Dominican Baseball: New Pride, Old Prejudice

Once again, Klein (sociology & anthropology, Northeastern Univ.; Sugarball) contributes to our understanding of baseball's expanded territorial appeal, this time through an exploration of Dominican ballplayers, leagues, and agents. He traces the roles performed by American operatives, casting them in a largely exploitative, "colonial," and commodified light. His employment of Wallerstein's "global commodity chain" concept could have come across as heavy-handed but largely avoids that fate. Klein's discussion of youth amateurs, buscones (trainers), and baseball academies is smartly and fairly delivered. So, too, are the nuanced biographical treatments of figures ranging from Enrique Soto, the buscon credited with discovering Miguel Tejada, to former MLB pitcher Ramon Martinez, who has established his own well-regarded baseball academy, and Astin Jacobo Jr., a public representative for independent player developers. Naturally interesting are discussions about Felipe Alou, Omar Minaya, Pedro Martinez, and other Dominicans who have made their mark in the big leagues. Concluding chapters scathingly critique how major league administrators have haughtily treated Dominican organizers.