About BFEF

The Bautista Family Education Fund Mission: The BFEF is dedicated to assisting and supporting young amateur athletes in all facets of their transition to collegiate life in order to maximize opportunity both on and off the field.

 

Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Jose Bautista faced many challenges in his transition to life in the United States, in pursuit of both a baseball career, and a college education. Through the generous assistance of the Latin Athletes Education Fund, Jose received the support and guidance necessary to help adapt to all facets of life in the United States, while attending college and playing baseball.

Jose established the Bautista Family Education Fund in 2011 as an effort to help those facing similar obstacles that Jose was able to overcome in pursuit of his professional aspirations, both on and off the field. While initially focused in the Dominican Republic, in 2012, the Bautista Family Education Fund extended its reach to include Jose’s new home of Canada, and recently began assisting its first Canadian athlete. The BFEF will expand its mission beyond baseball to provide support for athletes in a variety of sports played at the University level.

Beneficiaries of the BFEF receive support in a variety of ways, including mentorship in all facets of transitioning to life as a collegiate athlete, as well as subsidies for certain education related expenses including room and board and meals. Candidates are selected based not only on their performance in sports, but also on their achievements in academic endeavors. They are required to meet a High School GPA standard, and if English is their second language, perform satisfactorily on the TOEFL exam. The BFEF emphasizes academic achievements along with athletics to allow candidates to reach their full potential off the field, and maximize all future career opportunities in conjunction with their athletic aspirations.

Board of Directors

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Jose Bautista President & Founder

Fernando Isa Executive Director

Luis Gabriel Bautista Secretary

Moises Feliz Treasurer

Ricardo Nanita

Juan Peralta

Rafael Perez

Click Here for a complete bio of the Board of Directors

 

Jose Bautista Facts

  • Jose is one of several Chipola JC players in the majors. Among the others are Russell Martin and Mat Gamel.
  • From 2003 to 2007, Jose played for Licey in the Dominican Winter League. In 2005–06, he slugged eight homers in 44 games for Los Tigres.
  • Between 2004 & 2008, Jose wore 7 different numbers in the major leagues: 27, 59, 14, 50, 7, 19 & 23.
  • Jose hit two grand slams in 2006—the first off Tim Worrell and the second off Elmer Dessens.
  • Jose averaged an outfield assist once every seven games in 2009—the highest mark in the majors.
  • Few sluggers have ever started as slowly as Jose. He did not hit his first big league homer until his third season and 80th game.
  • Jose played for the Dominican Republic in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
  • Jose stands to become the fifth player in history to lead the league in homers without having hit 20 in any previous season. The others are Harmon Killebrew, Mike Schmidt, Mark McGwire and Cecil Fielder.
  • In 2010, Jose homered in 11 consecutive series to set a new team record. The old record was held by Carlos Delgado.
  • Jose made his first All-Star appearance in 2010. He entered the game as a pinch runner for Josh Hamilton in the fourth inning. He remained in the game and went 0-for-1, popping up against Brian Wilson.
  • Jose switched his number from 23 to 19 before the 2010 season. Marco Scutaro had worn the number for the Jays in 2008 and 2009. Jose, his brother, and his mother were all born on the 19th.

Jose Bautista Bio

  • Team: Toronto Blue Jays
  • Age: 33
  • Born: Oct 19, 1980, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
  • Height: 6'0"
  • Weight: 205
  • Rookie Year: 2004
  • MLB Experience: 10 Years
  • Position: Outfield
  • Player Number: 19