SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Major League Baseball is launching a training program in Puerto Rico aimed at talented teenagers who cannot afford specialized academies, an effort to spark player development in the U.S. territory.
MLB senior vice president for baseball operations Kim Ng says officials will select 50 players following tryouts this month in the capital of San Juan. Ng said Tuesday during a visit to Puerto Rico that those selected will practice three times a week with coaches.
She said the MLB plans to expand the program to other regions in Puerto Rico to include up to 200 players. It is the first time the MLB has launched such a program.
Sports and Recreation Secretary Ramon Orta said the MLB-funded program will cost roughly $400,000.
