Culture Development Intern - Kansas City Royals Academy
Dates: January 2018 - May 2018
Kansas City Royals Developmental Academy,
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

As an intern for the Kansas City Royals at their Developmental Academy in the Dominican Republic, I assisted in the cultural development of the Major League of Baseball prospect players in regards to English language acquisition, financial competence, and other skills and knowledge for life outside of their home territories for as they climb the ranks of the professional baseball system.
​ 
Highlights
  • Assisted in English language acquisition and United States cultural preparation for Latin American players at the
    Dominican Republic development facility
  • Revamped internal organizational systems, including all player files and facility paperwork
  • Renewed and create Cultural Development resources, such as bi-lingual instructional videos and digital workbooks
  • Produced an Orientation video to be played for new players arriving at the Academy that showcased the Royals organization and life at the academy.
    • ​Shown below is a part of the video that I completed in coordination with my colleague, Anders Minor. This clip also shows the academic programming that the Academy provides for the players, which I assisted with during my time there. 

Gallery

Picture
Discussing questions and concerns following our presentation on how to utilize Gmail.
As part of this experience, one of the specific tasks that I completed was to create a Gmail account for all new players at the Academy and then build and deliver a presentation and walk-through, in Spanish, to the players. The players were stressed the importance of Gmail for a means of communication and were taught on how to utilize the tool properly and professionally for once they advance within the league's system and/or for everyday professionalism.
Picture
The team geared up and ready to go for Game 1 of the 2018 Dominican Summer League.
Picture
The team during a morning practice, doing a full-situational drill.
Picture
The Office Lobby at the Royals Academy, which highlights and honors the players who have progressed from the Academy up to the Major Leagues.

Casa Amor Orphanage

Picture
The most intense Wiffle Ball game to date, featuring mixed teams of players and children from Casa Amor.
Picture
A telling photograph that I took of the area of Casa Amor Orphanage. Despite this, Casa Amor is a fantastic establishment that is helping many children.
While the players were developing their baseball skills and abilities, the Academy also urged for cultural acquisition and wanted to promote citizenship among the individuals. As part of Culture Week 2018, the players traveled to multiple sites within the area to volunteer their time and engage with local community members. One such site was Casa Amor Orphanage, which the Academy has partnered with and visited numerous times within the past decade. The players and staff interact with the children at this orphanage, whether that is playing Wiffle Ball, drawing and enjoying an ice cream treat, or even learning how to take a quality photograph. 
Picture
Taking a break from the action of the Wiffle Ball game (due to rain) to enjoy an ice cream treat and do some crafting.
Picture
Colleague, Anders Minor, showing one of the children how to use his camera to take quality photos.
Mr. Alexander L. Johnson
(262) 441-0586  //  alexander8johnson@gmail.com​