Latin America Baseball Classic LABC, Santo Domingo Diamond Classic, Bert Fernandez, Jim Parque, Big League Edge LABC, Latin America Baseball Classic, Bert Fernandez, Jim Parque Dominican Republic Internet

My son was chosen from Nevada to also go this summer. I also thought we would be playing more countries, and I agree there was some lack of communication by the higher ups. (like when we all showed up to play at the same field to play..) however, the experience was nothing less than life changing for us. We were able to see some very poor living conditions, see children play a game they loved, sharing bats, and gloves. Some children with baseball bags that were empty. Or a young child with a glove that was held together by a zip tie and string. I watched as my son took first place, and he felt bad. He felt bad for the kids we beat. Because for most of them it was devistating. He gave away his gear to young kids, gear that he loved very much, he was so happy to see the local boys light up with joy to have some of his gear (stuff we bought just before we left the states). We also met the Blue Jay players, who were just as excited to me us, as we were them. 

My son made friends with so many kids from all over. Most still talk. We will be heading to Florida this summer for an NIT baseball tournament his highschool club team was invited to. We will meet up with one of his friends he made while out there. 

The hotel, yes was old and run down. I didnt eat hardly anything all week (some bread, and rice..) my son and husband ate everything, and enjoyed most of the food. I sweat the entire week. But those little things were nothing, compared to clear ocean- and ocean view from our room. The water and sand were like nothing I had ever seen before! The amazing hotel staff, the extreamly friendly locals. The coaching staff was excellent as well. There may had been some cheating I saw in the local teams, but I see that everywhere. Yes the Umps were local, but for the most part I think were good.

The website was very clear about saying who they were and who they werent. Yes it was expensive. but I would do it again in a heart beat. Nothing better than watching my child play baseball, and to experience an event like this made it extra special.

Thank you Jim for this amazing experience!

I cannot comment upon the claims by twentysevenouts, but our experience was nothing short of fantastic! Everything that Coach Parque said would occur did. The LABC tournament was amazing for my son. He learned so much and continually talks about all he experienced even now. As parents, my wife and I had a great time learning the culture, watching top level baseball, and enjoying all the great people we met on the trip.

Jim Parque is one of the best coaches our son has ever had. His resume speaks for itself and he knows the game inside and out. He is not for every baseball player because he does demand the best all the time - something our son absolutely loved!

There were not as many countries represented, but plenty to choose from. We did not go down thinking this would be a baseball tournament filled with dozens of countries. Jim Parque never stated this to us and the paperwork we signed never stated this as well. It would had been nice to see more nations represented, but that was never said.

We never experienced any cheating or umpires "homering" us, but it may had existed. We heard many people talking positively of the experience, but I am sure there were some who were not happy - as occurs with all experiences.

The only gripe I would have is with the resort. It was fair, but there were service disruptions that did become frustrating at times. However, Coach Parque forewarned us and our expectations aligned with what he said would occur. The beach was amazing!

This was our experience and it certainly was not close to what this report's claims communicate.

This report is not accurate in most of what it states. For the 2017 national teams, we have no record of any parent, traveler, or athlete from Stockton, CA and are unable to confirm or rectify the claims in this report (due to such falsities). Furthermore, the claims being made are grossly negligent:

1. The LABC is not the Santo Domingo Diamond Classic. These are two different baseball tournaments. 

2. There is no such person named Bert Fernandez associated with the LABC, its organization, or the USA-LABC national teams.

3. The report claims that "Jim Parque has a bad reputation in the baseball community....". Although no coach is for every athlete, Coach Parque is a former MLB player who currently trains 9 MLB teams, 60+ NCAA programs, and thousands across the world. He is actively involved in softball (as well) - training the 2017 national championship NCAA program Oklahoma Sooners. Coach Parque has trained MLB players and is involved with over 300 travel baseball teams and indoor facilities across the United States. His resume is widely considered one of the best in the industry and is sought after by some of the best organizations at all levels of the game. 

4. This parent claims that the LABC only had Dominican based teams competing, but advertised a lot of other competing nations. This is false. It is clearly stated in paperwork that all athletes and parents are required to sign, the names of nations whom have competed in past years. It does NOT state that such nations will be present.

5. The parent claims that only 2 Latin American teams competed. This makes no sense since 2017 saw the Dominican Republic, St. Croix, St. Thomas, British Virgin Islands, and the United States. Venezuela was slotted to participate, but due to political unrest - they were not able to compete. In 2016, the LABC featured all the aforementioned Nations as well as Cuba and a few other Nations. In 2018, Panama and Puerto Rico are scheduled to attend. 

6. Claims that cheating occured is not confounded. Granted, this may occur, but it is out of our control and occurs in the States. Mandates and rules are in effect for the LABC - all of which provide a tremendous, world class tournament that is founded upon respecting the game.

7. Claims that "no scouts were present (during a no-contact period)" is false. On the 2017 USA coaching staff, there were 7 NCAA baseball coaches, 3 MLB scouts, and 2 national recruiting coordinators. Teams play at the MLB complex fields of the Cubs, Dbacks, Mets, Phillies, and others. At such complex fields, MLB personnel are present and (at times) "rove" LABC games for potential prospects. ADDITIONALLY, OVER 75 NCAA AND PRO ALUMS HAVE PLAYED FOR OUR TEAMS. THIS PROVES THAT NCAA RECRUITING OR SOME SORT OF SHOWCASING OPPORTUNITIES EXISTED AND DID EXIST IN 2017. Currently, 5 of the 16U and 18U national team athletes have received NCAA recruiting that directly came out of this trip.

8. Claims from parent that they know a lot of people whom said they would not return or had a poor experience is heresay. Although we cannot confirm such, we consistently have returning players in future competing years. Our 2018 teams currently have 12 returners from the 2017 teams.

In summary,

This parent is upset and had a bad experience that most likely resulted from their son not getting playing time or their age specific team being eliminated (due to losses). We did receive some major issues from a few parents whom had sons that did not receive the type of playing time they had hoped for. However, as all paperwork and communications state, this is a national team that promises NO equal playing time or playing opportunity. Our teams will put the best nine on the field they feel will give our Nation the best opportunity to win.