Sports have always been a way to capture youth and provide their bodies with a healthy place to move and grow. But at the Amigos Baseball Academy, the game of baseball also offers life transformation for the youth of Chinandega and their families.
Luis Esquivel, the director of the program, created the baseball academy to model what Amigos does for the families in the communities, but here in the heart of the city of Chinandega.
The Academy meets immediate, physical needs by providing a safe place for students to be after school, but the program also meets spiritual needs by leading kids to form a deeper relationship with Christ. As students learn to work as a team with a common goal of winning, the Baseball Academy also teaches families that their children, with practice and discipline, can become leaders in their own way.
"The biggest transformation that we see is in the kids. We watch them become better players, but the real change is seen in their values. They become respectful, punctual, and united as a team, and the parents and children grow deeper connections."
Youth players come not only from Chinandega, but also travel from the neighboring towns of Chichigalpa, Corinto, El Viejo and as far as Somotillo. Everyone wants to be a part of the Amigos Baseball Academy!
One young man, Dennis Medina, is a model player and participant at the Baseball Academy. At 14 years old, he and his older brother live only with their father. He grew up playing baseball on various teams but never with great focus. This year, playing with the Baseball Academy, he has improved his work ethic and has begun to see the fruits of his hard work. He is the Chinandega Champion Pitcher in the Class A Juvenile League!!
Denis has become even more respectful and humble with his success, and he has begun to see how hard work can lead to a bright future. He never misses a training or game... all while managing to excel in school.
