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About us

About us

In 1998, during a two-year church mission to the Dominican Republic, Brian Straley forged a deep connection with the country and its people. He encountered communities marked by poverty, violence, and limited access to quality education and healthcare. Amidst these challenges, one hope shone brightly: baseball, the national pastime of the Dominican Republic.

For many boys, baseball represents a dream and an escape. They often abandon their education to chase the elusive goal of joining the Big Leagues. Tragically, less than two percent succeed, leaving the vast majority of 98% ill-equipped for adulthood without education or proper life skills after dropping out of school to play baseball. This cycle of poverty and violence, perpetuated generation after generation, became a poignant concern for Brian.

To address this, Brian founded Empower Baseball, a unique initiative headquartered in Brigham City, Utah. The organization is committed to transforming the lives of boys aged 6 to 19 in Santa Cruz de Barahona, DR. The project combines the fervor of baseball with the promise of education, emulating the U.S. high school system. As participants hone their skills with our amateur baseball team, Los Piratas Del Sur, they’re simultaneously immersed in academic curricula tailored to foster success in their continuing education and careers.

Guided by the belief in nurturing the whole individual, Empower Baseball ensures that participants remain in school, steering clear of legal troubles. The emphasis is on mentoring and tutoring, aiming to secure college scholarships for these budding athletes in U.S. and Dominican institutions, whether it’s for sports or purely academic pursuits. A stringent policy is in place: those who falter in their studies are benched until they elevate their grades, although they continue practicing and improving their baseball skills.

At its core, Empower Baseball is not just about nurturing athletes; it’s about cultivating leaders. The ultimate vision is to equip these young men to attain all their personal, academic, and professional aspirations, enabling them to uplift their families and the broader Dominican community.

In 1998, during a two-year church mission to the Dominican Republic, Brian Straley forged a deep connection with the country and its people. He encountered communities marked by poverty, violence, and limited access to quality education and healthcare. Amidst these challenges, one hope shone brightly: baseball, the national pastime of the Dominican Republic.

For many boys, baseball represents a dream and an escape. They often abandon their education to chase the elusive goal of joining the Big Leagues. Tragically, less than two percent succeed, leaving the vast majority of 98% ill-equipped for adulthood without education or proper life skills after dropping out of school to play baseball. This cycle of poverty and violence, perpetuated generation after generation, became a poignant concern for Brian.

To address this, Brian founded The Straley Project, a unique initiative headquartered in Brigham City, Utah. The organization is committed to transforming the lives of boys aged 6 to 19 in Santa Cruz de Barahona, DR. The project combines the fervor of baseball with the promise of education, emulating the U.S. high school system. As participants hone their skills with our amateur baseball team, Los Piratas Del Sur, they’re simultaneously immersed in academic curricula tailored to foster success in their continuing education and careers.

Guided by the belief in nurturing the whole individual, The Straley Project ensures that participants remain in school, steering clear of legal troubles. The emphasis is on mentoring and tutoring, aiming to secure college scholarships for these budding athletes in U.S. and Dominican institutions, whether it’s for sports or purely academic pursuits. A stringent policy is in place: those who falter in their studies are benched until they elevate their grades, although they continue practicing and improving their baseball skills.

At its core, The Straley Project is not just about nurturing athletes; it’s about cultivating leaders. The ultimate vision is to equip these young men to attain all their personal, academic, and professional aspirations, enabling them to uplift their families and the broader Dominican community.

Our Mission

Our approach extends beyond the diamond, ensuring they grow both as athletes and individuals by meeting their personal, educational and professional goals. Through education, scholarships, mentorship, and community involvement, we’re cultivating a new generation of leaders, equipped to uplift their families and contribute positively to the broader Dominican community.

Our Vision

While the aspiration of joining the Big Leagues is a commendable goal, we aim to ensure that each participant in our program is equipped with the tools to succeed both on and off the field. This involves a dual approach: nurturing their baseball talent while simultaneously fostering a strong academic foundation

A key facet of our objective is to ensure these young men are not only prepared for the present but also for the future. To this end, we have set our sights on helping them secure college scholarships in both U.S. and Dominican institutions. These scholarships are pivotal in providing them with higher education opportunities that can set the stage for a prosperous life ahead. By emphasizing both their athletic and academic potential, we aim to guide these budding athletes towards a path where they can continue their baseball dreams and also achieve academic excellence.

Our Board

Brian Straley

President

Brandon Byers

Vice President

Samantha Pehrson

Board Member

Cheryl Pehrson

Board Member

Our Managers

Uly Batista

Head Coach

Bernarda Acosta

Manager/Academic Supervisor

Mendri Feliz

Coach

Charli Medina

Coach

Team Members

Julio Zenon

Outfield

Franyel Ferr

Pitcher

Hector Medina

Pitcher/Infield

Kelin Feliz

Outfield

Kevin Feliz

Outfield

Keudy Nolasco

Pitcher/Infield

Jatniel Perez

Outfield

Winel Dominici

Pitcher/Outfield

Angel Mendez

Infield/SS

How You Can Help

Empower Baseball is more than just a program—it’s a movement to change the system from within. We’re setting the bar higher, and with your help, we can make real, lasting change in the lives of Dominican youth. By donating, volunteering, or partnering with us, you’ll be contributing to a cause that’s not only about baseball, but about creating opportunities and building a better future for generations to come.
Join us as we set the standard for a brighter future—both on and off the field.