Sugar 2009

Miguel's Humble Beginnings

Miguel Santos grows up in a small village outside San Pedro de Macoris, where he enjoys celebrity status among his neighbors. His family's struggles have instilled in him the desire to succeed in baseball, as they see him as their hope for a better future.

Signing with the Academy

After showcasing his talents, Miguel signs with a baseball academy, earning a small bonus. This financial support allows him to start building a new house for his family, complete with amenities to improve their living conditions.

Invitation to Spring Training

Miguel learns a devastating knuckle curve and receives an invitation to spring training with the fictional Kansas City Knights. This marks a pivotal moment in his career, as he takes a big step towards his Major League dreams.

Moving to Iowa

Miguel is assigned to the Kansas City Knights' Single A affiliate, the Swing, located in Iowa. He is welcomed by the Higgins family, who house him and other players, providing him with a supportive environment.

Cultural Challenges

Upon moving to Iowa, Miguel faces significant challenges related to language and culture. Despite the kindness of his host family and fellow teammates, he feels isolated and struggles to fully integrate into his new environment.

Friendship with Jorge

Jorge, a veteran teammate and the only other Dominican on the team, becomes a crucial ally for Miguel. He helps Miguel navigate his new life in Iowa, though Miguel continues to deal with feelings of disconnect from his surroundings.

Injury Strikes

Miguel's promising trajectory hits a roadblock when he injures himself during a routine play. Being placed on the injured list forces him into a period of reflection and uncertainty about his future in baseball.

Jorge's Departure

While Miguel is recovering, Jorge is cut from the team after struggling to regain his health. The loss of Jorge, his only friendly connection in the United States, deepens Miguel's sense of isolation.

Pressure of New Talent

The arrival of Salvador, a young pitching phenom from the Dominican Republic, adds pressure on Miguel. He begins to feel overshadowed, intensifying his self-doubt and sense of vulnerability on the field.

Struggles on the Mound

Miguel's performance on the mound begins to falter as he grapples with the pressures of competition and his emotional turmoil. This decline highlights his internal struggles and the toll that isolation has taken on him.

Deciding to Leave Baseball

Faced with mounting pressures and a faltering dream, Miguel makes the difficult decision to leave baseball behind. He seeks a new direction in his life, aiming to pursue another version of the American dream.

Journey to New York City

Miguel embarks on a new journey to New York City, searching for belonging. This transition symbolizes a major shift in his life as he seeks to redefine himself away from the baseball field.

Searching for Community

In New York City, Miguel navigates the challenges of connecting with a new community. He faces the hardships of maintaining a sense of identity in an unfamiliar environment, much like many immigrants before him.