IBACA - International Baseball Academy of Central America
The International Baseball Association (IBA) was founded to bring more structure to the identification and development of baseball talent in developing countries and increase the flow of quality players into Major League Baseball from these areas.
In 2009 the International Baseball Academy of Central America (IBACA), an IBA affiliate, announced plans to build a state-of-the art baseball academy in Nicaragua to help promising young players pursue their dreams of playing in the Major Leagues. The IBACA has chosen a site adjacent to the Gran Pacifica Beach and Golf Resort, so that Academy visitors and participants can have access to Gran Pacifica Resort’s residential facilities and recreational options.
Gran Pacifica owners will benefit from increased rental demand, accelerated appreciation of investment, recreation facilities, and international recognition of the Gran Pacifica property. The principals in this venture include former Major League Baseball players Dave Stewart, Brad Lesley and Reggie Smith, as well as Roger Keeling, developer of Milagro del Mar Beach Club, Joe Ryan, an attorney from Hollywood, and Bob Oettinger, an entertainment industry executive from North Hollywood, California.
The IBACA will work closely with the Hope and Development Foundation, another project supported by Gran Pacifica Resort. The Academy will place a major emphasis on education and vocational training. The aim is for each person who matriculates through the academy to be prepared for a successful life, whether in professional baseball or non-baseball careers within Nicaragua. The Academy will work in conjunction with the Hope and Development mission of improving overall conditions and opportunity in the community.