The New York Mets continued a tradition on Saturday—one started by former general manager Omar Minaya back in 2006.
Every year, the Mets’ Dominican Baseball Academy graduates players and staff that come through the program. In the last 18 years, more than 500 players have come through its ranks.
And on Saturday, 164 players and staff became the latest to walk across the stage. They received one of the following: a high school diploma, a college degree, or a certificate to continue their education, per SNY‘s Andy Martino. Not only that, but alumnus Francisco Álvarez was in attendance to hand out diplomas, while the Mets’ two newest leaders—president of baseball operations David Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza—paid a visit.
Francisco Álvarez with graduate Estarlin Escalante, via Álvarez’s Instagram
“It’s become a really important part of our organization’s identity,” Stearns said. “It means a lot to us as an organization. And it’s become an example for the rest of the industry.”
Minaya, who overtook the Mets’ GM role in 2005, set up the academy by the following year. It ensures that the players on the Mets’ Dominican Summer League team get at least a high school education while pursuing their baseball aspirations.
“They’ve all got the same goal, the same dream, which is to play in the big leagues,” Mendoza said. “As an organization, we’re not only trying to develop championship-caliber players, but championship-caliber people.”
The academy is also important for the many players who don’t make it to the higher levels. Instead of being behind their peers in life after baseball, the academy prepares them to go out into the world and work towards a new career. In turn, that gives all players in the academy the assurance that there’s a backup plan if baseball doesn’t work out.
“Many players don’t reach the major leagues, and this is a big part of them finding success after their baseball careers are over,” Stearns said.
Stearns’ visit on Saturday was part of an overall trend of the new POBO staying involved with the happenings of the organization. While in the Dominican Republic on Sunday, Stearns and Mendoza visited Starling Marte, who’s working his way back to full health in winter ball. The Mets then added 20 international free agent signings on Monday, 13 of whom are Dominican.
Not too long ago, Álvarez was one of those IFA signings. And, just like all these other players, he came through the Dominican Baseball Academy.
He received his high school diploma two years ago. He’s now the Mets’ starting catcher.
“At one point, Francisco was one of them,” Mendoza said. “For him to be here on such a special day, for a lot of them and for all of us as an organization, was pretty neat.”
Lots of smiles were seen as graduates rose from their chairs, with sashes around their necks, and walked up to receive their diplomas from a gleeful Álvarez. It was an embodiment of the program Minaya built, which has stuck around in full force long after Minaya’s departure.
“This is part of Omar’s legacy with the Mets. This was very important to him,” Stearns said. “He was a big force behind the push, not only for the Mets, but for Major League Baseball as a whole to provide growth opportunities for our players, regardless of whether they stay in pro ball or not.”
And that tradition will continue with the newest signings, as the factory never stops churning. With Stearns embracing the customs the Mets have upheld since long before his tenure, he appears to be on the same page with the organization and what they’re trying to accomplish, both on and off the field.
