Has Major League baseball helped or hurt the Dominican Republic

[Cleef]

I don't know maybe it's just me but baseball has been getting in the habit of being in the middle of caos and yet they take no responsibility for anything

Yes, it is just 'you'.

You're OP states that MLB is somehow "disrupting the Dominican government from building better educational facilities and programs".

Interesting that you are so "in-tune" with being in the middle of caos [sic] and taking no responsibility for anything.

MLB is?at the very least?partly responsible for the DR being as well known as it is. If you extrapolated outward their effect on the island over the past 25-30 years, I feel very strongly that it would be overwhelmingly positive.

To think the opposite is off the charts for me. I'd love to hear differing opinions that could offer more than your 'peeps', who sound like jilted buscones.

You'd get better information at the colmado.

 

[R&JRivas]

I am finding your life story MOST interesting. Young, limited education, with baseball skills and a FAT bank account. I am wondering how did you related to your family back home? Did you visit often? Did every relative want something from you? Were you able to bring others to the States? Were you able to improve their living situation (if needed)? Any regrets or second thoughts of what you could have done better as it relates to DR and family there? What happened when the contract came to an end?

All this might sound stupid or a bit too personal. If so, I apologize. But I'm just curious to hear more of how you were able to bridge to two different worlds in a new experience.
TEHAMA

I am sure my story is the same as many xplayers. I signed my baseball contract in Santo Domingo and I signed for 7000.00 usd and in those days it was alot. I went back to my city where I was from and my family did not belive me that I signed the contract until they saw the check. I gave the check to my father and he added a couple of rooms on to the house. I remember leaving to the US and not knowing a word of english not even "hello". I was scared but was better once I got to spring tranning and saw other players that I knew. After every season in the US, I would return home to play in the winter league. This was a tuff life but I do not regret anything because it mad me the person I am today.
I have 18 brothers and sisters so everyyear I made sure I brought things for everyone. It was hard because our check were not much. I have no regrets I did the best I could. I still try to help my family when I can but I have my own family now.
I never brought any of my family to the US what would I have done with them? I never lived in NY or somewhere that everyone speaks spanish. I have a sister that got married and she came to the US and she lived in new york and she brought my dad, mom 1 sister and 3 brothers.
When baseball was over me and my wife moved and settled down and had children. 1 boy 1 girl I have a good wife she is a great mother and wife she loves the Dominican Republic and she always makes sure we go back at least 3times per year and she cooks Dominican food. A few years ago we bought a condo in Dominican Republic we are now selling it only because we can not spend three months in the summer like we were doing becasue our daughter is spending a lot of time at different universitys studing during the summer. Last year she went to Yale and this year Noter Dame I do not think that is spelled right. She just finished 10 grade but I want her education to be good.
Life after baseball was hard all I knew was baseball, but I learned and worked many different jobs now I own my own business and I am doing good. I have a small private thing I do with local kids helping them with baseball.
Someday I hope I can retire early but right now its one day at a time I have a responsiblity to get my kids to have a good education because I didnt have this. I love this country and I love my country too. I have many friends that were in baseball with me that are not doing good now and have chose a different life that me.
Not to change the subjest but when I played baseball steriods were not a big thing but I sure did see alot of pills and marjuana in the club house. I do not think I spelled that right either (sorry)
And thanks for asking

 

[easygoin]

What a great story and person you are

We need a lot more people in this world that are half of you. Humans take so much for granted on the average that they fail to see the big picture in general. You on the other hand did the opposite and always will. This story I will never forget..... thanks so much TEHAMA for asking.

 

[Teddy_Ruxpin]

Hmmm

I need some feed back from some of you guys and gals out there, I feel that major league baseball is exploiting Dominican children, and I also feel that people have had a blind eye about what major league is really doing in D.R., and if there doing much at all, why do we have one hall of famer
and only a hand full of ballplayer in the big show, if they have been there 70' the 70's MLB I believe is disrupting the Dominican government from building better educational facilities and programs...what do you think!

I think Dominicans are like African Americans in this sense, whether they be black, mixed, or whatever. I remember in highschool we did a study that proved that big schools care more about how a student can uplift the school on the field or the court rather than in the classroom. I think society in general puts a bigger emphasis on athletic stature than academics. These talent scouts don't care if the person's mind is being properly nurtured, they only care about how much money they can make for them.

 

[daddy1]

o.k. look...

Yes, it is just 'you'.

You're OP states that MLB is somehow "disrupting the Dominican government from building better educational facilities and programs".

Interesting that you are so "in-tune" with being in the middle of caos [sic] and taking no responsibility for anything.

MLB is—at the very least—partly responsible for the DR being as well known as it is. If you extrapolated outward their effect on the island over the past 25-30 years, I feel very strongly that it would be overwhelmingly positive.

To think the opposite is off the charts for me. I'd love to hear differing opinions that could offer more than your 'peeps', who sound like jilted buscones.

You'd get better information at the colmado.

Rivas has given you a testimonial of what was going on in those camps and once again what MLB is selling to the public is that these boys are recieving some type of language and american cultural education..he has confirmed as in ex-exploit
that this is not so!!


And I agree in part MLB is responsible for D.R.'s baseball popularity, BUT....they haven't been totally honest about what they are really using
Dominican players for you see they can't get away with just sticking afro American player in the minor leagues forever, because they have College, the NBA, the NFL, the CFL, the AFL, the ABA and Japanese Baseball league as a choice, that's why they don't create these camps in the U.S. urban neighborhoods, and if you watch college baseball you will notice that there are barely any Afro - Americans playing anymore, and they are slowly fading from pro baseball. MLB knows to well that they can't use Afro American Athlete's to keep there Heartland minor league establishments running, they have choices, and they will tell MLB thanks but no thanks, but afro Americans
believe that MLB is trying to get rid of them anyway because there shattering there heroes records left and right. and if your still not convinced!!
let's do the numbers...


What has been MLB's Progress Report for Developing Dominican baseball since 1974?...just do the research, the numbers and accomplishments just do not add up to all the players they have signed..

there is no reason for MLB concentration camps in the island ,and by signing young ELEMENTARY school drop outs this clearly send's children the wrong message,and when they have dried up these players emotions in the minor league (FARM) system these fragile boys turn into broken men, and a so called ethical American multi - billion dollar business sit there and say this is best they can do for the country.

 

[TEHAMA]

And thanks for asking

Thank you for sharing.
TEHAMA

 

[Frank the Tank]

Today's (5/29/05) NY Daily News has an excellent article on baseball in the DR. It talks about the buscones and how some Dominican Minor leaguers got caught up in a marry for money/visas scandal. They were approached by some buscones and pressured to marry women they didn't know or had never seen. In return they were promised $150,000 RD. After taking part in civil cermonies these women got visas to come to the US. What happened to these poor women once they got to the US one can only guess. As for thee players they are now barred from entering the US or getting work visas, ending whatever baseball careers they had. Can't say I have much sympathy for those players. Being asked to marry someone you don't know for money should raise a red flag to anyone. You can read the article at www.nydailynews.com

To answer an earlier post about lack of afro-americans in the major leagues and no baseabll academies in US inner cities:

First, one reason baseball isn't as popular among inner city youth is that it is not a sport in which success comes quickly or easily. How many 18 year olds do you see playing the major leagues? Just about zero. One does not go easily from high school to the major leagues like other sports. It takes several years of development to play baseball at that level. Think of how many AAA "superstars" can't make it in the major leagues, too good for triple A, but not good enough to be a regular in the big leagues. So why play baseball when one can turn on the tv and see LeBron James and Kevin Garnett and others making millions in the NBA stright from high school and you might have to play 4 or 5 years of minor league baseball only making thousands before you have the chance to make it big??? With baseball there is no instant gratification or reward and to these kids thats whats its all about unfortunately. In regards to baseball academies, there are some here. The LA Dodgers run a big one in Los Angeles and there are a few more out there. But think about it, here in the US we have have organized little leagues, a real school system which at the high school level has baseball teams, and colleges and junior colleges in addition to American Legion ball, Babe Ruth leagues, Stan Musial leagues among others. So you see baseball talent is developed here. In the DR, they don't have all this hence the need for these academies. Hopefully as the DR develops, other avenues become available to future players then these so called academies.

One more thing baseball is the best sport with the best athletes. Way better than soccer, basketball or football.

 

[Cleef]

The next domino to fall?

I think MLB should figure out how to add the DR to the baseball draft.

Perhaps an international draft separate of the regular one. Drug testing required to be eligible...there are some huge issues to overcome however.

Sad story for these folks, hopefully the lesson won't be lost on others, but I doubt it.

One more thing baseball is the best sport with the best athletes. Way better than soccer, basketball or football.

What?
Best sport maybe, but there's no comparison to the athletic skill involved in soccer, bball and fball. You can be a good baseball player with half the athletic skill of the most junior of professional soccer player.

 

[Frank the Tank]

I think MLB should figure out how to add the DR to the baseball draft.

Perhaps an international draft separate of the regular one. Drug testing required to be eligible...there are some huge issues to overcome however.

Sad story for these folks, hopefully the lesson won't be lost on others, but I doubt it.

What?
Best sport maybe, but there's no comparison to the athletic skill involved in soccer, bball and fball. You can be a good baseball player with half the athletic skill of the most junior of professional soccer player.

I'd like to see some of these soccer "athletes" try and hit 95mph fastball. Why dont you try hitting a round ball with a round stick. And then once you manage to do that, go and run down a fly ball in centerfield, catch it and then throw the ball all the way to home plate. In baseball to succeed you need huge amounts of eyehand coordination, speed, agility, and a strong throwing arm. In soccer you only need to run and anyone can do that.

 

[easygoin]

Professions in general

I think MLB should figure out how to add the DR to the baseball draft.

Perhaps an international draft separate of the regular one. Drug testing required to be eligible...there are some huge issues to overcome however.

Sad story for these folks, hopefully the lesson won't be lost on others, but I doubt it.

What?
Best sport maybe, but there's no comparison to the athletic skill involved in soccer, bball and fball. You can be a good baseball player with half the athletic skill of the most junior of professional soccer player.

1 out of 3 is a failure for most part and out of a job.

Doctors and lawyers

Quarterbacks receivers

Shooters in basketball

And I can go on and on but the point is in baseball 1 for 3 you better be calling your agent...... because you're a millionaire over and over. That's how hard it is.

 

[krissiebee]

To answer an earlier post about lack of afro-americans in the major leagues and no baseabll academies in US inner cities:

First, one reason baseball isn't as popular among inner city youth is that it is not a sport in which success comes quickly or easily. How many 18 year olds do you see playing the major leagues? Just about zero. One does not go easily from high school to the major leagues like other sports. It takes several years of development to play baseball at that level. Think of how many AAA "superstars" can't make it in the major leagues, too good for triple A, but not good enough to be a regular in the big leagues. So why play baseball when one can turn on the tv and see LeBron James and Kevin Garnett and others making millions in the NBA stright from high school and you might have to play 4 or 5 years of minor league baseball only making thousands before you have the chance to make it big??? With baseball there is no instant gratification or reward and to these kids thats whats its all about unfortunately.

I think you're oversimplifying things a bit. Success does not come quickly or easily in other sports, either--it taks a lot of work and a heck of a lot of luck to get anywhere near the top. How many 18 year olds do you see on the NBA courts or playing in the NFL? And what's wrong with wanting quick gratification? If you've spent your life in grinding poverty, and have never really known anyone who hasn't, of course you'd want to make it rich ASAP. Yes, it'd be nice if they could all see the bigger picture, but your response seems to insinuate that they are just lazy little jerks, which is unfair and untrue.

Also, I think you can't discount the economic issues at hand. Some of the reasons for the lack of interest may include the fact that baseball requires more (expensive) equipment than basketball, and most inner city neighborhoods and schools aren't equipped with proper space for baseball games.

And the whole "who's got the best athletes" thing is just silly. They're different sports; they require different skills. Apples to oranges.

 

[Cleef]

Listen up and get learned up.

I'd like to see some of these soccer "athletes" try and hit 95mph fastball. Why dont you try hitting a round ball with a round stick. And then once you manage to do that, go and run down a fly ball in centerfield, catch it and then throw the ball all the way to home plate. In baseball to succeed you need huge amounts of eyehand coordination, speed, agility, and a strong throwing arm. In soccer you only need to run and anyone can do that.

I get the sense you only watch sports.

You have practiced and labored and you can hit a ball BUT:

No throwing arm? - - You're a first baseman.
No speed? - - You're a first baseman.
No agility? - - You're a DH, or a first baseman.

I've played soccer, basketball, baseball and pocket pool. For me, the agility needed in soccer, is off the charts.

In soccer you only need to run and anyone can do that.

You should watch this sport, they've added a ball, it's pretty neat. You must be thinking of marathoning.

To keep this DR related, there are a great set of batting cages behind the Hotel Melia.

 

[daddy1]

But again will MLB be a problem

Thanks for your knowledge guys..I guys in restrospect, if D.R. invested million's of dollars in there educational and athletic programs, it's clear to say that MLB camps would have to seize operations in the island for this to even happen. anyway in regards to baseball academies in the U.S. clearly parents pay for these pro's to develop players in the U.S. plus they don't pay the gov't million's of dollars to operate either.. I just want to clear with you guys that MLB is the big lie as an institution that helps Dominican children.

It's funny how they can get travel visas so fast, for sending prospects to the U.S. and then quickly get them deported when they don't pan out or get fired, I mean if a Dominican with a work visa or work social security card gets
fired let's say from a Mc Donalds fast food joint should Mickie D's inform immigration about there dismissal to get them sent back over seas? and this is exactly what MLB does if you get released or breach contract, they will send you back.


Guys look! I'm asking you to put MLB on trial here, they jumped the gun when they decided to venture out to the D.R. they have become a religion of such, in the island which causes young men and boys to quit school, to join there club, but where I have the biggest problem is that they are alright with that...and so are many Dominican's and the gov't.. can anyone see that this is counter-productive and wrong! this can well be the very source for D.R. not ever having a productive educational system in place, you see they have already affected the island's Olympic participation, there little league programs, there pony league programs, there international competitons, and if they are paying the Dominican gov't million's of dollars to run there facilities there, and someone is cashing in on this,there will be no urgency to build high schools with baseball programs either, and if someone believed that this does not affect other sports as well, then they are wrong there are alot of athlete's in D.R. that can play just about any sport in the world, but the moment they say they want to play another team sport, they become criticized by the baseball junkies. the same way you have to run a 4.3 in training camp for baseball, is the same requirement for football, the same way you need to jump high to steal a homerun, is the same technique you need for basketball, the same way you have to hit a 90 plus fastball is the same technique you need to throw a lacrosse ball or hit a hockey puck,
and strike a tennis ball, it's all relative there are pro organizations for many other sports, so these boys are not just prospects for baseball, they are prospects for alot of other sports as well..

 

[audboogie]

It's funny how they can get travel visas so fast, for sending prospects to the U.S. and then quickly get them deported when they don't pan out or get fired, I mean if a Dominican with a work visa or work social security card gets
fired let's say from a Mc Donalds fast food joint should Mickie D's inform immigration about there dismissal to get them sent back over seas? and this is exactly what MLB does if you get released or breach contract, they will send you back.


in response to this, MLB does this to protect themselves...case being, if MLB brings over a foreigner to work for them, and then they "lay him off" and if this employee were to stay in US and get in trouble with law, it all would come back on MLB. people would be saying "well mlb is the one who brought him over here..they are responsible" so they send them back immediatly so that they are not responsible for any actions. and this to me makes sense...i think you would do the same thing were you in MLB's shoes.

its just like when the players season ends, the team pays for a ticket back to their country immediately. responsibility issues thats all....

 

[daddy1]

Yeah..MLB knows all the tricks

MLB does not work for the best interest of these un-educated players, only for themselves that's all, MLB knows that there are corrupted buscones, but yet some or still operating there...MLB is so politically and morally correct these guys make me laugh..