Perspectives on a Life-Changing Trip
The term might be overused, but we believe Building With Baseball’s trips to the Dominican Republic are nothing short of life-changing. The following testimonials bear witness to exactly that, from several different perspectives.
Andrew Whitener
Owner, District Performance
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, DC Dynasty Baseball
I’ve been on this trip numerous times and have seen firsthand how it can impact people’s lives:
Some of us improved our baseball skills because we got to train with and compete against high level Dominican players.
Some of us came home with a healthy dose of perspective because we met people who live with joy while struggling against poverty.
Some of us helped to paint a house and felt the deep goodness that accompanies helping others.
Some of us had our lives changed forever by Casa de Luz (House of Light) – an orphanage for children with physical or mental disabilities. It is a place that symbolizes the best that humanity has to offer.
All of us gave something to help people in need and all of us had an experience that enriched our own lives. So if you’re reading this and wondering what to do, my advice is: send your kid. Go yourself. Donate. I promise that when you walk onto that baseball diamond cut from a sugar cane field, you’ll know you’re in the right place.
Luis Noel
Scout in the DR, Baltimore Orioles
San Pedro de Macorís and its surrounding areas, especially Consuelo and its bateyes, have benefited in an extraordinary way from our friends in Washington, D.C., who have made the trip to the Dominican Republic every year since 2015. They have been able to contribute to the community in many ways, building houses, paying for university studies, and funding numerous technical courses.
They have also made many community contributions in the Bateyes, such as bleachers, dugouts, and, above all, many sports and school supplies. We are extremely grateful for their contributions, especially to the Batey Los Chicharrones, where they will gradually help us complete the Batey's baseball field.
They have already made a significant contribution towards building two professional dugouts, which, without a doubt, will be among the most modern and best-structured baseball fields in the Batey.
Robinson “Robbie” Mateo
Coach, Jackson Reed Tigers Baseball
This trip truly means the world to me. Being able to give back to my own community has always been a dream, and getting to do it alongside my players makes it even more special. Watching them experience what it means to appreciate what they have, to serve others, and to see the power of community, is something I’ll never forget. This trip brought us closer together and helped us build strong team chemistry before the season even starts. There’s no better feeling than touching down in the Dominican Republic every year and making all of this happen!
Nick Femia
President, DC Batter Up!
I had long heard good things about the DR program, but only by participating in it as a representative of a local DC non-profit did I fully understand its remarkable impact and importance. So much packed into one week for the DC student-athletes and the adults who accompany them: highly competitive baseball against quality Dominican teams; meaningful service projects and fun sight-seeing that provide a window into the DR’s vibrant culture, rich history, and complicated economic circumstances; and a powerful bonding experience for kids and adults alike as they navigate this wonderfully enriching experience together. “Life-changing’ is perhaps an overused term, but it definitely applies to the DR trip.