Addendum June 11: The above stadium was built by Bartolo Colon in his hometown. This is not typical of the fields we saw. Most are made of dirt, with tires as backstops and bases, dilapidated couches if anything for seats. The older kids are the team he is training, on a shoestring budget (he is aging and experiencing markedly decreased income), with the kids in rag-tag outfits the local kids who are blessed to live near the stadium. He graciously invites the locals to play rec league there. Note the misfitting shoes, women's knee socks, non-cleats worn by the locals. The trip was made for us to see the stadium, photograph it, and show teams in the states the facility for a possible tournament there. Pray for that as we wait on the Lord.
Baseball in the DR
Today we went to Bartolo Colon’s baseball school located a little inland from us in the mountains. Brad drove me, Soto, Jose Miguel (age 12, Antonio’s son …. Antonio is the guard/maintenance man/driver) and his friend Ringo (age 15, great athlete, in many of the basketball photos). It looks like the Hoover Met. The local Little league was practicing with their coach. They were working hard in batting practice, fielding, throwing. Soto got to have batting practice also! We met the team. They are age 16-18. One of them speaks English as he lived in New Jersey growing up. Two of the pitchers have been drafted by the Pirates. Each throws about 90-94 mph and their teammates report they have pretty mean sliders, curveballs, knuckleballs. Soto got into a conversation with them about Dominican players, and the pressure the MLB players must feel to do steroids. How A-Rod has been in a slump lately after his hip surgery and been booed by Yankees fans, Manny has gotten into some trouble with allegations of illegal HCG, and Tejada. Soto was able to share strength in the Lord, working for the Lord instead of the praises of man. The main debater argued in a friendly manner, but the other players standing around heard Soto. God is really using him! Jose Miguel and Ringo got to practice with the Little League team on the field catching grounders, and throwing back to the coach. They were in hog heaven! We got to see the clubhouse, filled with signed jerseys of players (who have visited the stadium to take batting practice an dplay) such as ALBERT PUJOLS (God Bless You, My Friend!), A-Rod, Derek Jeter, Manny Ramirez, Roger Clemens, et al among the gigantic shiny Hummer and other vehicles. I felt like I was transported into some weird movie with the contrast of the guy on a foam mattress leaning up against his beat-up pickup truck, watching the big screen movie.The security system consists of 5 or 6 German Shepherds that they release onto the field at night.
The coach is hoping to invite American teams to come to the Dominican Republic, play their home team, and possibly others from the area, and have the opportunity to serve in the community. They are in desparate need locally of items such as good baseballs, batting helmets, bats, etc. They have a gigantic weight room as well as a nice facility where the boys stay. Brad said there would be packed stadiums if Americans came to play. Wouldn’t that be an awesome trip for a baseball team? They play on regulation fields, with a beautiful view of the mountains. Pray for God to send a team to play with the boys here, and to serve here.
Today we went to Bartolo Colon’s baseball school located a little inland from us in the mountains. Brad drove me, Soto, Jose Miguel (age 12, Antonio’s son …. Antonio is the guard/maintenance man/driver) and his friend Ringo (age 15, great athlete, in many of the basketball photos). It looks like the Hoover Met. The local Little league was practicing with their coach. They were working hard in batting practice, fielding, throwing. Soto got to have batting practice also! We met the team. They are age 16-18. One of them speaks English as he lived in New Jersey growing up. Two of the pitchers have been drafted by the Pirates. Each throws about 90-94 mph and their teammates report they have pretty mean sliders, curveballs, knuckleballs. Soto got into a conversation with them about Dominican players, and the pressure the MLB players must feel to do steroids. How A-Rod has been in a slump lately after his hip surgery and been booed by Yankees fans, Manny has gotten into some trouble with allegations of illegal HCG, and Tejada. Soto was able to share strength in the Lord, working for the Lord instead of the praises of man. The main debater argued in a friendly manner, but the other players standing around heard Soto. God is really using him! Jose Miguel and Ringo got to practice with the Little League team on the field catching grounders, and throwing back to the coach. They were in hog heaven! We got to see the clubhouse, filled with signed jerseys of players (who have visited the stadium to take batting practice an dplay) such as ALBERT PUJOLS (God Bless You, My Friend!), A-Rod, Derek Jeter, Manny Ramirez, Roger Clemens, et al among the gigantic shiny Hummer and other vehicles. I felt like I was transported into some weird movie with the contrast of the guy on a foam mattress leaning up against his beat-up pickup truck, watching the big screen movie.The security system consists of 5 or 6 German Shepherds that they release onto the field at night.
The coach is hoping to invite American teams to come to the Dominican Republic, play their home team, and possibly others from the area, and have the opportunity to serve in the community. They are in desparate need locally of items such as good baseballs, batting helmets, bats, etc. They have a gigantic weight room as well as a nice facility where the boys stay. Brad said there would be packed stadiums if Americans came to play. Wouldn’t that be an awesome trip for a baseball team? They play on regulation fields, with a beautiful view of the mountains. Pray for God to send a team to play with the boys here, and to serve here.
Photos: Pujols signed jersey. Here is a prayer point that his foundation will be involved in the area, that the Domincan baseball players will use their influence and resources towards care of the many oppressed and abandoned here.
There is aphoto of Brad, who is moving with his family to live in the orphanage and be house parents, on June 21. This is a chance to pray for their family to minister to those here, for relationships to grow within the country, for adjustment to a third world country ( I have not been hot in 4 days or so, which is a special grace from God), and for their family to serve here and grow closer to Him. Ther photo is of the security system. German Shepherds!
There is a full view of the stadium above. Sure would be fun to fill it!! With Americans and Dominicans!
There is aphoto of the local Little League taking fielding practice, and they let our boys go out there.
See the little fellow wearing what looks like boat shoes. He is an incredible athlete, excellent footing despite the footwear.
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