Caguas – The term “world class” is frequently used in Spanish to describe individuals, institutions, or facilities that stand out due to their exceptional qualities, setting them apart as leaders in their respective fields.
The Puerto Rico Baseball Academy & High school (PRBAHS) exemplifies this phrase perfectly. Its newly inaugurated training center, located in the Eastern Sports Recreation Complex in Caguas, is a testament to this. The facility, which opened this week, was made possible through a $2 million investment funded by Major League Baseball (MLB), the major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), and local sponsors.
In addition to financial contributions,numerous local and U.S.-based organizations donated state-of-the-art equipment for the facility.According to Jesús “motorita” Feliciano, the executive director, the academy plans to make the center self-sustaining by opening it to the public. This includes athletes from other sports and Puerto Rican MLB players who return to the island during the off-season to train in their hometown.
1 / 10 | A cutting-edge training center,comparable to MLB standards,has opened in Caguas. The conference room serves as a versatile space for students and instructors to conduct studies and workshops. - Pablo martínez Rodríguez
“This facility is designed to be multipurpose. It features four batting and fielding cages, with the final cage measuring 70 feet in length and 20 feet in width. This space is equipped with advanced technology, including ‘trackman’ and ‘hittrax’ systems, as well as cameras to record player performance,” explained Feliciano, a former MLB player, highlighting the hitting zone as the centerpiece of the training center.
Dubbed the ‘World Class Training Center’ by PRBAHS staff, the facility boasts a fully equipped gym with modern weights and machinery, a recovery room staffed by professional therapists and masseuses, and a conference room that doubles as a study and workshop area for students and instructors.
Feliciano emphasized that the academy operates as a non-profit institution. The construction of the training center was funded by an $850,000 donation from MLB and an additional $50,000 from the Players Association.
The remaining funds for the project were sourced indirectly through contributions from sponsors, many of whom are members of the PRBAHS board of directors.Notable among them is the president of the Criollos of caguas, who played a pivotal role in securing the necessary resources.
As part of the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League, Raul Rodriguez, who also serves as the owner and president of Betances Drug Store, played a significant role in the project.
During the press conference before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Jorge Inclán, president of the PRBAHS board of directors, acknowledged the sponsors who contributed to the construction and equipping of the center. Among them was Pitch In for puerto Rico, a New York-based foundation established specifically to support sports on the island following the devastation of Hurricane María in September 2017.
Inclán also emphasized the partnership with the Municipality of Caguas, which has supported the academy’s students for several years. The academy’s academic building is situated in the nearby town of Gurabo.
The Eastern Sports Recreation Complex features multiple baseball stadiums that the PRBAHS has utilized for training and registration. The academy aims to establish its full headquarters in the Creole city in the near future.
As planned since early 2024,the state-of-the-art training center was finalized in December and officially opened in January,marking its debut in the second half of the 2024-2025 academic year.
José Miranda Tests the New Facility
Describing the facility as “major league” is no exaggeration, as it mirrors the standards experienced by professional players.
two notable players who tested the facility on its opening day were pitcher Jose de Leon, who has played in organized baseball, including the Majors, and Jose Miranda, the current third baseman for the Minnesota Twins. The two faced off in the batting cage, which was highlighted by Feliciano.
“I told Motorita Feliciano and the team here that I hope young athletes make the most of this chance. This is the kind of facility I wish I had growing up. It’s a thorough project,and I’m thrilled it’s here in Puerto Rico. it feels like something straight out of the United States. It’s an honor to be here. This place has everything you need—it’s truly complete,” Miranda shared.
“You’ve got the weight room, batting cages, and fields outside. I’m genuinely excited about this. even though I live in Dorado, I’ll be coming here to train,” Miranda added, noting that this was only his second batting practice during the offseason.He is already preparing for the Twins’ spring training in fort Myers,Florida.
Alex Cora Shares Words of Wisdom
The center’s inauguration attracted numerous prominent figures, including Alex Cora, manager of the Boston Red Sox. Cora took the stage to deliver an inspiring message to the academy’s students, both boys and girls, as the institution also includes a softball program.
Cora reflected on his mother, Iris Amaro, who recently celebrated her 85th birthday. He expressed his love for her and credited her with teaching him three essential values: structure, consistency, and obligation.
Thes values, Cora explained, were instilled in him and his siblings, including his brother Joey Cora, who also had a triumphant career in Major League Baseball.
“I’ll never forget the makeshift batting cages Felipe Crespo and his father built in Villanueva, Caguas, where we spent our childhood. It was an open-air setup, with pipes scattered everywhere—simple yet effective. Back then, it felt like a game-changer. This initiative is more than just a boost for the academy; it’s a foundation for nurturing future MLB stars, coaches, and even general managers. Baseball is a vast field with endless opportunities. Today, we have Major League coaches, players, and managers from Puerto Rico. Who knows? in the next five to ten years, we might see a Puerto Rican general manager in the Majors. We have the talent and the drive to make it happen,” Cora emphasized.
Cora believes that in today’s data-driven sports landscape, this training center is a game-changing resource. It equips young players with the tools and knowledge they need to excel, positioning them as strong contenders in the MLB draft.
Over two decades, the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy and High School (PRBAHS) has produced 149 draft picks, including Carlos Correa, who made headlines in 2012 as the first Puerto Rican to be selected in the first round of the MLB draft.
Other notable alumni include catcher Christian Vázquez and pitcher Joe Jiménez,both of whom have carved out successful careers in the Major Leagues.
The opening of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy & High School (PRBAHS) training center in Caguas marks a monumental step forward for baseball growth in Puerto Rico. this state-of-the-art facility, dubbed the ‘World Class Training Center,’ is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Major League Baseball (MLB), the MLB Players Association (MLBPA), local sponsors, and the unwavering dedication of the PRBAHS team. With a $2 million investment, the center is poised to become a hub for nurturing future baseball talent while also serving as a resource for professional athletes and the broader community.
A Facility Built for Excellence
The training center, located within the Eastern Sports recreation Complex, is designed to meet the highest standards of professional baseball. It features four batting and fielding cages, with the largest cage measuring 70 feet in length and 20 feet in width. Equipped with cutting-edge technology such as TrackMan and HitTrax systems, as well as performance-recording cameras, the facility provides athletes with the tools to analyze and refine their skills with precision. Jesús “Motorita” feliciano, the academy’s executive director and a former MLB player, emphasized the hitting zone as the centerpiece of the training center, underscoring its importance in player development.
Beyond the cages, the facility boasts a fully equipped gym with modern weights and machinery, a recovery room staffed by professional therapists and masseuses, and a versatile conference room that doubles as a study and workshop area. This multipurpose design ensures that athletes not only train their bodies but also engage in academic and professional development.
A collaborative Effort
The construction of the training center was made possible through significant contributions from MLB ($850,000) and the MLBPA ($50,000),with additional funding sourced from local sponsors,many of whom are members of the PRBAHS board of directors. Notably, the president of the Criollos de caguas played a pivotal role in securing resources, highlighting the strong community ties that underpin the project.
The academy’s partnership with the Municipality of Caguas has also been instrumental in its success. The municipality has supported the academy’s students for years, and the new facility is expected to further strengthen this relationship. Additionally, the Pitch in for puerto Rico foundation, established in the wake of Hurricane maría, contributed to the project, demonstrating the resilience and unity of the Puerto Rican community.
A Vision for the Future
the PRBAHS has long been a beacon of excellence in baseball education, and the new training center solidifies its position as a leader in the field. By opening the facility to the public, the academy aims to make it self-sustaining while providing opportunities for athletes from other sports and Puerto Rican MLB players who return to the island during the off-season. This inclusive approach ensures that the center benefits not only the academy’s students but also the broader community.
The facility’s impact was immediately evident during its opening,with notable players like José Miranda of the Minnesota Twins and José De León,a pitcher with Major League experience,testing its capabilities. miranda, who described the facility as “major league,” expressed his excitement about the opportunities it presents for young athletes. “This is the kind of facility I wish I had growing up,” he said. “It’s a thorough project, and I’m thrilled it’s here in Puerto Rico. It feels like something straight out of the United States.”
A Legacy of Excellence
The PRBAHS training center is more than just a facility; it is a symbol of Puerto Rico’s enduring passion for baseball and its commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent. By providing athletes with access to world-class resources and training, the academy is ensuring that Puerto Rico remains a powerhouse in the baseball world.
As the facility begins its operations in the second half of the 2024-2025 academic year,it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration,vision,and dedication. For young athletes in Puerto Rico, the ‘World Class Training center’ is not just a place to train—it is indeed a place to dream, grow, and achieve greatness.
