(Rock Sound, Eleuthera, Bahamas) – The Eleuthera Junior Baseball League opened its 2013 season this weekend at the ball field at the Rock Sound Primary School in the heart of South Eleuthera. With the sounds of Junkanoo in the air and seven smartly dressed little leaguers, it all got on the way on Saturday, February 16th.
In his opening remarks Mr. Larry Forbes President of the League, appealed to the community for their continued support. He noted that with teams in North Eleuthera from Spanish Wells and Harbour Island and in South Eleuthera from Rock Sound and Greencastle, it only remains for teams from the Central Eleuthera to be activated to complete the circle. He made the point that the distances between the two active fields (North and South Eleuthera) made transportation a significant factor.
In his remarks, Mr. Craig Kemp President of the Bahamas Baseball Federation, echoed the appeal for community support. He made a special appeal to the parents, putting particular emphasis on the fathers of the community. Reminding all, that the father son connection was paramount.
The dominant Contenders of Spanish Wells with MVP Kirby Albury (2nd from left at the front) defeated the Nu View Stingrays 13 to 0
On opening day, divisional play commenced with two exciting games. In the minor division for the 9 to 12 year olds, the visiting Spanish Wells’ Sluggers defeated the home team Sports Centre Marlins 8 – 4.
In the junior division for the 13 to 15 year olds, the visiting Spanish Wells Contenders crushed the home team Nu View Stingrays 13 to 0.
Pitchers seem to grab the spotlights. In the minor division young Zeke Pinder of the Sluggers held the Marlins to 3 runs in 4 innings while striking out 7 batters before being relieved by the lively young first baseman Zack Roberts. Zack also had one of the two hits his team got.
The Sluggers from Spanish Wells defeated the Marlins 8 – 4
In the junior division the pitcher Kirby Albury, a star track athlete on the island, was the obvious winner of the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of game – being the defensive and offensive player of the game. While pitching he faced 13 batters, striking out 10. At the plate Kirby went 2 for 3 scoring 3 times. All in all the visiting teams from Spanish Wells won the day, delighting the fans that had travelled with them.
Mr. Forbes and his organizing committee ought to be commended for a successful start to yet another season of Jr. Baseball on Eleuthera.
