In 1998, during a two-year church mission to the Dominican Republic, Brian Straley forged a deep connection with the country and its people. He encountered communities marked by poverty, violence, and limited access to quality education and healthcare. Amidst these challenges, one hope shone brightly: baseball, the national pastime of the Dominican Republic.

For many boys, baseball represents a dream and an escape. They often abandon their education to chase the elusive goal of joining the Big Leagues. Tragically, less than two percent succeed, leaving the vast majority of 98% ill-equipped for adulthood without education or proper life skills after dropping out of school to play baseball. This cycle of poverty and violence, perpetuated generation after generation, became a poignant concern for Brian.

To address this, Brian founded The Straley Project, a unique initiative headquartered in Brigham City, Utah. The organization is committed to transforming the lives of boys aged 6 to 19 in Santa Cruz de Barahona, DR. The project combines the fervor of baseball with the promise of education, emulating the U.S. high school system. As participants hone their skills with our amateur baseball team, Los Piratas Del Sur, they're simultaneously immersed in academic curricula tailored to foster success in their continuing education and careers.

Guided by the belief in nurturing the whole individual, The Straley Project ensures that participants remain in school, steering clear of legal troubles. The emphasis is on mentoring and tutoring, aiming to secure college scholarships for these budding athletes in U.S. and Dominican institutions, whether it's for sports or purely academic pursuits. A stringent policy is in place: those who falter in their studies are benched until they elevate their grades, although they continue practicing and improving their baseball skills.

At its core, The Straley Project is not just about nurturing athletes; it's about cultivating leaders. The ultimate vision is to equip these young men to attain all their personal, academic, and professional aspirations, enabling them to uplift their families and the broader Dominican community.

The Straley Project

Join the Team!

Meta Campaign for 100 new donors New

Empower Baseball

Monthly Donations