José Soriano supports new regulations for baseball academies in the Dominican Republic
League President José Soriano, with a career spanning more than 18 years developing talent at the Olympic Center, has expressed his firm support for the recent government measures aimed at regulating and supervising children’s and youth baseball academies and leagues in the country. For the leader, any regulation that prioritizes the health, well-being, and integral development of Dominican prospects is a necessary step toward the professionalization of the system.
Priority in safety and medical attention
One of the key points of Soriano’s support lies in the demand for better emergency protocols. The leader shared his experience after visiting facilities in Miami, where he highlighted that the presence of ambulances and trained medical personnel on the playing fields is an essential standard. In contrast, he lamented that in the current Dominican context, in the event of any serious injury or accident during training, those in charge often have to improvise transport to hospitals on their own.
Here, if a boy receives an unexpected blow, one must rush to the hospital or call 9-1-1. If we have the conditions nearby and authorized equipment, the benefit for the player’s safety will be immense.
José Soriano, president of the José Soriano League
Organization and control through the national registry
Soriano views the creation of a national registry for the promotion of baseball favorably. According to the veteran instructor, this database will allow for greater transparency, helping to identify irregular academies and establish quality standards in the training of young players. “The more organized we are, the better the image of our baseball will be,” he stated.
A call for prudence and ethical development
Despite his openness to regulations, the leader warned about the importance of authorities understanding the daily reality of those who train athletes from the age of five. Soriano emphasized that the development process requires a significant investment of time and resources, and that any regulation must be applied with informed knowledge.
- Prohibited substances: Soriano was categorical against the use of unauthorized drugs, pointing out that these practices put the minor’s health and the integrity of the system at risk.
- Comprehensive training: He advocates that the business behind signing prospects should never overshadow the main objective: the human and technical preparation of the athlete.
- Commitment: He reiterated that his support is total as long as the main focus of the measures is the direct benefit of the young athletes.
With these statements, the sports leader joins the voices advocating for a positive transformation in youth baseball, betting on an environment where safety and talent go hand in hand under a framework of legality and good practices.
