Philippines batters banner East Asia Cup field

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine men’s baseball team is on Major League mode with a distinguished coach, and hopes to bring it on when the country hosts the 14th East Asia Baseball Cup from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4 in Clark, Pampanga.

“I believe we’ll be the dominant team here,” said Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (PABA) president Chito Loyzaga in yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Fielding teams in the event that will serve as qualifier to this year’s Asian Championship are Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Hong Kong.

On the West side of the competition are India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq. Only the top two teams will advance to the big game – the Asian Championship.

In charge of the Philippine men’s team for nearly a year now is Vince Sagisi, who worked 13 years as scout for the Texas Rangers and Cleveland Guardians (formerly Indians).