The Dominican Republic Sports & Education Academy will holds its fifth annual “Making A Difference In The Dominican Republic on June 25 at 6  p.m. at the 809 Club, 112 Dyckman Street, New York, NY.

The event will include a special tribute to newly elected baseball Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez for his outstanding and sustained commitment to the advancement of Dominicans and the Dominican Republic, particularly in the area of education.

Together with his wife, Carolina, Martinez runs the Pedro Martinez and Brothers Foundation, headquartered on the outskirts of Santo Domingo, where he helps impoverished youths in his hometown of Manoguayabo.  Besides operating a school, the foundation has built 30-40 homes and two churches in his hometown.  Their motto: “Hay poder en aprender,” or “There is power in learning.”

Martinez was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in January on 91.1% of the votes.

 “Pedro Martinez is a legend in baseball, but his contributions to his community have truly made a difference in the lives of so many youngsters in the Dominican Republic,” said Charles S. Farrell, co-founder of the DRSEA.  

“He has set an example of what a successful baseball players can do to give back and he has become a fantastic role model for both children and adults. And, as successful as he was in baseball, he knows that it is education, not baseball, that will prepare people for life.”

The mission of the DRSEA is to educate young and gifted student athletes in the Dominican Republic, help develop their baseball skills, and give them the tools to success in life on and off the field.  Through a rigorous educational component, the DRSEA will prepare young boys to have the opportunity for scholarships at U.S. colleges and universities.

 The event will also include a panel discussion by experts on the status of Dominican baseball, for additional information on the event, as well as sponsorship opportunities, visit www.drsea.org.