Our goal is to exceed the expectations of the players and coaches who attend our trips and the parents who send their sons to our program. Please read what some of our satisfied guests had to say:

“I have been around baseball all my life as a amateur player, professional player, and as a coach. I can say without a doubt Dominican Baseball Camp is one of the best baseball experiences in my life, it not the best! Sam LeBeau’s philosophy of making the kids live baseball “Dominican Style” for a week is educational and rewarding. The players come back better baseball players and better people. I had no idea what to expect when I agreed to direct the camp this past summer, and in fact, I was even a little hesitant on going. However, after having been there and experiencing baseball as I have never experienced it before, I have already asked Sam to lock me in for next summer.”—–Tracy Smith, Head Baseball Coach, Indiana University

I have been involved with three different groups of young men who have taken advantage of the opportunities presented by Dominican Baseball Camp sponsored by Sam LeBeau, and I have noticed a very common theme with all of the groups: everybody involved returns as better baseball players (and coaches) and, more importantly, better people. The camp does a tremendous job of blending the Dominican and American cultures, and all involved are provided with ample opportunities to improve themselves. As a high school coach, it is a tremendous opportunity for the young men who attend this camp to play for college coaches. All of the coaches have been extremely willing to share their knowledge and enthusiasm of the game with the players, and I have been very impressed with everybody’s commitment to the objective of the camp. If players come over with a passion for baseball, a love of culture, and a willingness to learn, they will have one of the most memorable weeks of their lives.

From a baseball perspective specifically, the players will learn a great deal from the coaches. However, I was equally impressed with what they learned almost instinctively. It is amazing to see how quickly a group of young men from all over North America can come together and compete as a TEAM against opponents who have been practicing together for long periods of time. Seeing this rapid growth in a short period of time is a pleasure. In addition, I have been extremely impressed with how much tougher players become while in the Dominican.

Situations that would distract players in the States (field conditions, loose base pegs, animals in the outfield, etc…) and take their minds off the task at hand are dealt with beautifully while in the DR. The players quickly learn to focus on what is important (their teammates and the task at hand) and grow up quickly in this area. If they can bring this mental approach back with them to their high school teams, they will be better players, and their team will be a better team. As a coach, the ability of players to block out distractions and to focus on the task at hand is a pleasure to see. I strongly recommend Sam LeBeau’s Dominican Baseball Camp to all who are interested. I am going to try to take my team over in 2011 for a second time. —-Jeff Diskin; Varsity Baseball Coach, Pembroke Hill School, Kansas City, MO

Thank you very much for all of your hard work with the Dominican Trip. Henry had a great time and we loved the pictures you shared.—-Melissa; Mother, Northbrook, IL

Thank you Sam…for everything…I love the fact that Thomas had such a great time and the boys across the nation are still in touch with each other through face book…maybe they will have a reunion in the future…—-Rosemary; Mother, Carlsbad, CA

Thanks Sam; the entire experience was awesome, everything we’d hoped for and more. —-David; Father, Carlsbad, CA

Just wanted to let you know that Kyle had a great time on his Dominican trip. He enjoyed the cultural as well as the baseball part of it. You did a great job and sounds like you had a great group of boys there….Thanks —-Steve; Father, Richmond, MO

In all seventeen years of my life, there have been few single events that have left a greater impression on me than what I experienced this past summer. I was given the opportunity to do something I loved in a place I have never been. In February, my pitching coach presented me with the chance to travel to the Dominican Republic for one week to play baseball with kids from all across America against the local high schoolers, while being coached by a Division-I baseball manager. This was truly an adventure out of my comfort zone into a world I had only seen on television….While in the Dominican, I witnessed something I have never seen in my eight years of baseball experience. The kids there had a complete and utter passion for the game. From the 6 a.m. trainings on the beautiful beaches, to playing double headers in torrential rain, they never once complained about the conditions or the rigor, not to mention hundred-degree heat, ninety percent humidity. This game that we play in America was their chance at getting out of their third world country. Through their passion I learned what it truly meant to work hard for a goal, the necessary work ethic required to succeed…..My time with the Dominican community probably impacted me the most. While there I experienced true hospitality; people were willing to feed us for a game of baseball against our team. Traveling around the city the only thing that kept me from making new friends was the language barrier as all people were extremely kind. Some were even willing to learn American Football. Everyone was willing to offer a smile and a simple wave hello, something I know would come at a premium in large cities in America ….In our world today, where a majority of society is more interested in what is next on television and when the next big video game premieres, we (myself included) forget the seemingly insignificant things such as pick-up games at the beautiful park or even a friendly conversation with a stranger that you bump into on the street. Through my trip to the Dominican Republic I learned what it meant to truly appreciate a game, a park or even the beautiful southern California weather, while learning how to be hospitable and kind. I also learned the discipline and work ethic needed to reach a goal, despite how large the dream may be.—–Mitchell; Pitcher, San Diego, CA

Hey Sam! Just wanted to say thanks for the awesome opportunity! I had a great time at the camp. Interacting with the locals and meeting kids from all over the country was awesome! I will plan on seeing you again next year.—-Kyle; Catcher, Richmond, MO

I cannot say enough about the trip that we took the first of Aug to the Dominican. It was truly a wonderful experience. If I could write a letter to future parents it would be to tell them to enjoy each and every day while there. Also…I would have taken so much more to give to the locals. I met so many wonderful people in the stands as we watched the boys play. I wish I had items to give to the little children. There was one boy that I had the opportunity to sit and talk with during the double header at San Pedro. He was only 9 but he loved baseball and wanted to be a pitcher. I wish I would have had a ball glove in Timothy’s bag that was extra so I could have gotten it for him. He had such a sweet personality. He wanted to communicate with us and between the little bit of English he had and the even smaller bit of Spanish I had we enjoyed the games together. ..
I would take used clean clothing, baseball items, toys for the younger children, small travel size lotions for the young girls, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and any other item that represents where I come from that could be shared with the local people. The smallest of items meant so much to the people of this country. Even our used items that we wouldn’t keep under normal circumstances were a treasure to them. ..This is an experience that I think so many other boys should take advantage of and if it were offered to Timothy we would be there again.—-Charlene; Mother, Terre Haute, IN

What a great experience JT had, I can’t thank you enough for making it all so special, and interesting and thoughtful! Great Job!—-Debra; Mother, Millbrook, NY

Last week’s trip to the Dominican Republic was very rewarding and memorable to me. Culturally, this trip gave me insight on how people around the world live. It showed me to that you do not have to have a bunch of stuff to be happy, just appreciate your friends and family. As a baseball player I learned that it doesn’t matter what the field looks or plays like, it just matters that you can play ball and have fun. I also learned how hard the Dominican kids work at baseball and how hard I need to work…Thanks for everything.—-Zac; Outfield, Auburn, IN

Joey had a good time. Came back a little different, in a good way. This trip seems to move him emotionally. He said he played well and had fun…Joe; Father, Charlottesville, VA

Sam. Thanks for hosting the boys this past week. I know that Jacob came back with some fun stories and had a great experience. It was very eye-opening for him from a cultural standpoint and was pretty amazed by the caliber of ball played there.—-Todd; Father, Oceanside, CA

I know that Kyle sure enjoyed the trip. He made a lot of good friends, and his dad told me that he came back a better person. I can’t think of a better compliment for you and your camp. Your camp presents these young men with great opportunities. You should be proud of what you have going.—-Jeff; Uncle, Kansas City, MO

The Dominican Baseball Camp was an experience of a lifetime. Through the common ground of baseball, our players got to experience the Dominican culture in a way that is not typically available to most American visitors. By joining the Dominican players in morning workouts on the beach, practices on the local fields, and live games in the many small towns on the south side of the island, our players got a firsthand account of the passion and commitment the Dominicans have for the game of baseball. In the process, our players were immersed in the Spanish language, Dominican food, music, and way of life. I am confident in saying that each player left the island with a new excitement and appreciation for the game of baseball and the Dominican culture, and took away memories to last a lifetime.—-Kyle Werman; Assistant Baseball Coach, Radford University

I participated as a trainer during the July 27-August 2, 2010 program. My job was to help the players stay healthy so that they could maximize their efforts during a challenging baseball schedule, Knowing the competition would be tough, I challenged the players by offering each of them 10 minutes of massage for every quality at bat. They responded favorably to that challenge and thus I kept very busy the entire time! Kyle Werman, the head coach for this program gave the players an opportunity to experience baseball at the college level. He provided a first class experience and he earned the respect of each player for his knowledge, abilities and passion for the game of baseball.

I had an incredible week experiencing a non-tourist view of the Dominican Republic and witnessing our players embrace stepping out of their comfort zone and being rewarded by wonderful memories and new friendships that will last a lifetime. You know a program is successful when all remark on how quickly the week went by and no one wanted it to end. I plan to come back next year and hopefully for many years to come.—-Jim Darin; Trainer, Charlottesville, VA

I thoroughly enjoyed my baseball experience in the Dominican Republic. What I learned and was exposed to culturally, in reference to baseball and the people, will be useful to me for many years. The level and different styles of baseball play helped me see the game in a different way. Every game was challenging and fun at the same time. And the country is a great place to spend a week of vacation (especially the beach and weather). Overall, my time in the Dominican Republic was an invaluable opportunity to enjoy the game of baseball in a new way. Wish I had known about this camp in previous years in order to attend more than once.—-Josh; Pitcher, Springfield, VA

Thank you so much for providing me with the opportunity to visit the Dominican Republic. I was very honored that I was selected to represent your organization. I got the chance to meet and get to know a great group of teammates. I made friendships that without a doubt will last a lifetime. It was great that we were coached by Division 1 coach, Kyle Werman. Werman played college baseball as well as professional ball. He was very energetic throughout the entire trip. He was always eager to answer our questions about baseball and recruiting. There were also guys along his side that had had professional baseball experience as well. This helped a lot in feeling comfortable with the level of play. I learned things about every aspect of the game. This was very meaningful to me because I am always looking to get better. The best part of the trip was meeting the Dominican players. They have great passion for the game. They work extremely hard and always give it their all. The people in that country are extremely poor. They make the most out of what they have instead of complaining. This taught me to be thankful for whatever God presents me with. I would recommend this trip to any high school baseball player. It will definitely help any player with their baseball skills and expand your cultural background…Thanks.—-Alvin; OF, Jackson, MS

Sam I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to create such a memorable trip. I really enjoyed experiencing the competition with the passionate Dominican players. The one thing I came away with more than any other was how they focused on their conditioning the most. Understanding this and their reasoning behind it has affected my plans for my future training. I appreciated experiencing the different culture and the history in Santa Domingo. Lastly, I appreciate making lifetime friends from our baseball team. Thank you again for the time and effort of putting this trip together.—-Colin; Catcher, Leesburg, VA

This trip was a great experience for me. I truly enjoyed playing in a place where baseball is a way of life. I feel i grew a great deal over this trip and found that being out of your comfort zone at times is a good thing. I felt almost as if we were celebrity guests on the trip as everyone wanted to come to the games and be around us. The coaches were great and taught us many things in our after dinner baseball talks. Anytime I hear people talk of the Dominican Republic or its players I can relate it to my own experience.—-Macon; Pitcher, Williamsburg, VA

I would like to say thank you to yourself, Coach Werman, and Coach Jim for the special opportunity that you provided me with by participating in the trip to the Dominican Republic. I learned a lot while I was down there and had an experience of a lifetime. I even improved on my Spanish while I was down there. I got to eat sugar cane for the first time in my life and interact with the Dominicans more than I could ever imagine. The food was something new to me by being so fresh and new. It was very delicious and something I would eat everyday…. In the game of baseball, I learned many new things, some physical, some mental. The level of my game has rose to a new level simply because of this camp. My style of play is still aggressive, but more mental than ever before which makes me a better player. This trip has made me realize the talent that I have and makes me want to strive harder towards becoming prepared for the next level. I had always heard of how good the Dominicans were, but now I got the chance to actually play with them. I now feel as though I can compete with anyone and have no doubts about it. Thank you once again and I hope I can tag along next year.—-Ricky; 2nd Base, Baltimore, MD

I had a great time. it was a great experience and it was fun and educational to see the way the Dominican people lived. it was great meeting other kids from around the country too, as well as getting to know you and coach Werman. Thanks a lot for this experience.—-Eamonn; Outfield, Fort Belvoir, VA

“The Dominican Baseball Camp provides an experience that can not found anywhere else. For an entire week players are immersed in the Dominican culture while having the unique opportunity to develop their baseball ability through a college coach. For a player looking to experience the Dominican and take their game to the next level, there is not a better experience!”—Eddie Smith; Assistant Baseball Coach, University of Virginia

“This trip was definitely a life changing one. One of the most exciting baseball trip I’ve ever been on, hands down. I think the cultural experiences you get on that trip were some of the best you can get. It was so much fun seeing how the kids in Dominican play baseball, and how the grow up in and around the sport. Thank you dearly for the invite coach.”—-David; Third base, Claremont, Ontario

“Dominican was a great time. I learned a lot as a player as far as being suave on the field but more so being suave off the field. Going to a country where people have less then nothing really helped me realize how great this sport is. Seeing the kids go out there everyday hoping to make something out of their life. For us baseball is fun, a sport, a way to meet people. For them, it’s a way of life, part of their culture. Seeing parts of Dominican was awesome, the views and the culture was an experience. I enjoyed more going to the non-tourist areas because I feel like that is where you get to see what the country is really like. I realized I don’t need the batting gloves brand new and white every game or my sunglasses filled to the maximum with American swagger, just a ball and a glove is how the game was made and how they kept it. It made me realize that what I’ve had since I was born is what matters most, and for some people, its all they’ve got. So quit ur b*t*h*n and play ball!—-Tom; 2nd Base, Tewksbury, MA

“My trip with Ben to the Dominican was most fulfilling, not only from a baseball perspective, but from cultural perspective. The trip allowed me to better understand the significance that baseball plays in the lives of the DR AND American kids. The three goals of having fun, becoming a better baseball player and cultural learning were certainly met. While Ben was having fun building relationships with the other players and meeting the DR kids, I was doing the same with the other fathers. Knowing that the trip exceeded Ben’s expectations just made it a perfect father/son trip. I’m sure Ben and I will be talking about it for many years to come. Thanks for the opportunity!”—-Randy, Father, Clemons, NC

“I just wanted to let you know what a great time my son had in the Dominican Republic with Coach Smith. You did a terrific job planning everything and it seems to have made a big impression on Tyler. He has been very fortunate to have traveled quite a lot to different places in the world, but this trip gave him a sense of independence and a greater appreciation for the opportunities that he has had. He loves baseball, and I can’t imagine a better place to experience it.”—-Tim; Father, San Clemente, CA

“Joey had a really good time on the trip…came back with great stories, thanks for the invite and all your work on the program.”—-Joe; Father, Charlottesville, VA

“The camp was very rewarding for me. It was an action-packed week that was much more than just baseball. We had a great group of young men and coaches and I enjoyed the time with them. The events for the week were well planned and a lot of fun; Sam’s relationships with the folks in the Dominican enhances the experience. The practice with the Dominican kids was excellent and one of my favorite parts of the week. The American kids grew as baseball players and people during this week. I’d recommend this trip to any young man; great value for what you will gain!”—-Eric Lane; Coach, Charlottesville, VA

“My Baseball experience at Dominican Baseball Camp was one the best or greatest experience my son and myself we will ever have in reference to the Culture of Baseball and the people of the Dominican Republic…It has helped my Son Christopher interact more freely and become more mature and helped him become more outgoing and friendly…Everything was fun. The trip to Santo Domingo, the games and the different atmospheres that we encountered every where we went.was great…We had some challenges to overcome on how to play against the Dominicans. We were thinking we were never beat them, But once the game started we were not nervous or thinking or losing. We got loose and relaxed from there on that experience kick in..Again this trip has given my son more confident and better attitude playing the game….The trip helped Chris become more mature and to see the game differently : with love and more passion…I want to thank you Sam for giving us the opportunity to be a part of the Dominican Camp, It tremendous helped Chris in his game a better ball player and more mature and a most wonderful experience that we will never forget..Thank you and the coaches.” — Ivan and Chris; Father and Son (1st Base), Pasadena, CA

“We had a great time also. Your planning and coordination made everything very smooth. We’re happy that the local kids got the equipment – I wish we could’ve brought more with us! “—-James; Father, Manhasset, NY

“After the initial culture shock David had the most incredible experience of his life….It opened his eyes to what he has and others don’t and to the passion one can have for the game….Thank you and the other coaches for all you did for him. I’m sure he’ll want to go back next year.”—-Michael; Father, Claremont, Ontario

Zane really had a great time and thought a lot of the coaching staff. He made a lot of good friends that he plans to keep in touch with. I asked him if he would recommend it to his friends and he said absolutely. It is an experience he would not forget. From what I heard, you guys did a wonderful job on making their experience memorable and rewarding.—-Dana; Mother, Houston, Texas

“The Dominican Baseball Camp is one of the best experiences I have had in baseball. Sam LeBeau has done a fantastic job in organizing and preparing every moment of the camp. Every single aspect of the camp was well planned and wonderfully done. The camp allows baseball players to experience baseball in Latin America. Between the workouts and games with the Dominican ballplayers, and the travel to different parts of the country, you could not have asked for a better time. The entire cultural experience was worth the time as a college coach, and worth the trip for the players. I was able to witness a lot of how baseball used to be in the United States, just playing the game for fun. I would recommend this camp to anyone looking for a well rounded baseball experience. As a coach, I cannot wait to do it again!”—–Marshall Canosa; Coach, Wake Forest University

“Playing baseball in the Dominican Republic was a positive and life-changing experience for me in a myriad of ways. Before the trip, I never thought it would be so easy to get together and bond with a bunch of kids that spoke a different language and lived a completely different way of life. In spite of these cultural differences, both Americans and Dominicans were able to play baseball and have fun together like it was business as usual. Not only did the Dominicans play against us in a few friendly games of baseball, they embraced us as their own teammates in the last game when we mixed the two teams so that both would have Americans and Dominicans playing on them. This experience showed me that ultimately, people are people; it doesn’t matter where you’re from as long as you treat others with openness and respect. There were so many other ways that the D.R was such an amazing and unforgettable experience too, and I encourage anyone who loves baseball, and just wants to have a great time to go. I guarantee you will become a better, stronger person, and realize things that you never have before. Besides, it’s pretty cool to tell people that you played baseball in the Dominican Republic.”—–Cody; Centerfielder, Charlottesville, VA

“I want to thank you for providing such a quality camp. The whole experience was profound and we both truly enjoyed it. Being immersed in Dominican culture and baseball the entire time, everywhere we went we saw a real passion and love for the game like no where else. For my son, that is what rubbed off the most, and that is a fundamental ‘lesson’ that you cannot put a price on. No other baseball camps can compare!”—–James; Father, Seattle WA

“I was extremely pleased with the overall quality of the camp…As far as I am concerned, it exceeded my expectations from a baseball and a cultural experience…The kids were extremely fortunate to have a D-I coach working with them…There is no question that the kids had a great baseball experience…The cultural experience was outstanding. The kids were immersed in the right parts of the culture from the beginning…I also liked the fact that the kids established some friendships with the Dominican players, and the foundation of the friendship was baseball.”—–Jeff Diskin; Varsity Head Coach, Pembroke Hill School, Kansas City, MO

“Thank you so much for taking such great care of my son while he was in the Dominican. He had an amazing time there-everything was so well organized-I truly appreciate all that you do-what a wonderful adventure for the boys! Thanks again”—–Lisa; Mother, Kansas City, MO

“I am very happy that I went to this baseball camp. They have taught me so much, not just baseball but also their culture in Dominican Republic which was the most amazing experience I could’ve asked for. We should be grateful for things we have in America. The experience has taught me to be more humble and kind heart… Beside all that , It was great opportunity for me to meet new people from all around and I made few friends. The challenge I’ve faced was how the way I played on the field…The result of my experience is that I learned and improved. I’m going to practice with my best from what I learned at the baseball camp…The trip was blast! I wish I could have stay there longer. It was the most fun thing I’ve done during the summer. After the baseball camp, I flew back to Miami, Florida to switch the plane back to home and I met the NBA star (Carlos Boozer). It was awesome. I’d recommend all of you to come to this camp. I guarantee you guys, it’d be worth your time! By the way, I give my props to Sam LeBeau and Marshall Canosa. Thank you for everything. ”—–Shane, Shortstop, Phoenix Arizona

“A day’s itinerary is packed from sunrise to sunset, but each day has its own exclusive element.”—–Nathan Rode; Baseball America