Quick Trip to LDS meeting house RAMA III in Barhona, DR
*The Straley Project, dba Empower Baseball is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Meet Brian and Brandon: Founders of a Dominican Republic Baseball Nonprofit Changing Lives
- Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1998 - 2000
- Called to Serve in the Santo Domingo West Mission
- Survived Y2K
- Similar to a 2 Year Camping Trip
- How do they speak so fast!!
- Se fue la luz!
- Lots of Chicken, rice and beans. La Bandera Dominicana!
- Survived Hurricane Georges
- Mangu? What's mangu?!?
- We both had hair....and now have the same hair cut
- Love the Dominican People and want to give back
- Got bored in the pandemic and started a nonprofit!
When people ask how Empower Baseball started, the answer is simple: two friends who care deeply about the Dominican Republic decided to create a baseball nonprofit that changes lives.
We didn’t plan to start a nonprofit overnight. It began with a shared passion—for the people, the culture, and the sport that runs through the veins of the country: baseball.
Where It All Began
Brian and Brandon first met years ago, long before Empower Baseball existed. Both had spent significant time in the Dominican Republic as full time missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and had seen its beauty and challenges up close.
The Dominican Republic has a rhythm and energy all its own, but we also saw the struggles families face. We shared the same desire: If there’s a way to help, we should.
The Problem We Couldn’t Ignore
In the Dominican Republic, baseball is more than a pastime—it’s a dream. But chasing that dream often means leaving school too early.
The reality is clear:
Only a tiny percentage of players ever reach the MLB.
Without education, many kids face limited opportunities.
Families often lack the resources to support both school and sports.
We knew there had to be a better way.
The Birth of Empower Baseball
In 2020, we launched Empower Baseball, a Dominican Republic baseball nonprofit with one guiding principle: education first, baseball second.
Our approach is straightforward:
Every player must be enrolled in school and maintain passing grades.
Baseball is the hook—it keeps kids motivated to stay in class.
Practices teach discipline, teamwork, and leadership.
Today, 46 players in Barahona are part of our program—and every one of them is in school.
Why Education Comes First
Baseball can open doors, but education builds the foundation for a lifetime. We’re not just preparing players for the next game—we’re preparing them for the next chapter of life.
Education gives them choices, confidence, and the tools to succeed, whether they step onto a professional field or pursue another career path entirely.
The Vision Moving Forward
We want to expand beyond Barahona to reach more communities in the Dominican Republic. With the right support, we can:
Provide more academic resources and tutoring.
Give every player access to quality gear and uniforms.
Train coaches and mentors who share our vision.
How You Can Be Part of the Story
This mission works because people believe in it
We’re building this Dominican Republic baseball nonprofit on many small acts of generosity—not a few huge checks. Life is hard right now for everyone, we get it. $5–$15 really helps when lots of people pitch in.
$5 helps cover basic school supplies.
$10 buys practice balls that last through multiple sessions.
$15 supports a study hall with snacks so kids can focus.
Prefer steady impact? $10/month keeps the lights on for the “education-first” work.
Not in a spot to give today? You can still move the mission:
Share this post with two friends.
Follow & comment on our updates (it boosts reach).
Ask your employer about donation matching—small gifts can double.
💛 Donate Today and help us keep kids in school, on the field, and building brighter futures.
Join Our Board of Directors
Empower Baseball is thrilled to invite passionate individuals to join our Board of Directors! If you love helping people in The Dominican Republic and know the culture well, we want you! Email Brian at info@empowerbaseball.org to join us!
