Carlos Beltran hit his 14th postseason home run on Sunday, making him Major League Baseball’s all-time leader in hitting and OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) during postseason play. During his playoff career, Beltran has slammed one home run for every 7.7 at-bats. The records he recently broke belong to Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
But the St. Louis Cardinals right fielder is admired for more than just his postseason baseball success.
Beltran was born in Manati, Puerto Rico. Throughout his career, Beltran has put part of his income aside to give back to Puerto Rico and create opportunities for its youth. In 2011, he open the doors of the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy.
“Our mission,” the school’s website says, “is to provide a dynamic learning experience where young people can develop and enhance their athletic abilities while striving for academic excellence.” The school strives to prepare its students “to lead responsible and productive lives as compassionate human beings.”
The school is located in Florida, Puerto Rico, described as “La Tierra del Rio Encantado.”
The Academy is fully bilingual and has modern computer services. Students must meet academic criteria in addition to showing talent on the field. Applicants who are accepted into the Academy are supported through a college recruitment and tryout process when they complete their studies.
The initial phase of the Academy is reportedly revitalizing the local economcy with the creation of up to 150 jobs. The school is also committed to preserving local natural resources.
Beltran lives in Manati and in Port Washington, New York.
