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I’ve always wondered how professional athletes from abroad fared in their daily life as part of an American team.  I also have wondered how they worked as part of a team with limited English skills. 

A comprehensive article in the Toledo Blade gives detailed insight into how pro baseball teams are helping their players from Latin American countries learn English to not only play better on the field, but be able to function off the field in an English-speaking world. 

Some teams begin laying the groundwork for language learning in the players home country while others offer intensive language and culture courses stateside:

The contrast between the Indians’ and Tigers’ programs is an example of using different methods to reach the same goal. It’s seen throughout baseball, as some clubs go the extra mile with their Latin players and others stick to in-house English classes.

The article also draws an interesting parallel between players’ willingness to learn English and their ability to take risks and be agressive on the field:

“A guy who is not embarrassed or afraid to mess up when he’s learning English makes for a more aggressive player,” Benavides said. “The guys who don’t learn or don’t want to learn, they’re generally more reserved. Either way, it translates into how they play.”

Melindez, a major league executive, said Latin players with extensive training in English are often times better equipped to play professionally here. “They can analyze issues, think critically. The feedback I’ve gotten from one of these schools tell them the players are better critical thinkers and more prepared to play the way they want them to play.”