With each passing season, the demographics in Major League Baseball becomes more and more diverse. Players from Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Japan continue to make their marks in the league. Countries such as Australia, Germany and South Korea are a few of the others that are also represented.

As an announcer, it can be a distinct advantage if you can expose yourself to a second language. Just as recently as a year ago, the number of Hispanic players in the major leagues was nearly 32%. The game is becoming more global with each passing season.

When I was in high school and college, I took Spanish classes in an effort to become more well-rounded as an individual. While I never became very fluent in the language, it certainly helped when I began broadcasting professional baseball. I was able to engage in short conversations with Spanish speaking players, but more importantly it helped me to learn about their culture and the challenges they faced when they came to the U.S. to play baseball.

For many foreign-born players, the adjustments they have to make to play in the United States is profound. From learning the language, to the food, to the overall culture, these are challenges you can’t relate to unless you attempt to learn another language and expose yourself to other cultures.

While you may never become fluent in another language, learning the basics can provide you with an advantage. The knowledge I picked up studying Spanish definitely helped me to relate to the Hispanic players I covered. I found that many of them appreciated the fact that I would attempt to communicate with them in their native language, however rudimentary my level of skill.

So, if you have the chance to study a new language, be it Spanish, Japanese or any other, consider investing the time to do so. It just may provide you with an advantage that you never before considered.