Help the kids @ AT Baseball Academy

Two years ago I was searching to find a baseball camp in the Dominican Republic that my 6 year old son could play at during his summer vacation.  It was during this then that I had the honor and priveldge of meeting one of the finest, most honorable and respectable men I have ever come accross and who I am proud to say is one of my closest and most valued friends. 

Alejandro Tavarez, owns and operates Academia de Biesbol Alejandro Tavarez (AT Academy) in Santiago, Dominican Republic.  During his more than three decades in the business he has built one of the most respectable academies in the Dominican Republic.  He has personally touched the lives of thousands of young men.  The main focus of his the AT Academy is not swinging a bat or throwing a ball but the fundamental principles of hard work and discipline.  He has a motto "discipline above all" which he reminds his players of on a daily basis.  Many of the players call him Pa'pa, as he is often the only true father figure any of them have.  Words cannot describe the admiration and respect that I have for Alejandro.  I truely consider myself blessed to be able to call him my friend.

As many of you know the Dominican Republic is a poor, third world country.  Many of the citizens including most of the players at AT Academy come from an extremely disadvantaged household even by Dominican standards.  Now compare that to the life that many of us have been blessed with.

There are over 100 young men ranging from 8 to 18 years old that attend the AT Academy.  Every morning at 7 am, all the players gather for a team prayer.  Alejandro leads the group in prayer as all the kids respectfully bow their heads thanking God for his blessings.  It is quite a sight to see. Many don't have the money to pay the less then $6 a week it costs to attend.  Alejandro welcomes each one of these kids no matter if they can pay or not as long as they are willing to work hard and maintain discipline.  Unlike other academies in the country, Alejandro demands that all of the players study hard and attend school.  The players must bring him their report card if they want to play.  Many of the older players are working to get college scholarships in the US.  Alejandro makes it clear to them that baseball is only part of it and inspires them to learn English.  Each weekend the AT Academy welcomes players from around the city for competetive games.  The teams are broken down into four age groups.  Because of the lack of parks and baseball fields in the country, all four AT teams share one field at the same time.  By American standards this is absolutely unbelievable to see.  The older kids  game goes on on the main field with the pitcher on the mound and the batter at the plate.  At the same time there is another game going on in right field (home plate by right foul pole), one in center field and left field.  So try to imagine the right fielder of the older kids game standing next to the shortstop of the younger kids game as both games  are going on.    The fielders often wear batting helmets so they don't get hit in the head with a ball from another game.  It is also quite common to see an 8 year old player swinging a bat twice his size because that is the only one available.  Each inning players pass of their glove to the opposing team because there arent enough to go around.  Players also chase down every single foul ball because if it is lost the game may be over. Being that the backstops are made of old fishing nets and that is the only thing standing between a foul ball and a cliff this happens more then you would think.  It is truely a humbling experience to watch baseball played this way.  I have been blessed to have watch countless games here and always admire the effort and love which is present.                     

Recently my father, brother and I donated money to assist in purchasing uniforms for approximately 100 players.  In a generous showing of respect and graditude, Alejandro had our names written on the back of the jerseys.  We are honored to have our family name proudly displayed on the same jersey which bears the "AT" logo and on the backs of these fine young men. 

Any donations will be used for:
-Much needed equipment such as balls, bats, gloves, cleats, catchers gear, uniforms
-Equipment for improving and upkeep of field  and training locations
-New player enrollment
-English tudor for players fighting for US college scholarships
-Enrolling teams of all age groups in various tournaments and leagues

If you could find it in your heart to donate what you can and share this campaign with friends and family I assure you it will make a tremendous difference in te lives of so many young men, many of whom are less fortunate then us.  Thank you and God Bless.