English seen as tool for success for minor-league players

The tools are English classes given in spring training and while players compete for Rookie and Class A teams, such as the Dayton Dragons.

In Dayton, Lois Gross, a 40-year veteran of teaching Spanish and English as a Second Language, has been instructing Dragons players since 2003.

Not every player uses the tools. In a high-profile assault case tried recently in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, Chicago Cubs minor-league pitcher Julio Castillo — accused of throwing a ball into the stands, hitting a fan at Fifth Third Field — was said to be illiterate in both his native Spanish and English.

“We have classes,” a Cubs spokesman said. “But we can’t make players go, or pay attention.”

That may be the case, except Castillo’s former team, Peoria, does not hold classes despite having at least two players who do not speak English. Midwest League Commissioner George Spelius said he does not know how many of his 14 teams use tutors, but said it wasn’t all of them.

According to Reynolds, the Reds have an English instructor based in Sarasota, Fla., who works not only during spring training, but with the rookie GCL Reds and “high” Class A Sarasota Reds, as well. The Reds also make classes available at rookie Billings, Mont.

After that, it’s up to the player.

“Once they get to Class AA, they know more and get with other players who know more,” Reynolds said. “You always wish you could do a little better. We’re looking into what we’re going to do in spring training in Arizona next year. We’ve always had one class for everybody. Now, we’d like to have a beginner’s class and an advanced class.”

According to Major League Baseball, about 30 percent of rosters are made up of foreign-born players, including about 10 percent from the Spanish-speaking Dominican Republic and another six percent from Venezuela.

Pat Courtney of MLB said while there is no comprehensive program to teach ESL, each major-league team must provide a number of hours for English study to players in the Dominican and Venezuelan summer leagues, where many of them get their professional start.

“Any player requesting help must be provided with it,” Courtney said.

“I like to learn, and it helps you understand the coaches,” Dragons shortstop Miguel Rojas said. “And, we have a good teacher.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com.