Baseball Documentary ‘El Play’ to Be Screened June 21 in New York
In the economically depressed regions of the Dominican Republic it is the goal of many a youth to follow in the footsteps of the countries notable sportsmen and launch a career in major league baseball. There are 3500 young Domincans currently training in baseball camps throughout the country.
Ninety-eight percent of them will fail to achieve their dream.
“El Play”, a new film presented by the Dominican Republic Sports and Education Academy (DRSEA), chronicles the story of Jairo Candelario, an aspiring big leaguer from the small town of San Pedro de Macoris, hometown to Yankee second baseman Robinson Cano, among others. The movie covers Candelario’s journey and is accompanied by interviews with family members, coaches and other people in the community.
“I believe that people who attend the special screening of ‘El Play’ will come away with a snippet of what everyday life is for these boys who pursue the dream of baseball in the Dominican Republic, and get a sense of both the passion of that pursuit and the pressures as well, understanding that ultimately baseball needs to provide more for these kids,” DRSEA founder Charles S. Farrell told Baseball Ink.
“We believe that baseball has a responsibility to prepare these children for the challenges of life, not just the challenges of playing baseball,” Farrell added.
You can see the film on June 21, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the 809 Lounge, 112 Dyckman St., New York, NY.
To learn more about supporting the DRSEA and “El Play”, visit www.drsea.org
