NEWS
Why Empower Baseball Needs a Team Van in the Dominican Republic
When we started Empower Baseball, the goal was simple:
Keep kids in school—and use baseball as a way to get them there.
In the Dominican Republic, youth baseball is often seen as the only way out. And to be fair, the talent is real. But the odds aren’t. Only a small percentage ever sign professionally, and when that dream doesn’t work out, too many are left without an education or a next step.
We’ve seen that up close. That’s why everything we do is built differently.
At Empower Baseball, school comes first. Every player in our program is enrolled, supported, and expected to stay in school—no exceptions. Baseball is still part of their life, but it’s not the only plan anymore. It’s part of a bigger future.
Right now, we have 46 student-athletes, and every one of them is in school. That’s something we’re really proud of—but it also comes with challenges most people don’t think about.
Why Transportation Is Holding Us Back
One of the biggest challenges we face right now isn’t talent—it’s transportation.
Getting our players to games, especially outside of our area in the Dominican Republic, is often complicated. Sometimes it’s expensive, sometimes it’s unreliable, and sometimes it just doesn’t happen. And when that happens, our players miss out—not just on games, but on experiences that help them grow.
That’s why we’re raising funds for a 12-passenger team van.
Not because it would be nice to have—but because it changes what’s possible for this program.
What This Changes for Our Players
With a van, we can consistently get our team to away games and tournaments. That means better competition, more exposure, and opportunities our players don’t currently have. For a lot of these kids, even traveling outside their immediate community is a new experience. It opens their eyes to something bigger.
It also allows us to reach more kids.
There are players who want to be part of Empower Baseball but can’t get to us consistently. Transportation becomes the barrier. And when that happens, it’s not just baseball they miss—it’s the structure, the mentorship, and the academic support that comes with being in the program.
A van helps remove that barrier.
Why This Matters for the People Who Support This Work
When supporters come visit the Dominican Republic, getting around can be one of the biggest challenges—especially traveling from Santo Domingo to Barahona, which is about a three-hour trip.
Rental cars can be expensive due to high insurance costs, and navigating unfamiliar roads can feel overwhelming for visitors who have never driven here before. Public transportation is an option, but it’s not always the safest or most reliable way to reach our community.
We’ve seen how powerful it is when someone steps onto the field, meets the players, and sees the program firsthand. That’s when this mission really clicks. That’s when people don’t just support once—they stay connected.
Having a reliable team van allows us to safely bring visitors into the program, remove unnecessary barriers, and make every trip more efficient and intentional—for them and for us.
How You Can Be Part of This
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about transportation.
It’s about consistency.
It’s about access.
It’s about giving these kids every chance to stay in school and keep moving forward.
If you believe that sports can be a force for good—and that every kid deserves more than just a long shot at a dream—we’d love for you to be part of this.
👉 Support the van campaign here:
https://givebutter.com/KIpfO1
Join us AT EMPOWER BASEBALL
Organizations like ours, Empower Baseball, are helping ensure that the Dominican Republic’s baseball future remains bright by providing training, mentorship, and structured opportunities for youth who may not otherwise have access to organized programs. In communities where resources can be limited, the organization uses baseball as a vehicle for education, discipline, and personal growth.