Dominican Republic RBI brings smiles to kids

The Dominican Republic, like most of the world, has been affected by COVID-19. And although the country was forced into lockdown because of rampant spread of the virus, Major League Baseball made sure that baseball still thrived there, especially in Villa Altagracia.

Through its “Play Ball at Home” initiative, Dominican Republic RBI last month handed out bats, shirts and balls to area children from 125 families in conjunction with RBI Partner "Fundación Rica.”

The kids, as happy as if Santa Claus had come to town, immediately attempted to hit baseballs, with some seeming as though they could give Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr. a run for their money.

The volunteers who distributed the equipment had as much fun pitching to the kids, who would have played all day.

“[The kids] were happy. They enjoyed the day,” said Henry Gonzalez, MLB's senior manager of international talent development. “They were having fun in the backyard with their parents. Some were playing in front of the house. Everything was closed. They are taking classes virtually.”

Gonzalez is pleased that MLB has stepped up to help kids in the Dominican Republic.

“I’m very proud of Major League Baseball, because they are trying to help the new generation and hope they continue in the right path,” Gonzalez said.

MLB plans to expand the program to other regions in the Dominican Republic, and hopes to organize events by the end of the June so even more kids will also be able to “Play Ball.”