Fastball to stage batted sports clinic, tourney this month

CEBU, Philippines - Two events are being lined up this summer under the Fastball Sportsventure, the primary sports organization promoting baseball and softball here in Cebu, beginning with the 2nd Fastball Baseball/Softball Summer Camp this Monday at the Aboitiz Sports Field beside Makro in Brgy. Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

The summer camp is open to aspiring batters aged five to 16 years old. The participants will be taught on the fundamentals of the sports such as how to catch, throw and hit a ball.

The campers will be divided into four categories:T-ball for 5-8 years old, little league for 9-12, youth baseball for boys (13-16) and the girls youth softball (3-16).

Drills and simulation will be conducted to prepare the kids for actual game situations.

Fastball led by Jesse Bernad will use safety balls and bats to prevent any untoward accident especially for the very young participants.

“We are encouraging kids to go out and play field sports instead of just staying indoor playing computer or video games. Fastball is also committed to bringing back the popularity of baseball and softball especially among our youth,” said Bernad.

Parents are also encouraged to watch and observe their kids develop their skills in the sport.

The training camp, which will run until April 30, will be done on Mondays to Fridays from 4 to 6 pm.

“There has always been a market for these two sports in Cebu. It’s just that nobody has been actively promoting it and we at Fastball together with our sponsors have been busy with the different tournaments and events we had in 2009 and slowly we have caught the attention of our target market. As long as we continue doing this, we are confident that interest in baseball and softball will grow,” Bernad added.

After the summer camp comes the 2nd Summer Slow Pitch Softball tournament. This event targets another set of players – the average adult Cebuano working class.

“In some part of our lives, we all have been exposed to baseball or softball may it be in our own backyard, school intramurals or even in the dusty vacant lot around the corner. Our goal is to provide the opportunity to anyone who would like to play softball again. Hence, we are encouraging former players to play with us and even form their own new teams. In fairness to comebacking players, we do not allow commercial players to join our league,” said Bernad.

So far, six teams have already confirmed their entry in this single round robin competition beginning on April 18 still at the Aboitiz Sports Field.

Fastball’s back-to-back offerings this summer is sponsored by Alaska Milk Corporation, Phiten, Visayan Electric Company, Globe Telecom, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Jokers Arms Pub, Restaurant and Beer Garden.

For registration and other inquiries, one may call Jesse Bernad at 0917 322-2284 or visit Fastballcebu’s facebook account.  (FREEMAN NEWS)