As a young boy growing up in the Dominican Republic, Bartolo Nicolas could only dream of playing Major League Baseball in the United States.

That dream is getting closer to reality.

“This is my career,” Nicolas said through an interpreter. “When you are a little boy growing up you see so many big leaguers playing and making big money. You dream of that life, hoping that someday you can get the chance.”

Nicolas got his chance on May 20, 2003 when at age 19, he was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays as a undrafted free agent. Now playing as an everyday outfielder for the Auburn Doubledays, Nicolas is showing his best work and getting closer to his goal of the big leagues.

Nicolas is currently fourth on the board for batting average (.306), but leads the squad in runs scored (20), at-bats (85) and tied for the lead in hits (26).

“I feel good,” Nicolas said. “It feels very good to play well.”

Born in San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic, Nicolas shares a hometown with another Doubleday, Carlos Vasquez, which may have helped him to start making friends on the team despite the language barrier.

“We are good friends,” Nicolas said. “I like the team, everyone is very nice.”

Nicolas is taking language lessons but still finds it difficult to sometimes communicate with his English-speaking teammates.

“Sometimes I don't understand them when they speak quickly,” Nicolas said. “But I understand them when they speak slower.”

The language barrier is not the only difference Nicolas has had to deal with coming to the United States last year.

“I knew what to expect, especially the different food,” Nicolas said. “My favorite is chicken fingers and mashed potatoes. Everyone here is very nice and I like the rules in this country. There aren't rules like that at home.”

Nicolas admits to missing his family but he is excited to be putting together such a solid start to the season.

After 21 games and 81 at-bats, Nicolas is proving that he can dominate the plate wherever he plays.

In 2006, Nicolas played on the Dominican Summer League Blue Jays where he hit .280 with three home runs, 39 RBIs, 42 runs scored and 14 stolen bases in 70 games. He is making prgress, much like the major league role models he has been watching since he was a boy.

“My favorite players are Ken Griffey Jr. and Carlos Pena,” Nicolas said. “I want to play in the big league someday, that is my goal. I hope to win a championship with the Doubledays and someday win the Gold Glove award.”

It may sound like high hopes for the outfielder with six years experience in the game, most coming in an entirely different world of baseball.

“In the Dominican Republic, baseball is the lowest form there,” Nicolas said. “It is the lowest league you can play. Now I am playing more advanced and with better competition. I feel better about that.”

Instead of being discouraged by the higher level of competition here, Nicolas seems to be even more determined to perform to his best ability. With the hopes and dreams of every young boy in the Dominican Republic behind him, he is proving that he is a player to keep an eye on.

Go inside the dugout

Kristin Kowaleski-Wolford gives her thoughts on this year's Doubledays squad on her blog at

aubburnpub.com/blogs