In 2014, the Mayor of Bayahibe, Nercy Junior Brito Rijo, started his own baseball academy with just four young players. In a community where many families live in humble conditions, the academy has become a beacon of hope. When a child shows talent, parents often choose to enroll them in baseball schools, which offer food, lodging, training, and education — all in exchange for a simple agreement: “If you make it, we share the success together.”

Today, Nercy Junior Brito Rijo is reaping the rewards of years of hard work. Through daily training and mentoring, he has helped many young players achieve professional success. His academy has produced the following signings over the years:

• 2014 – The first player signed: pitcher Tafael Prensa, recruited by the Tampa team.
• 2015 – David Sanchez was signed by the Arizona team.
• 2016 – Kevin Richard signed with the Oakland team.
• 2017 – The most successful year to date. Two young players were signed:
  • Fernando Melo, a left-handed pitcher, signed by Tampa.
  • Arber Ávila, signed by Oakland.
• 2018 – Tyrone Julie, a pitcher, was signed by the New York Yankees.
• 2019 – Three players signed professional contracts:
  • Elías Peritán (Tampa)
  • Ismael Padua, catcher (Texas)
  • Sandy Charles, pitcher, signed by Anaheim
• 2022 – Three new talents signed:
  • Landani Alfonseca, pitcher (Tampa)
  • Almando Vázquez, pitcher (Arizona)
  • Jhonathan Mejía, signed by the St. Louis Cardinals and still playing professionally today.
• 2023 –
  • Brahian Rijo, pitcher, signed by the Boston team
  • Brailer Guerrero, signed by Tampa
• 2025 – Three more young talents signed:
  • Leonar Rijo (Milwaukee)
  • Ángel Salió (Cincinnati)
  • Jordi José, a left-handed pitcher, signed by Minnesota.

In our gallery you can see the pics offered by Bayahibe Baseball Academy of the most talented who succeeded to become professional baseball players. Thanks to Mr. Nercy Junior Brito Rijo for providing real opportunities to young people from poor Dominican families. Thanks to the country of the world’s most famous baseball players — Long live the Dominican Republic! ⚾