LOS ANGELES DODGERS PRESS RELEASE

03/21/2007 12:53 PM ET


First-of-its-kind facility opened its doors twenty
years ago today


GUERRA, Dominican Republic -- The Los Angeles Dodgers'
baseball academy in the Dominican Republic, Campo Las
Palmas, enters its 21st year of helping develop future
Dodgers. Campo Las Palmas, which opened its doors 20
years ago today on March 21, 1987, was the
first-of-its kind facility and has since been
replicated by numerous teams throughout baseball.

"Twenty years ago, Campo Las Palmas set the standard
for baseball development in Latin American countries,"
said Dodger Owner and Chairman Frank McCourt. "As we
renew our commitment to developing young players and
bringing them up through our minor league system,
Campo Las Palmas will play an integral role in the
future of the Dodger organization."

Among the long time staff is Eleodoro Arias, who
serves as the director of Campo Las Palmas and has
been with the club since 1985. Arias oversees the
development of Dodger prospects each year. Longtime
Dodger executive Ralph Avila joined the club in 1971
and is currently the Senior Advisor, Latin American
Scouting, actively leading Dodgers' scouting
operations throughout Latin America.

"We have a dedicated staff that continues to focus on
furthering the two-decade old academy through
innovative programs both in baseball instruction and
in American cultural and language education," said
Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti. "Campo Las Palmas
has produced some incredibly major league players and
we are going to build on this great tradition."

Campo Las Palmas is located in the town of Guerra,
just east of the Dominican Republic's capital city of
Santo Domingo. It is located on 75 acres of land and
the academy is equipped with two full and two half
baseball fields, a dining room, kitchen, recreation
room and two two-story dormitories that accommodate up
to 100 players. In addition to their baseball
instruction, Dodger prospects receive academic
instruction, including English lessons. There are also
lessons on American culture and assistance in dealing
with situations that will confront the players when
they arrive in the United States.

Among the notable alumni currently on the Dodgers'
40-man roster is Tony Abreu, while others to reach the
Major Leagues from Campo Las Palmas are former Dodgers
Willy Aybar, Franquelis Osoria, Adrian Beltre, Pedro
Martinez, Raul Mondesi and Pedro Astacio, among
others.




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