Scrolling through IG this morning, the above photo stood out to me. I don't speak Spanish, so tossed the caption in a Google translator.
"The New York Mets Academy in the Dominican Republic handed degrees to six new prospects that completed their high school studies as part of the education program CENAPEC."
A lot of players in Dominican Republic have a very difficult choice to make in their teens: school or baseball. Amed Rosario let baseball wait until school was done, but a lot of guys don't have that option.
“A good majority of the kids that play baseball are from economically depressed situations,” said Omar Minaya, who was born in the Dominican Republic, grew up in New York and went on to become the general manager of the Montreal Expos and the Mets. (NY TIMES)
I knew the Mets had a strong presence in Dominican Republic, but didn't realize schooling was part of that. The Mets are investing in not only the future of the ball club, but the kids themselves, and that's good to hear. Finish school, learn important life skills, then start the road to the Bigs.
Congrats to these six Mets prospects, and all the best on your journey.
BACK AT IT! Kick off the 2023 home season with us at Citi Field on Thursday April 6th. The game is at 1:10pm so plan to be there bright and early. The Mets take on the Marlins, and as usual we'll be hanging out before in the Marina Lot.
Darren Meenan
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