Los Peloteros Del Verano: Brooklyn Bulldogs Head To Dominican Republic For Cultural Exchange

The Brooklyn Bulldogs have been swinging their bats for more than a decade, however the team continues to reinvent itself.

The youth travel baseball program of the 78th Precinct Youth Council partnered with the governor and mayor of Samaná in the Dominican Republic last month for a summer field trip that featured bats, gloves, and provided an opportunity for the players — mostly between ages 12 and 14 — to engage in an immersive cultural exchange.

Bulldogs coach Charles Lalane is a math teacher at Bushwick’s Philippa Schuyler IS 383, a proud Dominican Brooklyn-ite, and led the team down to witness the work ethic of the Samaná players, who practice seven days a week, hoping to someday play in major league baseball.

The inaugural Samaná Baseball Tournament and Parade included 14 teams. The start of the competition was highlighted by Dominican native Rafael Santana, the shortstop from the 1986 World Series Champion New York Mets, who threw out the first ball.

“The DR players work incredibly hard, said 14-year-old Bulldog Jason G. “I was shocked that these guys start each day with a 6:00am training run up a mountain! It makes me want to double-down on my own efforts.”

The country is known for producing some of the best athletes in baseball — boasting over 400 players who have made it to the majors. Memorable Dominican talents include All-Star “Big Papi” David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox, dominant three-time Cy Young winner Pedro Martinez, and Mets third baseman, the dynamic Jose Reyes.

The 14U Bulldogs went undefeated and won the tournament, while the 12U lost in the semifinals.

And while the competition was hard-fought, the players gained insight about the country when they were off the field as well. Coach Lalane spoke to the Bulldogs about how many Dominican players live in poverty, and also lack baseball equipment.

Brooklyn Bulldog Noah S., age 12, was inspired to act. The player launched an initiative to collect used baseball gear and clothing to give to the players. Hundreds of bats, gloves, helmets and even catching equipment were successfully donated and happily received, according to the Bulldogs.

“My wish is that these players learn from each other,” said Lalane. “My Bulldog teams play a super smart, strategic game; and the Samaná El Wilmore have the strongest work ethic I’ve ever seen.”