I Love Baseball’s® Baseball and Educational Academy in Barahona, Dominican Republic officially opened in April 2008 and is comprised of the four following components: Baseball Training, Education, Spiritual & Character Development, and Physical & Nutritional Development.
Baseball Training
The focus of I Love Baseball (ILB) is to help young men in the Dominican Republic reach their full potential as students, role models, and leaders, but also as baseball players. Our goal is to provide the necessary baseball training, coaching, mentorship and equipment needed for all of our players to reach their maximum potential.
I Love Baseball understands that the top priority for many of the young men and families is to ensure that each player has the best opportunity to reach their dream of playing in the Major Leagues. For many, the number one factor of whether or not they will join ILB is how the program directly compares to other “programas,†solely on the quality of the baseball training provided. This is a challenge ILB accepts.
With such a strong commitment towards education, character, leadership, and spiritual development, ILB is aware that the amount of time available each day to devote specifically towards practicing baseball is limited. For this reason it is imperative that we use our two or three hours of practice each day as efficiently as possible.
When the players are on the field, ILB strives to maximize their time and be intentional about getting better the entire time. Each practice focuses on developing fundamentals as well as specific skills for specific positions and players. It also provides drills, coaching, and practice for all players, for the full duration of practice, and uses the entire field, including batting cages, and resources available.
Education
ILB strives to provide each player a diverse education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes self-discipline, self-motivation, and excellence in learning. The program seeks to join with the parents and community to assist the players in developing skills to become independent and self-sufficient young men, who will succeed and contribute responsibly to their community.
ILB requires its players to attend a local school each day and maintain 80 percent of all possible points in each class, in order to participate in daily baseball practice, training and games.
The goal of the educational component of ILB is to help the players achieve career goals, in addition to their baseball goals. If a career in baseball is not accomplished, ILB wants our players to continue their education in order to better serve their communities and serve as examples to future generations.
Spiritual & Character Development
From the very beginning, Jesus and his teachings have been a corner stone in the creation and purpose of the ILB program. ILB believes that God created each one of us, including the boys of the ILB program, and that He has a wonderful plan for each of their lives. It is the goal of ILB to demonstrate, through our actions, what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ and facilitate opportunities to have Him be a part of the players’ lives.
For twenty minutes each morning, the players study the Bible. During this time, each player is encouraged to explore their spirituality, guidance and truth.
We believe that no player should ever be coerced or forced into a relationship with Jesus. Just as biological parents lead their family spiritually, we also lead our players to a greater understanding of their spiritual life. All aspects of Christian life including prayer, Bible study, devotions, outreach, and evangelism are encouraged.
Nutritional & Physical Development
Malnourishment in developing nations, such as the Dominican Republic, is extremely high, and the physical effects are obvious. Lack of nutrition also severely affects mental development and long-term learning ability. Malnutrition is known to stunt IQ up to 40 percent and affects attention span, concentration, and even vision.
With the amount of focus and energy required from our players to perform and excel in the classroom, added on top of training to become a professional athlete, it is essential that all players in the ILB program receive the necessary food and nutrition to train, practice and get educated at the highest level.
The current structure of the program guarantees our players a nutritious breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday, and for some, these are their only true meals of the day. It is our hope to soon reach our goal of being able to provide each player with three nutritious meals a day, including weekends.