Jafet Mendoza no longer plays baseball, but he does play a key role in helping baseball players prepare for professional careers.    

After Mendoza graduated from the University of South Florida Polytechnic last month, he packed his bags for a trip to the Dominican Republic. Instead of taking a post-graduation vacation, however, Mendoza began working with baseball players at the Detroit Tigers' academy in San Cristobal.      

The team uses the academy, along with a similar setup in Venezuela, to sign and develop players from Latin America and prepare them to travel to the United States to continue their professional baseball careers. Their ultimate goal is to play in the major leagues for the Detroit Tigers.

"Jafet will be a key piece in helping players acquire the language, cultural and life skills they need to not only survive but also prosper in the United States," said Tom Moore, the Tigers' director of international operations. "These skills help our players create better opportunities in baseball and in their lives after their baseball careers."

Mendoza will spend time at the academy in the Dominican Republic and at Tigertown, Detroit's facility in Lakeland, Fla.

"This will allow a smoother transition for those players that travel to the United States and need a recognizable figure to support them during their first experience in the States," says Moore. "We are very happy with Jafet Mendoza working in this capacity."

A 2004 graduate of Lake Gibson High School, where he played baseball in ninth grade, Mendoza began working with baseball players in 2005 when he became involved with Baseball Chapel. As part of the international ministry, he reached out to players from the Gulf Coast League Tigers, the lowest rung on the minor-league ladder. A year later he had the opportunity to teach English to every non-English speaking player that came up through the Detroit Tigers organization.

"This was supposed to be a temporary, part-time job," says Mendoza. "However, every year since, the Tigers have asked me to continue in that role.  As I prepared to graduate from USFP, this current opportunity presented itself. "

Mendoza not only teaches English but also helps players adapt to life in the United States.

"I have been able to help players by offering them a wide range of opportunities apart from the English and American culture classes. Outside of the classroom, I have helped many of the players open bank accounts, get their Florida IDs and/or driver's licenses, purchase cell phones or simply order food at McDonald's.

"Other than teaching English, we also help the players adjust and adapt to the American culture. At times, a friendly gesture or an act of kindness helps them not feel as homesick when they are going through culture shock. These kinds of interactions help the players in their transition to the United States."

Along with Sharon Lockwood, the Tigers' coordinator of international player programs, Mendoza has taken players on field trips to restaurants, movies, museums, shopping, fishing and even church. 

"This gives them contact with Americans on a one-to-one basis," he says. "We also host ‘conversation classes' where we bring in USF Polytechnic students to converse with the players in English and give them a chance to practice the English that they have learned in class."

In the Dominican Republic, Mendoza teaches all of the language and culture classes. Just as he did in Lakeland, he also takes players on field trips and leads them in daily teamwork, life skills and leadership classes.

"The biggest difference is that I now live on-site and am there 24/7," he says. "This gives me more instructional time with each player, and it makes me available to assist the coaching staff in any way possible."       

Mendoza says the Tigers continue to impress him with their commitment to their players. "Over the years, I have seen how much the Detroit Tigers care about the educational aspect of the players' development. I am thankful for the opportunity that I will have to make a difference in the life of another person."

So far, one of Mendoza's students, Freddy Dolsi, has made it to the major leagues. The Dominican native made his debut last season with the Detroit Tigers.           

Mendoza will return to Lakeland two or three times a year to work with players in spring training and the Fall Instructional League.

"My parents and brothers live in the United States, so I really like the flexibility and the travel my job gives me. This position will also afford me the opportunity for personal growth."

Mendoza graduated from USFP with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary social studies with a concentration in economics and international studies. During his off hours he is pursuing a master's degree in organizational management.

"However, the best thing about my job is the people I have met while working with the Detroit Tigers. Because of the nature of my job, the staff and the players and I build good relationships, which turn into great friendships."