In the Dominican Republic, where three out of ten people live below the poverty line, baseball is more than a sport—it's a way of life deeply ingrained in the culture. Alberto, a dedicated manager and scout at a local baseball academy, emphasizes that the sport runs in many Dominicans' blood.
\"Our academy exists to help kids stay in school and provide them with opportunities to play for the MLB,\" Alberto explained. Major League Baseball (MLB), founded in 1903, is the oldest major professional sports league in the U.S. and Canada, featuring 30 teams each year competing for the championship.
Each year, the MLB invests 125 million U.S. dollars in developing new talent in the Dominican Republic. This investment has paid off, with roughly 10 percent of MLB players hailing from the Dominican Republic—more than any other foreign country.
15-year-old Jelfrey Marte embodies the passion and dedication fostered by these programs. \"To be a good baseball player, you have to use your mind and heart. The best players are Dominican because we carry it in our blood,\" Jelfrey said with enthusiasm.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
