Elon Baseball Set for Global Experience

ELON, N.C. – As part of Elon University’s dedication and focus on its students achieving a global experience, the Phoenix baseball team will travel to the Dominican Republic over Thanksgiving break.

“We are truly excited about the global experience that our players will be afforded while travelling to the Dominican Republic,” stated Elon head coach Mike Kennedy. “This is a tremendous learning experience that our university is providing for our team. Upon return, we will have a much greater understanding of the culture and the passion for baseball in the Dominican Republic.”

The Elon baseball program will be accompanied by assistant professor of sport and event management, Mark Cryan. Cryan will lead the Globalization in Contemporary Sport class, which studies a variety of topics, including the economic, political, societal and cultural effects of sport in a global age.

Additionally, the team will visit cultural sites and observe and interact with the local culture. Phoenix players will have the opportunity to visit Major League Baseball team academies, which are located primarily around Boca Chica and Santo Domingo, and speak with the officials who operate them. They will also attend Dominican Winter League games and speak with players and team officials. Another aspect of the class will focus on the signing and development of Dominican players as well as the marketing of Major League Baseball broadcasts, apparel and other products in the country.

While there, Elon’s student-athletes will have the chance to play scrimmages against some local competition.

The team is scheduled to leave for the Dominican Republic on Saturday, Nov. 21, and return on Saturday, Nov. 28.