Que todos sean bienvenidos a esta Blog!
Empower Baseball Field Report: Barahona & Altagracia, Dominican Republic
Brandon Byers and I just returned from a trip to the Dominican Republic—a place that’s shaped both our lives and this mission for more than two decades. It was Brandon’s first time back since we served there together 25 years ago, and this time, he brought his oldest son, Austin. Watching Brandon reconnect with this community was something special. A full-circle moment.
We arrived with three bags full of generosity: catcher’s gear, bats, gloves, 300 baseballs, and uniforms—all donated by supporters over the past year. The moment we stepped onto the field, over 50 kids were already waiting, ready to play and buzzing with excitement.
Seeing their faces light up as we handed out the equipment was unforgettable. These kids show up early. They train hard. They’ve bought into the Empower Baseball Program—and that belief is powerful. They trust us. And that trust carries weight, and believe me, we felt that weight and responsibility.
We thought we had more than enough gear. We didn’t. Some kids walked away empty-handed. But even then, the spirit on that field reminded us exactly why we do this. This trip had inspired us to redouble our efforts for the next visit. You can help.
To learn more about Empower Baseball please visit our website- www.empowerbaseball.com
One of the most inspiring takeaways?
Every single child in our program is currently enrolled in school.
In a country where fewer than half of students graduate high school, our players aren’t just athletes—they’re students with futures. That’s not an accident. That’s the model: education first, baseball second. And it’s working. Slowly but surely, they’re buying in. And believing.
Later that week, we visited Altagracia de Herrera to scout locations for our 2026 baseball camps. The turnout was incredible—hundreds of kids, energized parents, and strong support from local league leaders. The message was clear: they’re ready. They’re waiting.
This trip reminded us of two truths:
- Our model is working.
- The potential is enormous.
- Our foundation is strong.
We left the Dominican Republic with full hearts and big plans. We are committed to coming back, expanding our reach, and creating more opportunity through education, mentorship, and the game we love.
