Elon Baseball: Dominican Republic Global Experience 2024

What we didn’t expect was that, as we warmed up in right field, an 8-year-old baseball game started on the same field. Although the field was pretty rundown compared to Latham Park, the kids had an infectious energy. A few of them even ran up to Nolan Straniero with a cell phone and used the universal gesture of holding the camera up to signal they wanted a selfie with him. Watching their excitement made us even more enthusiastic for the week ahead. All these kids seemed to have so much love for the game, reminding us of when we first started playing in Little League. While they might not have the best field or the fanciest gear, it didn’t matter to them. They were playing purely for the love of the game.

After practice, we checked into our hotel and began exploring everything it has to offer. We had dinner at a massive buffet and celebrated Charlie Evans’ birthday. Celebrating with the team was so much fun, and we wanted to make sure the freshman felt special. To cap off the night, a bunch of us played pool and attended a Michael Jackson impersonator show. It has been an unbelievable start to the experience of a lifetime.

DAY TWO

By Jackson Alford, Kehler Hamilton, Nic Harris, and Hank Krift

The first thing we did today was practice at one of the baseball amateur academies. The practice was similar to our everyday routine, but it was interesting to see this type of facility in person. Paulino Baseball Academy houses kids whose next step is to make it into one of the MLB academies. It was cool to see the facilities they had access to. Their housing was located right next to the field, and the restrooms were in a separate building nearby. The quality of their field and batting cages was comparable to, or even better than, some you might find in the U.S. What stood out the most was how these kids spend their whole day on this small “campus” dedicated solely to playing baseball. It really shows the level of dedication they have and highlights how important baseball is in their culture.

After lunch (and an epic game of pool volleyball), we traveled down a dirt road to a small field to meet up with about 80 kids for a baseball clinic. The kids ranged in age from 6 to 17. It barely had bases and there was even a cow in right field, but the kids were excited to be there. As soon as we arrived, we greeted all the kids and then broke into groups to run different drill stations.

The pop fly drill was definitely a favorite. The kids had so much fun sprinting to catch the ball, and many of them wanted to throw it back to us after making the catch. Each group kept asking for the ball to be hit higher and higher, making it more challenging—and even more fun.

The pitching station was also a hit. Not all of them were pitchers, but they all knew the basics, and their level of baseball knowledge was impressive. They were familiar with MLB teams and players, and of course all of their favorite players were Dominican.

Another highlight was the base-running station. We had the kids running between bases while we tried to tag them out. Although the station always started with structure, every group quickly turned it into a massive game of tag, and the kids absolutely loved it.

A handful of our guys speak Spanish, but for most of us, trying to communicate with the kids in Spanish was part of the fun. It was amazing to see how much everyone involved—players and kids—loved the sport. It reminded us of the joy of youth baseball, when having fun and playing the game was all that mattered. We could all communicate through the game of baseball, which was really cool!

DAY THREE

By Tyler Johns, Trey Tiffan, Henry Wolfe, and Joe Yovino

One of the things we discussed in our class—and now have the chance to see in person—is that all 30 MLB teams have established academies in the Dominican Republic. These academies play a crucial role in developing young talent and have significantly contributed to the prominence of Dominican players in professional baseball. Dominican players become eligible to be signed by MLB teams when they turn 16. At that point, they move into the academy and train full-time. About 30% of those players advance to the U.S. and enter the minor league system, with an even smaller percentage ultimately making it to the big leagues.

On our third day in the Dominican Republic, we had an early wake-up for a 9 a.m. departure to the New York Mets Academy. After a 20-minute bus ride, we arrived at a gate outside the facility. As we entered, we were greeted by impressive fields and a well-organized complex. There were three pristine fields along with a well-designed facility that included dorms, offices, classrooms, a weight room, and more. Walking down to the field, the entire setup reminded us of the high-level facilities we used to play at during our travel ball days. The fields and buildings were spotless, modern, and clearly well-maintained.

It was a cloudy morning, around 80 degrees, but the humidity made it feel much warmer. As the Mets players began to gather in the dugout, we greeted them with a wave from across the field. Most of us spent time observing their warm-up routines and noting differences from our own. It was fascinating to watch how they threw, moved, and communicated.

When the game began, it was an incredible experience competing against professional baseball players, most of whom were younger than us. Seeing all the talent and culture on one field was something we had never experienced before. The game started off great for us—Alec Welshans crushed the second pitch over the left field wall for a home run. We continued to perform well in all aspects of the game, ultimately winning 8-2.

We returned to our hotel with barely enough time to get to the buffet restaurant for lunch. We felt bad because the staff was clearly cleaning up and getting ready to close when 40 hungry baseball players suddenly showed up. Many of us enjoyed the beef and rice, while others opted for the pasta bar. The wide variety of food allowed us to try new dishes and experience another part of Dominican culture.

The rest of the afternoon and evening was free, so most of us spent the time at the beach. We tossed around a football, swam in the ocean, and hung out together. We even got into an intense volleyball game, which was a ton of fun. It was a warm, breezy afternoon with big waves rolling in, making for a fun time in the water.

The beach access near our hotel wasn’t too crowded, so we had plenty of room to relax and bond as a team. The water was crystal-clear and warm, and as we walked along the shore, the scenery was breathtaking. From swaying palm trees to pop-up shops run by locals, everything was uniquely vibrant. Experiencing this culture as a team continues to be something truly special.

DAY FOUR

By Justin Mitrovich, Hudson Narke, Ryan Sprock, and Nolan Straniero

We started Day 4 with a game against the Boston Red Sox Academy. The bus ride was slightly longer than yesterday, about 30 minutes, but there was no mistaking the Red Sox logo on the fence as we pulled in. The facility was very similar to what we saw yesterday, with multiple fields, dorms, a training facility, and amazing landscaping. It started to rain a little on our way to the facility, and by the time we got to the dugout it was raining pretty hard. The game ended up delayed by about 45 minutes, but just as the grounds crew started to take the tarp off the field, the rain stopped.

We had another great game, with both teams clearly focused on specific goals as the fall season winds down. Both sides used many different pitchers, and there was energy and passion throughout the game. Being surrounded by baseball in this environment makes you want to do nothing but play the game. It was exciting to be a part of that energy. During the game, we played with high energy and competitiveness, and we loved observing how players from around the world approach the game. Although we ultimately lost the game 4-3, we learned valuable lessons that will help us in the spring.

After a quick postgame meal, we traveled a few minutes down the road to the Kansas City Royals Dominican Academy. This visit was a unique experience because we got to spend time with the players and learn more about the Dominican academy system. We started with an educational session, where we learned how the academies operate and participated in a Q&A with two current players. We discovered that each MLB club signs players from various countries across Latin America, all of whom train at academies in the Dominican Republic. The players shared insights into their daily lives, explaining how they wake up at 6 a.m. almost every day and focus on baseball until the afternoon. After training, their time is dedicated to education—completing high school coursework and learning English. It was eye-opening to hear that players cannot leave the academy grounds without permission and rarely see their families while chasing their dream of becoming professional baseball players. However, thanks to technology, they can FaceTime with friends and family almost daily, which helps them stay connected.

We toured the facility and got to see their locker room, weight room, hitting cages, cafeteria, and classrooms. Although we didn’t go into the dorms, we learned that five players share each room. The nutrition station was stocked with supplements, as gaining weight is one of the players’ top priorities during their first year at the academy. Many players also gain their first exposure to technology, learning computer skills they’ve never had access to before.

The highlight of the day was being paired up with a player from the academy. This one-of-a-kind experience allowed us to introduce ourselves to the Royals players and learn about their backgrounds. While a few players were from the Dominican Republic, many others came from countries like Venezuela, Panama, and Colombia. We did a language activity using books with English and Spanish translations, where our players read the Spanish text, and their players practiced English. For the most part, their ability to speak English was far better than our Spanish! Beyond the reading activity, we spent time with our partners sharing stories about our daily lives and, of course, talking baseball. Many of us also exchanged Instagram accounts so we could stay connected with the players we met.

Another memorable part of the day was meeting one of the interns, Ty Cryan. Ty, who is from Burlington, shared that his dad is a professor at Elon and several of our players shared that they are in his class this semester. Ty talked about growing up attending almost every Elon baseball game and playing catch with his dad near third base.

Overall, we left the Royals complex with a deep appreciation for the players’ experiences. These athletes devote the majority of their lives to baseball, and it was inspiring to witness their unwavering commitment to the game and the lifestyle they’ve chosen.

DAY FIVE

PART ONE

By Mason Abromitis, Vince Fattore, Justin Szestowicki, and Nathan Wingenroth

We had a very early morning today as we left the hotel at 7 a.m. to travel to Cibao to take a tour of La Aurora Cigar Factory. To begin the tour, our host, Eugene, introduced himself and showed us a video. The video provided a brief overview of the cigar-making process and explained where the materials originate. We also learned that cigars are one of the country's leading exports. The Dominican Republic is the largest exporter of premium cigars in the world, accounting for a significant portion of global cigar production. Cigars hold a special place in the nation's identity, representing both cultural heritage and international prestige. Eugene then gave us a detailed demonstration of how to properly enjoy a cigar (because you don't smoke a cigar, you enjoy a cigar).

Following Eugene's introduction, he led us on a tour of the factory. The first stop was the production area, where the cigars are made. Eugene explained that each team of two workers is responsible for producing 400 cigars per day. He also mentioned that lighter-colored cigars tend to be milder, while darker cigars are typically more potent. Watching the cigars being crafted in person was fascinating, especially given the speed and precision of the manufacturing process.

Next, we visited the packaging room, where we watched employees carefully place label stickers on the cigars and package them. It was fascinating to see the attention to detail and the wide variety of cigars produced. Each employee worked with impressive efficiency, ensuring the process ran smoothly. Eugene concluded the tour by guiding us to the shop.

The shop was filled with a wide variety of cigars, differing in style, size, potency, and price range. Boxes ranged from $40 to over $500, ensuring there was something for everyone. Whether you were looking for something small—like cigars around three inches long—or something extravagant, like two-foot-long cigars, they had it all. Eugene explained that the cigars offered a range of flavors and strengths, from mild to more potent, depending on personal preference. The aroma in the shop was strong, but not overwhelming—it gave you a real sense of the quality and character of the products. By the end of our visit, a large majority of our team had purchased cigars, taking advantage of the reasonable prices and deals.

PART TWO

By Jack Lager, Alec Welshans, Isaac Williams, and Owen Winebarger

We enjoyed a traditional Dominican lunch at a restaurant next to the cigar factory before heading to Jarabacoa to hike through the forest to a waterfall and natural water slide. The bus dropped us off, and we began a long walk up a steep road to a small house, where we were greeted by a tour guide. To reach the trail, we passed through someone’s backyard, which was bustling with animals—pigs, chickens, dogs, rabbits, and more.

The trail was incredibly slippery due to rain on the already challenging terrain. When we reached the first waterfall, we had the chance to slide down a natural water slide, which was an exhilarating experience. By this point, everyone’s belongings were completely soaked, but we pushed on and began our journey to the next waterfall.

As we continued on to the next waterfall, the discomfort of our waterlogged shoes began to set in, making the already slick rocks and branches even more challenging to navigate. On top of that, our shoes were filled with sand from the pool beneath the first waterfall, making each step increasingly painful. Despite these setbacks, the second waterfall was absolutely worth the effort. The massive waterfall, followed by a series of progressively smaller drop-offs, was breathtaking. The stunning views made the hike worthwhile, but even more so was the sense of camaraderie we felt as a team, tackling a difficult challenge together.

DAY SIX

Part One

By Alex Duffey, Declan Lavelle, Sam Nomura, and Carson Wehner

We began the day by taking a bus to the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This historic district, the oldest European-established area in the Americas, is filled with landmarks from the Spanish colonial era. Visiting Fortaleza Ozama gave us a fascinating glimpse into the country's early history. We learned that it is the oldest European fort in the Americas, built to defend the city from pirates and invaders. As we admired its sturdy walls, we imagined the defenders who once stood watch.

During our tour, we explored the bustling shopping district, alive with vibrant stalls and historic charm. We visited a magnificent old church, its grand architecture serving as a testament to the city’s deep religious roots. The first hospital in Santo Domingo gave us insight into early healthcare efforts in the Americas. Strolling along Calle de las Damas—the first paved street in the Americas—and visiting Plaza de España allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the area's rich heritage. Each site told a unique story, weaving together the fascinating history of this remarkable city.

After lunch, we took the bus out to a village in a very poor area of the city. Our tour guide has a connection to the area because an assistant coach at the Kansas City Royals Academy grew up there. As we traveled down a dirt road, we saw a few houses, but the majority were basically sheds. We got off the bus in a field shared with goats and horses and walked to a section of the village where the sheds, which appeared separate from the front, were actually part of a maze of interconnected structures.

Our task was to paint two of these sheds, which were essentially metal structures covered in rust. We used a light green paint for the main walls and trimmed the doors and windows in white, transforming their appearance and adding a bright, fresh look to the area.

The most fulfilling aspect of painting was the way local children from the entire village gradually gathered around us. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and they eagerly joined in, turning the work into a fun, shared adventure rather than a chore. We laughed together, communicated through a mix of broken Spanish and hand gestures, and even turned painting into a playful competition—seeing who could cover the largest patch of wall or make the cleanest brushstrokes.

What struck us most was the children’s energy, optimism, and pride in their community despite having so little. The experience wasn’t just about painting—it was about the connections we formed, the joy of working together, and the powerful reminder that true happiness often comes from simple, shared moments with others.

PART TWO

By Charlie Evans, Cade Mustard, Ryley Norton, and Brent Smith

When we returned to the hotel, we gathered for a Thanksgiving dinner together. It was held in the same dining area where we usually eat, but this time, tables were set up in a private room just for our group, away from the other guests. Two long tables were arranged so we could all sit together and enjoy a wonderful meal.

Having Thanksgiving dinner with our team meant a lot to us. Even though we weren’t at home with our families, we had our Elon family to celebrate with, which made the occasion special. It was a fun and meaningful time to share a meal and reflect on the things we are grateful for. Before we ate, we each stood up and shared two words to express what we were thankful for. The most common responses were "family" and "friends."

The food was excellent, and we even got to enjoy some turkey. The buffet featured a mix of traditional American Thanksgiving dishes alongside local Dominican favorites, giving us a taste of both cultures. This experience has been incredible so far, and sharing dinner together was another great opportunity to bond as a team and appreciate each other’s company, thankful for one another and for the lives we are fortunate to live.

After dinner, we headed out to a Dominican Winter League baseball game between the Toros and the local Estrellas. We had heard a lot about the passion of Dominican baseball fans, so it was exciting to experience it in person. The sections of the stands behind home plate were not very crowded at the start, but they gradually filled up during the first few innings. In contrast, the general admission areas past first and third base were packed from the beginning. The setup of the stadium was quite different from most American baseball stadiums. A fence separated the two seating areas, making it impossible to walk between them, which added a unique feel to the atmosphere.

The atmosphere of Dominican baseball is completely unmatched—an amazing experience to be a part of. It was incredible to watch the locals go wild whenever the Estrellas made a great play, especially when they scored runs. A drumline kept the crowd engaged throughout the game, and the announcer walking through the stands added to the excitement. Both teams played with a lot of energy, and the crowd’s enthusiasm brought the game to life.

This was definitely a fun and memorable experience, offering a refreshing change of pace from an American game. While the game did feel like it took a long time—due to frequent pitching changes and video replays—it was well worth it. The highlight of the game was when we were asked to join an audience participation dance. The cameras put us on the videoboard, and we danced, freezing each time the music stopped. It was so much fun interacting with the announcer and the fans, who enjoyed watching us join in on the fun. The energy and connection with the crowd made it a truly unforgettable night.

DAY SEVEN

By Christo Garrelts, Charlie Granatell, Kenny Mallory Jr., and Will Vergantino

We got on the bus around 7:45 a.m. after breakfast and took an hour-long ride to Bayahibe, a bustling coastal town filled with tourists, most of whom were preparing to board boats. Vendors approached us as soon as we stepped off the bus, eager to sell their souvenirs, but since it was essentially our last day, most of us had already bought whatever we wanted earlier in the trip. We made our way down to the port area to board our boat. It was a catamaran with an open design, allowing us to sit and enjoy views of the water from every angle. The front of the boat had space to lay out and relax, which added to the experience. The water was beautiful in the port area, but it got even better as we got out into the ocean.

The first part of the boat ride lasted about an hour. During that time, the crew worked hard to get our energy up, even though it was still early. They got us all up and dancing, and one of the crew members taught us several different dances. Almost everyone participated as we learned moves to popular Dominican music. Afterward, we got off the boat to swim and play football at a sandbar in the middle of the ocean. We had an incredible time in the water, enjoying the crystal-clear views and staying mindful of the sea life around us. Many of us were excited to see real starfish for the first time.

We then spent another hour on the boat before arriving at Isla Saona. It was clear this was a popular tourist spot, as vendors surrounded us once again, offering massages, coconuts, and even pictures with a monkey. We also had the chance to interact with locals from the Dominican Republic, which added to the experience. We played several games of volleyball with them and enjoyed swimming in the crystal-clear water. Everything about the trip was incredible, and being able to take in the island’s natural beauty was the perfect way to cap off our last full day in the DR.

At 3:15, we boarded a speedboat to take us back to the port. The breeze felt incredible as we glided across the water at high speed. The occasional spray of cool water added to the fun, and it was refreshing to have a different experience from our leisurely ride in the morning. This time, the trip back only took about 45 minutes. Once we arrived at the port, we hopped on the bus for the hour-long drive back to the hotel. Unsurprisingly, many of us fell asleep along the way. Overall, it was an amazing experience for our team, and we couldn’t have asked for a better day to share with our teammates.

DAY EIGHT

Bases, Beaches, and Bids Farewell: Our Dominican Baseball Saga Ends with a Home Run

By Troy McGirt, Mike Staiano, Lawson Wheeler, Tank Yaghoubi

As we wake on our final morning in the Dominican Republic, we are filled with a bittersweet sense of closure. This week has been more than just a series of competitive games and unforgettable moments; it has been an opportunity to learn from and connect with a culture that has profoundly shifted our perspective on life. Packing up our bags and playing our last rounds of pool volleyball and soaking up the sun, there’s a reflection on the experiences that this trip has brought us.

Each adventure carries with it the memories of the roaring crowds of Estrellas fans, young players laughing and having fun, playing against the Mets and Red Sox and the overall fellowship shared with the team, whether that was relaxing on the beach, painting houses or even sliding down rapids into a small pool of water in the mountains. There is a tangible gratitude for everything this trip has offered us - the moments we dreamed of and the surprises that met us along the way. Traveling through this beautiful country has not only shown us the richness of its culture but also reminded us of the privileges and blessings we sometimes take for granted back home.

Reflecting on our time in the Dominican Republic, each of us shared a moment that left a lasting impression:

Troy: "My favorite memory was building connections with the kids from the DR, both in the villages and at the academies. Seeing how much they enjoyed our company, even though we were outsiders, was surprising and heartwarming. These are memories that will last a lifetime, and I’m grateful to have shared them with my brothers!"

Mike: "The community service we did during the trip stands out as my favorite memory. Running the baseball camp for little kids and painting houses for families brought smiles to everyone’s faces and joy to their communities. It was incredible to see how small gestures could make such a big impact."

Tank: "Among all the activities we did, the excursion to Isla Saona was unforgettable. The crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft white sands were like something out of a postcard. As we swam, played volleyball with the locals, and soaked up the sun, I couldn’t help but feel lucky and thankful to Elon University for giving me this incredible opportunity to experience paradise."

Lawson: "My favorite moments were the interactions we had with the children in the community and the players at the academies. Learning about their lives and experiencing the joy they spread every day was fulfilling. No matter what, these kids were always smiling, laughing, and having fun, especially on the baseball field. I’m so thankful for these experiences with my team!"

These moments remind us of the connections we made, the lessons we learned, and the gratitude we carry for such an unforgettable journey.

With that, we are all super excited for what is to come this spring and the upcoming season. This experience brought us even closer together and prepared us to attack the season as a group. Being surrounded by the rich culture and optimistic outlook of the DR has helped us grow and improve as a group both on and off the field. We are ecstatic to return home and prepare for the 2025 season!

We want to express our deepest gratitude to Elon University, Jenn Strawley and the Elon Athletic Department, and our incredible coaches and staff for making this unforgettable opportunity possible. A special thank you to our professors, Titch Madzima and Lori Hubbard, for their dedication and effort in ensuring we had an enriching academic experience throughout the trip. And a special shout out to Gray Aust back at home, who worked hard to get our blogs posted each day.

We are also immensely grateful to those who helped organize and execute every detail of our journey—Brittney from XL Sports Tours and Sam from Dominican Baseball Camp, along with his amazing team: Eric, Lobo, Freddy, and Willie. Their hard work and hospitality made everything run smoothly and enhanced our experience in countless ways.

Spending time in the local communities, learning from their culture, and giving back was a true blessing and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our team. This life-changing week has left us forever grateful, and we cannot thank everyone enough for making it all possible!