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Tournaments  | Story  | 10/18/2005

Dominicans In Jupiter Jupiter Report #7

The Dominican Republic supplies more players to Major League Baseball than any other country outside the U.S. Baseball is everything to these young men. The very real prospect of making it in the U.S. Major Leagues is quite the lure. And more and more, each year, latin players are looking to get a college education in the states.

For many, things are complicated beginning their American careers. While some Latin's land in areas with large Hispanic populations, others are less fortunate. The language barrier is a major hurdle for many Latin players. Luckily, now days there are a large number of personnel who speak their language within every organization.

Entered in Jupiter this year will be the Dominican Republic All Star Baseball Academy. The team will have approximately 20 players. Tony Fernandez, Ramon Martinez and Frank Gomez have put together a team of the best young players from the Dominican Republic. Several of the players come from Fernandez's and Martinez's academies.

Tony Fernandez was born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. He was 21 years old when he started his Major League career with the Blue Jays in 1983. He played in the Big Leagues for 17 years, mostly as a shortstop. He had 2,276 hits in his career.

Ramon Martinez was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He was 20 years old when he first entered the Major Leagues as a pitcher for the Dodgers in 1988. He pitched in the Big Leagues for 14 years compiling 135-88 record with a life time 3.67 ERA. He is the brother of Pedro Martinez who has been one of the very best pitchers in baseball over the last decade. In 1995 Pedro threw 9 perfect innings in a game against the Padres and 41 days later brother Ramon threw a no hitter against the Florida Marlins.

The team they bring to Jupiter could compete for the title. There are a few other Dominicans scattered on other teams including two very good ones who will probably be on the Baseball America roster. Gedro Fabian and Cristian Zapata are the two on Baseball America's roster. Fabian is a big LHP who is very good and Zapata is one of the better young outfield prospects in all of baseball.

Following is a brief glimpse of some of the better prospects on the Dominican All Star Academy.

Christopher Andujar: RHP, 6/2", 180 lbs., son of former Major League pitcher Joaquin Andujar. Throws 89-92. Excellent command of fastball, curveball, slider and change up.

Edward Chavalier: 1B/3B/C, 6'2", 200 lbs. Tremendous hitter with power.

Guermin Fulgencio: 3B, 6'2", 185 lbs. Strong defensive skills and arm, excellent power

Luis A. Castillo: SS/3B, 6'4", 200 lbs. Great all around tools.

Misael Tavares: OF, 6'4", 180 lbs. Outstanding power, arm and speed

Alexander Castillo: OF, 6'2", 200 lbs. Tremendous hitter with power.

Santo De Jesus: OF, 6'1", 180 lbs. Strong arm and exceptional speed.

Raul Severino: OF, 6'3", 195 lbs. Excellent hitter, with power, and strong arm.

Jean C Morel: SS, 6'1", 155 lbs. Great defensive skills and speed, strong arm.

Between the Puerto Rican entries and the Dominican team, there will be a definite latin flavor to the World Tournament once again this year. And there should be based on the large number of Latin Big Leaguers.
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