MLB Rangers' New Academy Helps Solidify Dominican Presence

The MLB Rangers' new $12.5M Latin America academy has "finally caught up the Rangers in the facilities race in the Dominican Republic," according to Jeff Wilson of the Ft. Worth STAR-TELEGRAM. The project, which took over three years to complete, is a "big deal" for both the club and the country. The academy features "three full fields and a half-field spread across 26 acres." Additionally, a 30,000-square foot dormitory can "house 96 players and 29 coaches," while the 18,500-square foot clubhouse "holds 100 lockers." The dedication ceremony for the facility last week featured Dominican President Danilo Medina and U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Robin Bernstein. Several Rangers players from the country, including P Jose Leclerc, utility player Danny Santana and 1B Ronald Guzman, also "attended the ceremony." The main playing surface was named "Adrian Beltre Field" (Ft. Worth STAR-TELEGRAM, 11/16).

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER: In Dallas, Evan Grant wrote the Latin America academy is "part of a bigger effort" by the Rangers' organization. The team has "long said they wanted to be an organization known for treating its people well," and their "recent construction projects reinforce that" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 11/16).