Our Founder
The Manza Foundation Leadership
Meet Josias “Manzy” Manzanillo: Founder & Head Trainer
Josias Manzanillo’s journey from the Dominican Republic to Major League Baseball embodies the resilience and dedication he now teaches.
Founder
Trusting Our Expertise and Experience
Major League Mentorship
Established in 2025 , The Manza Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our programs are built on the expertise of Major League Baseball veteran Josias Manzanillo and a team of positive mentors. We are supported in part by public/private donations, sponsorships, and grants. By integrating premier baseball/softball experiences into existing leagues, we equip young players with top-tier skills and empower volunteer coaches with lasting knowledge.
The Foundation of Resilience
Born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic—a country famous for producing top foreign-born MLB players—Josias was signed by the Boston Red Sox at age 16. However, culture shock and language barriers nearly sent him home. Inspired by his mother’s unwavering belief that he would only return if he were released, Josias gained the inspiration he needed to push forward and never give up.
Major League Success
He spent many years in the minor leagues, learning that true success in baseball requires the right mental aspect as much as physical capability. On October 5, 1991, he made his debut for the Boston Red Sox. Josias went on to spend over eight years at the Major League level, exceeding rookie limits during the 1994 season.
A Life Dedicated to Teaching
After 21 years of pitching professionally, Josias chose to dedicate his life to developing young players and teaching them the technical and mental aspects of the game. He started teaching players in 2003, and in 2011, Manzy and his wife Delmaris founded Manzy’s Pitching Farm, now known as The Farm System.
He teaches every day and maintains that he played in Major League Baseball primarily so he could do what he enjoys most: teaching kids. He is loved by his players and their parents for being a skilled coach, an amazing, caring mentor, and a Christ-follower.
Why Talent Isn't Enough
The Unlevel Playing Field
The landscape of little league baseball and softball is uneven. Across the country, children in underfunded areas face significant barriers to playing, including lack of quality equipment and, most critically, a lack of access to professional, high-quality coaching. This disparity means that the valuable foundations of the game—the skills, the confidence, and the positive mentorship—become a luxury, not a right. This hurts players, parents, and the strength of the entire community.
Free
Elevating the Game for Everyone
The Free Training Revolution
The Manza Foundation provides the solution by partnering directly with local recreational leagues to provide free access to professional training. We don’t just donate gear; we invest in the future of the league by delivering expert instruction that builds skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of the game. We strive to eliminate barriers by providing inclusive programs that develop skills and foster community bonds. We want to change the landscape of the little leagues where parents can have a competitive local recreational league that provides free professional training.
The Life Skills That Extend Beyond the Field
The Returns on Resilience
When you support the Manza Foundation, you are investing in:
Stronger Communities
We create stronger bonds within local recreational leagues.
Empowered Parents
We provide parents with a competitive, local recreational league that offers professional training at no cost.
Resilient Players
We use the game as a tool for life, developing a generation of players who embody teamwork, resilience, and community spirit.
Preserved Joy
We ensure the joy of play is preserved by providing quality, inclusive training for every athlete.
Social Proof from Our Partner Leagues
Voices from the Diamond
Don’t just take our word for it. Read testimonials from league presidents and coaches, including the Ave Maria Little League, who have seen the Manza Foundation transform their recreational programs into thriving centers for skill development and community growth.
Changing One League, Inspiring Many
Our Current Impact and Growth
Since our establishment, the Manza Foundation has been actively working to change the landscape of Little League. We measure our success not just by the skills we teach, but by the confidence, resilience, and community bonds we help create.
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Current Location: We currently have free training programs operating in Ave Maria.
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Coach Empowerment: Our program equips volunteer coaches with the knowledge and tools to foster player growth long after our sessions end.
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Partnership Model: We envision a future where every player has access to quality training and supportive coaches. We aim to preserve the joy of play and strengthen community bonds by investing in recreational leagues in underfunded areas.
Growth
The Window for Expansion
The Urgency of Now
We are currently focused on expanding our capacity in South Florida, but the demand for our free clinics far outweighs our current funding. There are dozens of recreational leagues in underfunded areas waiting for the resources we provide. Your immediate support is crucial to opening the field to the next deserving community this season.
Transparency
A Guarantee for Your Investment
Our Pledge to Transparency
We guarantee that 100% of your donation is directed toward program expenses—bringing expert coaches and quality training directly to local recreational leagues. We are committed to transparency and measurable impact, ensuring your investment is building resilient players and stronger communities.
Future
Act Now to Fund the Future
Join the Manza Movement
Help us achieve our vision: A joyful future where every child can find strength, joy, and community through the foundations of baseball and softball.