Baseball is known as America’s past time. But surprisingly, 30 percent of professional baseball players weren’t even born in the United States.

The language barrier between the non-English speaking players and their American teammates can often times cause some communication errors on the field.

However, here in South Bend, the Cubs organization is doing their part to combat the language barrier.

Outfielder Nelson Velazquez, the Chicago Cubs ninth ranked prospect, has a few goals this season as a member of the South Bend Cubs.

"Finish strong, keep working hard… learn more English," said Velazquez.

Velazquez grew up in Carolina, Puerto Rico where he played baseball all of the time.

"Baseball is easy. It's my game you know," said Velazquez.

But Velazquez never got the chance to learn the English language.

Thankfully, the Cubs organization makes it a priority to develop its players in all facts of life.

The Cubs have a cultural assimilation program where non-English speaking players take English classes to learn the language, as well as simple tasks such as shopping for groceries.

Velazquez still has a ways to go, but he hopes he can graduate from the class like his other Cubs teammates.

"I know a little bit more English because this guy tell me what I need to do to learn more English," said Velazquez.

His American born teammates have seen the progress.

"The steps they've taken just between last year's short season and this year is really impressive," said South Bend Cubs pitcher Ben Hecht. "I'm personally trying to learn Spanish from them and it's not going as well. So I tip my cap to them, it's very impressive."

The Cubs organization says the English classes help the players communicate with each other on the field.

But the main goal of the classes is to build relationships in the dugout.

"Obviously, these guys are riding buses together, they're staying in hotels together," says South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart, "You become a better team and play together as one unit when you're able to communicate with your teammates."

And Velazquez is grateful that the team cares about him so much.

"I feel good because they give me the opportunity to learn more English," said Velazquez. "I love speaking English so I want to speak English. So I'd like for that. I need to speak English."