve his goal. She constantly recognized the immense impact Pedro has made in the community and told me she hoped that another young boy would make it as far as Pedro soon, so that Manuguayabo could continue to grow. It was fascinating that she put so much hope in a baseball player to increase the prosperity of her town.
In addition to the church, Pedro bought the land for a nearby school, which was built in a partnership with the Japanese government. The school layout is simple, but seems very functional; three stories of clean classrooms with spotless walls (not the norm for Dominican schools). In back of the school, Pedro has begun to fund the construction of a massive baseball stadium. While it seems that the construction has stalled, a lot of people I talked to were excited about the possibility of their very own baseball venue.
I also stopped by Pedro's finca (farm). He has converted his childhood home into an extravagant residence. Although no one was home, the guard allowed me to walk around the premises (I continue to be amazed that almost everyone in this country gives me full access to everything). There were three different houses, a beautiful pool, and a patio that overlooked the forest. Yet, it is evident that Pedro's newly extravagant dwellings have not changed him as a person; he continues to help neighbors. The chuch coordinator told me that friends and neighbors constantly ask him for help rebuilding homes, funding surgeries, and putting their kids through school. He always obliges.
While most of my research on this project will center on the work that Major League teams can do to promote community development, my trip to Manuguayabo demonstrated that players, with their multi-million dollar annual salaries, can make just as much of a difference. Indeed, players are revered throughout the country; everybody in the town could tell me just where Pedro's church was and where he lived, and Albert Pujols appears in Coke advertisements throughout the city. Raul Mondesi, a former ballplayer, appears in an ad for the President in his hometown of San Cristobal, and I talked to a person in Boca Chica today who said that the LA Dodgers are his new favorite team, because Dominican Manny Ramirez was just traded to them.
Because of their salaries and notoriety, Dominican players can make a huge difference in their communities. Some, like Pedro and Angels slugger Vladamir Guerrero, have made a true committment by building sustainable infrastructures in their home communities. Others however, seem to only help on the surfact, like Sammy Sosa, who gives away presents but does not seem interested in more. It was inspiring, however, to see the great work that Pedro has done with the millions he has earned through professional baseball. It is an example of basebally truly helping a community to develop into a better place.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Baseball on a Saturday
So even though today was the start of the weekend, the players were still at work. They play six times a week during the summer, getting only Sundays off. So I set off to Baseball City pretty early. It's quite the facility; six teams sharing the same basic complex. Each team has its own separate facilities, which are all very similar. They are nice, but not nearly as nice as the Padres or Mets academies. Eight players share a room with four bunk beds; the dining room is small and musty, and the offices are pretty small. Nevertheless, compared to the rest of the country, Baseball City remains an oasis.
In contrast to the other academies I have visited, Baseball City is walking distance from a large town (Boca Chica, where I am staying). Additionally, it is completely adjacent to a small farming community that houses several thousand people. Despite the largely urban setting, it remains relatively isolated, and it seems that most of the teams have little to no interaction with the surrounding communities.
My first interview was with Juan Peralta, the Administrator for the Cincinati Reds. Juan and I had a long talk about their academy versus the Mets and Padres. He noted that the Mets and Padres were much nicer ("like a resort") but also said that they cost much more money to maintain, and in the end, probably did not do too much more to develop prospects. He admitted that if the Reds and Padres were trying to sign a player and offering similar monetary amounts, they would probably choose San Diego (the old San Diego discount at work again), but he thought that wouldn't happen very often.
Juan did not have much to say when it came to the Reds interacting with the community. He noted that they gave old equipment to Boca Chica youth leagues 3-4 times a year, and sponsored 1-2 baseball clinics each year with their coaches. That seemed to be the extent of their involvement, and he didn't seem inspired to expand it in the coming years. Additionally, while their players do take English classes, and Juan noted that the Mets educational program seemed ideal, he said it was a budgetary concern, and the people at the top in Cincinati did not appear ready to allocate money for such an endeavor. Basically, it seemed that the number one, and almost only concern, is to produce baseball players. Little resources remain for the community.
I then watched a bit of an Orioles-Reds game at the adjoining Orioles complex. The Oriolex facility shares a gate with the neighboring community, and an open gate allowed some small children to watch the game. There were only about ten of them, but that was more than I had seen at any other Baseball City game. The children all stopped when I came by with my camera, and asked me for money.
I talked to the Orioles Management of Player Development, Felipe Alou Jr. (he's the son of former player and manager Felipe Alou, and the brother of current injured player Moises Alou). Felipe was a really nice guy, allowing me to eat at the facility and then conduct an interview while a Cubs-Pirates game was on TV in the background. The Orioles just moved to Baseball City from San Pedro de Macoris, and so he said that much of their operations were just starting up. He admitted they had no real community outreach programs, largely because they had just arrived. Subsequently, the Orioles had little name-recognition in the community. Felipe did talk extensively (and with experience) on the potential of baseball, noting how all Dominican youth aspire to be Major Leaguers, and noted the importance that the game has been for the country. He humbly noted that the Dominican Republic is a very poor country, but baseball, in addition to providing an economic stimulus, is a source of immense pride. Considering he comes from possibly the pre-eminent Dominican baseball family (his father, brother, and two uncles played in the Majors, and he made it to Triple A), this carried a lot of weight.
I took a walk in the neighboring town after the interviews. Kids were playing ball all over the street; some using bottle caps in place of balls. While the kids all expressed a love for the game, they told me most of their gloves were broken and they didn't usually receive materials from the teams. A few older people in the town said they loved baseball and thought it was great the academies were next door, but also said the teams never did anything concrete for them.
After having interviewed five teams, it's very evident that some teams put much more into their community outreach programs than others. The teams in baseball city, with limited resources already because of their smaller academies, don't seem to put an emphasis on their outreach. Hopefully, this attitude can change in the coming years.
In contrast to the other academies I have visited, Baseball City is walking distance from a large town (Boca Chica, where I am staying). Additionally, it is completely adjacent to a small farming community that houses several thousand people. Despite the largely urban setting, it remains relatively isolated, and it seems that most of the teams have little to no interaction with the surrounding communities.
My first interview was with Juan Peralta, the Administrator for the Cincinati Reds. Juan and I had a long talk about their academy versus the Mets and Padres. He noted that the Mets and Padres were much nicer ("like a resort") but also said that they cost much more money to maintain, and in the end, probably did not do too much more to develop prospects. He admitted that if the Reds and Padres were trying to sign a player and offering similar monetary amounts, they would probably choose San Diego (the old San Diego discount at work again), but he thought that wouldn't happen very often.
Juan did not have much to say when it came to the Reds interacting with the community. He noted that they gave old equipment to Boca Chica youth leagues 3-4 times a year, and sponsored 1-2 baseball clinics each year with their coaches. That seemed to be the extent of their involvement, and he didn't seem inspired to expand it in the coming years. Additionally, while their players do take English classes, and Juan noted that the Mets educational program seemed ideal, he said it was a budgetary concern, and the people at the top in Cincinati did not appear ready to allocate money for such an endeavor. Basically, it seemed that the number one, and almost only concern, is to produce baseball players. Little resources remain for the community.
I then watched a bit of an Orioles-Reds game at the adjoining Orioles complex. The Oriolex facility shares a gate with the neighboring community, and an open gate allowed some small children to watch the game. There were only about ten of them, but that was more than I had seen at any other Baseball City game. The children all stopped when I came by with my camera, and asked me for money.
I talked to the Orioles Management of Player Development, Felipe Alou Jr. (he's the son of former player and manager Felipe Alou, and the brother of current injured player Moises Alou). Felipe was a really nice guy, allowing me to eat at the facility and then conduct an interview while a Cubs-Pirates game was on TV in the background. The Orioles just moved to Baseball City from San Pedro de Macoris, and so he said that much of their operations were just starting up. He admitted they had no real community outreach programs, largely because they had just arrived. Subsequently, the Orioles had little name-recognition in the community. Felipe did talk extensively (and with experience) on the potential of baseball, noting how all Dominican youth aspire to be Major Leaguers, and noted the importance that the game has been for the country. He humbly noted that the Dominican Republic is a very poor country, but baseball, in addition to providing an economic stimulus, is a source of immense pride. Considering he comes from possibly the pre-eminent Dominican baseball family (his father, brother, and two uncles played in the Majors, and he made it to Triple A), this carried a lot of weight.
I took a walk in the neighboring town after the interviews. Kids were playing ball all over the street; some using bottle caps in place of balls. While the kids all expressed a love for the game, they told me most of their gloves were broken and they didn't usually receive materials from the teams. A few older people in the town said they loved baseball and thought it was great the academies were next door, but also said the teams never did anything concrete for them.
After having interviewed five teams, it's very evident that some teams put much more into their community outreach programs than others. The teams in baseball city, with limited resources already because of their smaller academies, don't seem to put an emphasis on their outreach. Hopefully, this attitude can change in the coming years.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Los Mets de Nueva York
Today, I went back to the Mets facility. It was quite a different scene from Tuesday, when the whole country was out to see the official inauguration. I arrived at around 9:30, and the players were taking their last swings and pitches of practice before heading off to play the Florida Marlins.
I met with Juan Henderson, a former Angels Minor League player and the Administrator of the Academy. Despite a very busy schedule, he was very accommodating and spent a few hours talking to me and showing me around the new academy. The Mets' academy is probably the second nicest in the country, next only to the Padres (which Juan admitted). It has three fields, one of which has astro turf (the only one of its kind in the country). Juan kept referring to the place as a resort, visibly proud of the complex. Amongst the highlights: an entertainment room with 2 big screen TV's (the players are mandated to watch the Mets play every night), a "guest" house with a pool (the roving minor league instructors generally stay there, although the team has barbeques there as well), and a huge, ornate clubhouse. Juan walked me around the facilities as excited as a little kid showing off his newest toy.
The Mets have extensive community projects throughout the Dominican community. Their proudest project is a partnership with Esperanza International, an organization that focuses on community building and microgrant financing. Juan himself did not know much about the program beyond a superficial understanding, but I'm getting a two-day tour with Esperanza next week which should give me a much better perspective. Interestingly, Juan said that all cues for the interaction with Esperanza come from New York; he has no interaction with them. As I interpreted this and other conversations, there is an interesting dynamic; the Mets organization has done a lot for the larger Dominican community, but the academy itself does not really have a formal relationship with the community. Thus, the Mets have huge name recognition (a lot of this has to do with the fact that the team has a few of the best Dominican players), but the academy doesn't do much in its immediate surroundings.
This was evident when I walked to a poor farm community right next to the academy which presented a stark contrast to the opulent academy. Although most people I talked to there had a high opinion of the Mets, and said their arrival had sparked some benefits (they always had electricity, for example), the team had not done much for them. They complained that their dirt roads flooded during rains, and it was hard to sell their food. Also, none of them ever attended games, although it would have been a two minute walk to the games. This was a big contrast to the Padres' nearby town. Again, the Mets seem to focus on the bigger community picture, and don't seem as concerned about the smaller communities nearby.
One incredibly innovative program that they have undertaken is educational; they require all academy players to attend a school in Santo Domingo three times per week for three hours (this increases to four times per week during the Fall). The kids receive instruction on not just English, but biology, math, and other secondary skills. They graduated four kids last year, and two already this year. Juan noted that the goal of this program was double-fold: to ensure the Mets were creating not just baseball players, but well-rounded active citizens, and to ensure that players who did not make it to the States could fall back on something. Indeed, Juan told me of a call he received from a former player who had been released, but could use his education to get a substantial hotel management job. The Mets are one of the first teams to institute this, and it may hopefully expand in coming years.
It was evident that the Mets are putting a lot into their facility, and Latin American program. Both their community and educational programs are amongst the best in the country.
I also visited the Blue Jays complex, but the Director, who had previously said he would meet with me, said his boss would not let him. I visited the Yankees as well; the Administrator briefly told me that the team conducted activities with an orphanage and helped during times of crises (hurricanes, etc) but then said he couldn't talk to me more. He did admit the Yankees had no formal community relationships and basically just got money whenever they needed it for a cause. That's not surprising.
Tomorrow, it's back to Baseball City for the Reds, and possibly the Orioles.
I met with Juan Henderson, a former Angels Minor League player and the Administrator of the Academy. Despite a very busy schedule, he was very accommodating and spent a few hours talking to me and showing me around the new academy. The Mets' academy is probably the second nicest in the country, next only to the Padres (which Juan admitted). It has three fields, one of which has astro turf (the only one of its kind in the country). Juan kept referring to the place as a resort, visibly proud of the complex. Amongst the highlights: an entertainment room with 2 big screen TV's (the players are mandated to watch the Mets play every night), a "guest" house with a pool (the roving minor league instructors generally stay there, although the team has barbeques there as well), and a huge, ornate clubhouse. Juan walked me around the facilities as excited as a little kid showing off his newest toy.
The Mets have extensive community projects throughout the Dominican community. Their proudest project is a partnership with Esperanza International, an organization that focuses on community building and microgrant financing. Juan himself did not know much about the program beyond a superficial understanding, but I'm getting a two-day tour with Esperanza next week which should give me a much better perspective. Interestingly, Juan said that all cues for the interaction with Esperanza come from New York; he has no interaction with them. As I interpreted this and other conversations, there is an interesting dynamic; the Mets organization has done a lot for the larger Dominican community, but the academy itself does not really have a formal relationship with the community. Thus, the Mets have huge name recognition (a lot of this has to do with the fact that the team has a few of the best Dominican players), but the academy doesn't do much in its immediate surroundings.
This was evident when I walked to a poor farm community right next to the academy which presented a stark contrast to the opulent academy. Although most people I talked to there had a high opinion of the Mets, and said their arrival had sparked some benefits (they always had electricity, for example), the team had not done much for them. They complained that their dirt roads flooded during rains, and it was hard to sell their food. Also, none of them ever attended games, although it would have been a two minute walk to the games. This was a big contrast to the Padres' nearby town. Again, the Mets seem to focus on the bigger community picture, and don't seem as concerned about the smaller communities nearby.
One incredibly innovative program that they have undertaken is educational; they require all academy players to attend a school in Santo Domingo three times per week for three hours (this increases to four times per week during the Fall). The kids receive instruction on not just English, but biology, math, and other secondary skills. They graduated four kids last year, and two already this year. Juan noted that the goal of this program was double-fold: to ensure the Mets were creating not just baseball players, but well-rounded active citizens, and to ensure that players who did not make it to the States could fall back on something. Indeed, Juan told me of a call he received from a former player who had been released, but could use his education to get a substantial hotel management job. The Mets are one of the first teams to institute this, and it may hopefully expand in coming years.
It was evident that the Mets are putting a lot into their facility, and Latin American program. Both their community and educational programs are amongst the best in the country.
I also visited the Blue Jays complex, but the Director, who had previously said he would meet with me, said his boss would not let him. I visited the Yankees as well; the Administrator briefly told me that the team conducted activities with an orphanage and helped during times of crises (hurricanes, etc) but then said he couldn't talk to me more. He did admit the Yankees had no formal community relationships and basically just got money whenever they needed it for a cause. That's not surprising.
Tomorrow, it's back to Baseball City for the Reds, and possibly the Orioles.
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