Tuesday, November 17 – The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports (DYAS) has been assisting Boston Red Sox scout, Mr. Mike Lord, in his search for potential local baseball players.
Mr. Lord, who was in the Territory from November 12 to 16, is on an aggressive recruiting scheme, which has led him all over the globe. In a recent interview, Mr. Lord told the Department of Information and Public Relations that he was given a mandate to discover “uncharted waters,” which is why he has travelled the world.
The Boston Red Sox scout said he took immediate interest in the Territory when he happened upon the names of three athletes from the Virgin Islands who were on the same college baseball team. Noting this, he made contact with Mr. Terrence Chinnery, Sports Officer with the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, who arranged for observation camps on November 13 and 14, where Mr. Lord evaluated the players. The 25 players chosen, ranged from ages 13 to 21.
He said the major attributes he looks for in players are the ability to run, a strong body, and any other distinct tool or ability that would make that person stand out among other players.
Mr. Lord said if he were to seriously consider a player, the next step would be to determine the “makeup” of that player. Makeup he explained refers to the player’s character to help determine whether that player is mentally ready to take on the major commitment of playing professional baseball.
Mr. Lord expressed his desire to continue helping to raise the standards of baseball in the Territory.
“The Red Sox wants to be able to help grow baseball internationally,” said Mr. Lord. He added that because of his experience in coaching and scouting for college baseball, his goal is also to assist in evaluating players, who may want to be recuited to college teams.
When asked what the Government of the Territory can do to facilitate players who want to compete internationally, Mr. Lord referenced Curacao’s government, which has built large-scale fields, providing places for young men and women to practice. Presently, there are no baseball fields in the Territory, but the department has been using the softball field on the Old Recreation Grounds.
His message to young men, who dream of becoming professional baseball players, is to first have a love for the game, then be sure to get in a “ton” of practice.
Mr. Patrick Harrigan, Acting Head of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, said the department reacted with great joy when Mr. Lord contacted them. He further remarked that with Mr. Lord’s visit, he hopes the “Youngsters will see that there is an interest to have them exposed to scouts and coaches who come from abroad.” Mr. Harrigan is also hopeful that this will encourage them to play a little harder for their parents to take more interest in the programmes and be more supportive of their children once they are involved.
No one was officially recruited to the Boston Red Sox, but Mr. Lord showed keen interest in three players, namely, 21-year-old Nateshawn Thomas, who is a short-stop and outfielder; 13-year-old Pedro Suarez, a pitcher, and 12-year-old Shamoi Christopher, a switch-hitting catcher.
The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports is responsible for executing Government’s agenda as it relates to the development of youth and sports in the Territory.
British Virgin Islands News