Baseball Dreams Lift Dominican Youth Beyond Poverty

In the Dominican Republic, where 3 in 10 people face poverty, baseball isn’t just a sport—it’s a ticket to hope. Meet Alberto, a scout and manager at a local academy, who helps kids swing for success both on and off the field.

“We keep students in school while training them for MLB,” says Alberto, highlighting baseball’s role as a cultural heartbeat. With MLB investing $125 million annually in Dominican talent development, the island nation now produces over 10% of MLB players globally—more than any other country outside the U.S.

Fifteen-year-old Jelfrey Marte embodies this passion: “Dominicans play with mind *and* heart. It’s in our blood!” His words echo the drive of thousands of youth aiming to swap economic hardship for home runs.

Founded in 1903, MLB’s 30-team league remains a beacon for Dominican athletes. Academies like Alberto’s blend education with elite training, proving that sometimes, the best curveballs life throws can be hit out of the park.

Reference(s):

Swing to the future – Baseball in the Dominican Republic

cgtn.com