At the Commanders Baseball Academy in Miami, players are learning more than how to hit, field, and throw. They are mastering discipline, leadership, and life skills that extend far beyond the diamond.
Founded in 2013 by Amaury Sanchez, the Commanders Baseball Academy focuses on developing young athletes, on and off the field. Through mentorship, academic expectations, and personal development, Sanchez aims to prepare players not only for success in baseball, but also in school and life.
“I feel so lucky to have all these players on the field,” Sanchez said. “I try to do my best in teaching them the fundamentals and enjoy our time together while helping them learn this beautiful game.”
Sanchez’s passion for baseball began long before the academy opened. He started playing baseball in Havana, Cuba where he was born and raised. He was developed as a left-handed pitcher with aspirations to play professionally.
However, the demanding training environment took a toll on his arm. Sanchez said he often threw more than 100 pitches a day during practice. Despite the heavy workload, he pursued his dream of playing professionally, first moving from Cuba to Mexico to play professional baseball.
When he later moved to the United States to continue his baseball career, an arm injury led to the need for Tommy John surgery, a procedure used to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow by replacing it with a tendon from another body part. The surgery is common in pitchers because of the repeated stress placed on the elbow during high-velocity throwing, and recovery typically takes 12 to 18 months.
The injury ended his professional aspirations, and helped shape his future as a coach and mentor.
Despite the setback, Sanchez remained committed to the sport and found a new purpose in teaching young athletes. The inspiration to start the academy came from working with his son at a local park. As a former baseball player, he began helping his son and other children develop their skills, which quickly caught the attention of parents.
“When I went to the park to play with him when he was young, I saw other kids playing,” Sanchez said. “I started practicing with them, and many parents told me to open an academy because I had the foundation to teach kids who wanted to become better players. So, I decided to start my academy.”
Since then, Sanchez has expanded the program to focus on character development alongside athletic training. He believes baseball can help young athletes grow socially and academically.
Sanchez emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and respect during practices, encouraging players to support one another and stay positive. He also stresses the importance of education, reminding athletes that success in school is just as important as performance in games. Through structured drills and scrimmages, Sanchez works to build confidence and strong work ethic in each player.
“Baseball is a game that can help players with communication and building friendships,” he said. “There are many things this game can teach kids that help them become better for their future. From my experience, kids who follow guidance at an early age can become both good students and good athletes.”
Sanchez said that his transition from player to coach was natural because of his passion for teaching and helping others.
“The transition from being a baseball player to being a coach was not difficult for me,” he said. “I love helping players, communicating with them, and enjoying our time together on the field.”
Players in the program say that the academy has had a significant impact on their lives. Dylan Rodriguez, 16, a utility player, credits the academy with helping him grow, on and off the field.
“This program has shown me discipline, how to be a great leader, and how to be a better person,” Rodriguez said. “Because of the academy I have also learned how to stay organized in school and the importance of getting good grades.”
Parents have also seen the benefits firsthand. Danny Rodriguez, Dylan’s father, said the program has positively influenced his son’s development.
“Baseball has contributed to my son’s life in many factors,” Rodriguez said. “It has helped him in school, with his education, and with discipline throughout all areas of his life.”
Danny Rodriguez said the consistency of the program has helped his son grow over time.
“This program has been with him since he was three and a half years old,” he said. “He’s been with the same coaches and the same program, and you can see the progression he has made throughout his life with the sport, conditioning, and his level of competition.”
As the academy continues to grow, Sanchez remains focused on developing well-rounded individuals. Through teamwork, accountability, and mentorship, the academy is shaping young athletes into hard-working students and future leaders. The academy practices at Kendall Indian Hammocks Park, and participation costs $150 a month.
“For me, baseball is more than a game,” Sanchez said. “It’s an opportunity to guide these kids, teach them dedication, commitment, and consistency, and help them become better students, better athletes, and better people for their future.”
