DRSEA Special Screening of “El Play” in New York City on June 21

The Dominican Republic Sports & Education Academy held a special screening of “El Play,” a documentary on Dominican baseball (click here to see the trailer to "El Play"), on June 21 at the 809 Lounge, 112 Dyckman St., New York, NY. The screening, followed by a panel discussion on baseball and education in the Dominican Republic, as well as a VIP reception, was part of a DRSEA fundraiser.

“El Play” is produced, directed and written by Pablo A. Medina, an assistant professor at the Parsons New School for Design in New York City, and has won several film festival awards. Cincinnati Reds legends Tony Perez and Pete Rose served as honorary co-chairs of the event; panelists for the discussion included: Joel Araujo, a specialist in the International Baseball Operations Department for Major League Baseball; Pablo A. Medina, producer, director and writer of “El Play;” Charles S. Farrell, co-founder and project director of the Dominican Republic Sports & Education Academy; Julio Pabón, founder of the Latino Sports Writers & Broadcasters Association (LSWBA), as well as founder of Latino Sports Ventures, Inc.; and Alfredo Arias, partner in the Arias & Goodman Academy.

The film’s main character is Jairo Candelario, a young aspiring baseball player from the town of San Pedro de Macoris, a small city in the Dominican Republic famous for producing some of the best players in the majors, including New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Canó. The film follows Jairo’s dream of signing a professional contract, and includes conversations with his family, and interviews with professional scouts, coaches and a baseball historian.

Alfredo Arias (center) and Gary Goodman (right) of Arias & Goodman Academy, and their guests, join DRSEA's Charles S. Farrell and Sam Brooks.

Sam Brooks (right) and event guests

Alfredo Arias drives home point.

Co-hosting the event was the Juan Pablo Duarte Foundation, which focuses its energy on the educational needs of the Dominican community – the largest, and one of the poorest, immigrant groups in New York City.

The event was well attended, and included several Dominican government representatives, former baseball players, and executives from Major League Baseball.

Julio Pabón advocates education for Dominican prospects

DRSEA Advisor Board member Sam Brooks

Major League Baseball executive Lou Melendez

“El Play” was well received by the audience, but the panel discussion was what set the event apart. While a multitude of opinions were shared, everyone concurred that education has to be a centerpiece in the development of young baseball players in the Dominican Republic.

The DRSEA is looking to screen “El Play” in other venues before the end of the year. Those wishing to make a donation to the Dominican Republic Sports & Education Academy can do so by clicking on the Donate/Sponsor link in the right hand column of this page or by sending a check to the DRSEA at:

Dominican Republic Sports & Education Academy
600 Anita Street, #16
Chula Vista, CA 91911

MLB’s Joel Araujo

“El Play” producer/director
Pablo Medina

Charles S. Farrell introduces panel

Ricardo Ramon, Vice-Minister of Sports for the Dominican Consulate in New York (right), and Alfredo Arias, listen to panel discussion

DRSEA Advisory Board member Juan Matiz

Angel Medina takes in the event.

DRSEA Advisory Board member Peter Cohen

Pablo Medina discusses “El Play”

DRSEA Advisory Board member Eli Navon

809 Lounge

   Photos by Howard Krupa