SPAIN – The Atlanta Braves Academy in Tenerife will be inaugurated on Sunday, February 22 in another important step for European baseball. The Academy, a joint venture between the Braves and Spanish baseball federation, confirms that Major League Baseball is serious about developing talented baseball prospects from the old continent.

A slew of important dignataries will be present from the Atlanta Braves organization, Canary Island government officials, Tenerife town hall members, Port de la Cruz city council officials as well as representatives from both the Royal Spanish Federation of Baseball and Softball, and the Canary Federation of Baseball and Softball

The Braves will be represented by Jose Martinez, Special Assistant of the General Manager. Director of Scouting and International Operations Johnny Almaraz and minor league hitting instructor Jose Tartabull will also be in attendance for the MLB organization.

The Royal Spanish Federation of Baseball and Softball entourage will be led by Technical Director Juan Carlos and Secretary General Luis Melero.

Canary Islands University Director Juan Jose Martinez Diaz will also be in attendance along with Tenerife Town Hall Sports Advisor Dámaso Arteaga, and Port de la Cruz Councilman of Sport José Serrano.

The Director of the academy is Néstor Perez Jr with Nestor Perez Sr. taking care of the participants as Tutor. By the Canary Federation he will accompany his President Gerald Orozco.

Tags: Spain