Rockies' training schedule combines baseball and English

Many of the team's rookies who are preparing for their minor league seasons come from Spanish-speaking countries and quickly find themselves up against a language barrier.

Two teachers from the Center for English as a Second Language have helped break down that barrier by offering the players intensive English instruction over the past three weeks. Elizabeth Templin, assistant director of CESL, and Kevin Keating, an adjunct lecturer, said their students this year have been very enthusiastic.

"They are eager to learn the language, and they kept their commitment to come to classes," Templin said.

Infielder Wolfrado Torres, a player from Venezuela, said there were several things he wanted to learn as soon as possible.

"I want to learn pronunciation, and I also think it is necessary to be able to read," he said.

Representatives from the Colorado Rockies contacted CESL in 1993 and asked to set up language instruction through the University of Arizona. Since the Rockies do their spring training in Tucson, it was logical to enlist the help of the university, said Paul Egins, assistant director of player personnel for the Rockies.

"We thought it was important to offer English assistance to our Latin players," he said. "We wanted them to learn baseball terminology as well as be able to do simple things like order food and pay bills while they are here."

Twelve to 16 players receive instruction each season, and several are returning students, Templin said. Keating, who was in charge of second and third-year players, said he uses handouts and videos to teach.

"I've used baseball videos like 'A League of Their Own,' and 'Mr. Baseball' to help them with terms, and it keeps them entertained," he said.

Templin said she tries to teach first-year players the basic functions of English such as likes, dislikes, symptoms of sickness and other phrases to get them through the day.

"This has been a great program for the players. We have seen big improvements after they take these classes," Egins said.

Though the players move to Mesa this week, they will continue their instruction through the minor league season with another teacher. The classes will be reduced from three to two nights per week, and there will also be the added complication of working around game schedules, Templin said.

Infielder Juan Castro, a second-year player from Venezuela, said communicating with other players gets harder once the regular season starts.

"We can all be put on different teams where there are no other Spanish-speaking players, so we don't have anyone to talk to," he said.