Building the Pipeline

The Sox are welcoming a father and son combo from the Dominican Republic in 2026.  With the help of financial assistance from the  Prairie Sticks Bat Company and The Dome Red Deer, Michael and Vlady Diaz are making the move to Central Alberta.  This will be a great addition to the program and Win/ Win for The Diaz family and current players in the region.

Michael (player) is an 18 year old outfielder from Gautier, San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. He trained in professional academies from the ages of 13-17, and is best described as an exceptionally athletic outfielder who runs a sub 6.5 60, and has above average power for his age.

Michael’s goal in coming to Canada is to take his training at the Dome to another level, with the experienced coaching staff and strength and conditioning program. Michael will continue to train in order to either become draft eligible, or to pursue a post secondary education and play baseball at the collegiate level.

Michael is very excited to come to Canada and access a world class facility at The Dome Red Deer and continue his development with The Sox Academy.

Vlady Diaz (father/ coach) hails from Gautier, San Pedro de Marcoris, Dominican Republic. As such, baseball is in his blood and he brings the unique Dominican approach to playing and training. Vlady grew up in his small home town honong his skills and hitting with the infamous bottle caps that he credits for his strong hand/eye coordination.

Vlady signed professionally at 16 years of age with the Milwaukee Brewers as an athletic outfielder. He spent two years in the Dominican summer league with the Brewers and was on track to progress through their system and play in the US, before he experienced a career ending knee injury. After his playing days, Vlady’s passion for the game was channeled into coaching, where his considerable talents working with kids was realized.

Over the past decade Vlady has worked with Dominican players from ages 10-16 in professional academies. 12 players that he has coached have gone on to sign professional contracts with MLB teams. Vlady is very excited to work with the baseball athletes of Central Alberta and to experience baseball in another culture!