A Trip to the Dominican Republic

A Trip to the Dominican Republic

While the official report date for Spring Training remains days away, my season kicks off with an annual journey to the Dominican Republic. As some of you may know, I've invested a substantial amount of time on this captivating island.?

It all began in 2019 when I joined the Colorado Rockies as an athletic trainer. I arrived on the island, staying just outside of Boca Chica on the southern end of the island. Spending six months in the Caribbean, I embraced a head-first dive into the local culture, and my first time working solo as a certified athletic trainer unfolded. Beyond being a stepping stone into a full-time role with the Rockies, this annual touchpoint in the Dominican Republic has become an integral part of my life and career. Returning to this land and its people reinforces the roots that have shaped my professional identity as an athletic trainer and, more significantly, who I have become as a man.

??Navigating the Diamond: Understanding the Dominican Academy

The intricacies of professional baseball's structure, especially when it comes to the Dominican Republic, can be puzzling. It helps to understand how Latin players kickstart their professional careers. Their journey commences in the Dominican Republic, serving as the gateway for aspiring 16-year-old ballplayers. Each MLB club boasts an academy on the island, where international talents from Venezuela, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and beyond sign their first professional contracts. Their collective dream? To become a Major League star. Much like their counterparts in the States, these young athletes suit up daily, playing games against other clubs on the island. Their development as players is a priority, alongside a rigorous training regimen. Communal living with teammates inside the complex, three meals a day, and pursuing their education are all part of the daily rhythm for these athletes.??

??The Heartbeat of Baseball

The Dominican Republic stands as a sacred island, marking the genesis of the Western world. The island holds the alleged tomb of Christopher Columbus and proudly boasts the inception of the first city, bars, and churches in the Western world. Infused with the driving beats of Bachata and home to what many argue is the finest beer on the planet, El Presidente, this Caribbean gem is a unique and treasured place. Despite its official language being Spanish, the Dominican dialect possesses a distinct cadence that often deviates from tradition. Full of slang and propelled by a fast-paced rhythm, their linguistic liberties may sound foreign even to native Spanish speakers. Today, the Dominican Republic is recognized on the world stage for its impact on the sport of baseball.

??? My Dominican Evolution?

After accepting the job, I set my sights on one goal: Learn Spanish. Having taken classes in school, I thought I was set up for success. However, as a 23-year-old kid living in Boca Chica, the struggles began when I started searching for an apartment in the small town and doing my best to merely say hello and good morning to the players I’m in the academy. A quick realization hit me—I didn't know nearly as much as I thought I did. Dedication, hard work, and embarrassing myself routinely became part of my education. Suddenly, working in the athletic training room presented a whole new challenge. Attempting to evaluate players when neither of us spoke the same language was daunting. Slowly, with the playful encouragement of the athletes, I built confidence in the language and my skills as an athletic trainer. My commitment to learning their language and culture improved my outcomes as a trainer and bolstered a foundation of trust with the guys. It drove me to learn more than I ever thought possible in such a short stint in La Republica Dominicana. I learned to love people more sincerely, and truly care for individuals for who they are. I’m learning to embrace what is in front of me at any given moment, influenced by this beautiful culture of laughter, love, dancing, and great cuisine. Shaped by this humbling experience, I will forever hold a soft spot for the Latin community in my heart.??

Explaining how a simple six-month island stay-cation truly changed my life is next to impossible. But this connection is one I am forever grateful for, and it could not be as successful without the amazing staff we have in our academy in the Dominican Republic. To the beginning of another season! Salud!

To the Grind and the Glory,

Coy Coker