The Guyana Baseball League and E Networks yesterday announced plans to work together to further popularize the sport.
Yesterday’s launch of the Grassroots Programme at E-Network’s Main Office on Camp Street signaled the intention by the Guyana Baseball League (GBL) and E-Networks Inc. to make the sport more recognizable throughout Guyana.
“Baseball is here to stay,” declared GBL president Robin Singh.
Singh and E Network’s Vishook Persaud revealed plans to create a television show named E-Networks
Baseball Star. The show will be based on the search for talented pitchers in Guyana. It will be produced by the E-Networks production company for its cable “Channel 1” and will be aired on all major network television stations throughout Guyana.
Singh said that the GBL has always stressed that a large part of its mission is to provide opportunities for today’s youth adding that he was happy to be able to do this in a highly visible medium.
Leading the initial edition of the show will be Justin Prinstein, International Scout for the Baltimore Orioles and head coach of the Hungarian National Baseball team.
Prinstein said scouts begin looking at individuals from age 14 with signing taking place between ages 16-20. However, due to individuals taking up the game during college adjustments are made.
American Ambassador to Guyana Brent Hardt said it was a pleasure to see the evolution of baseball in Guyana and although he is a fan of Boston Red Sox he said that he was very excited to see a member of the Baltimore Orioles here scouting. He added that he learnt about cricket some time ago when on duty in Barbados sitting adjacent to a Barbadian captain during a test match. “Anybody who’s been able to play cricket at the highest level can very easily convert those skills to baseball,” he opined.
Minister of Youth Sport and Culture, Dr. Frank Anthony stated he knows nothing much about baseball but he did some research before attending the press briefing. In doing so he found out that baseball originated in England adding that it was clear therefore, that cricket has gone in a different direction from baseball here in Guyana. He recognized Singh for his efforts to develop the sport here.
“There’s a lot to be achieved if young people do well here there will be an opportunity for obtaining a scholarship and it is good to mix sports with academic activities,” he opined.
Videos of the athletes performance will be relayed to scouts worldwide live via E-Networks fiber optic internet connection.
The talent showcase schedule is set for today at the Phoenix Primary Ground, New Amsterdam, tomorrow at the Bayroc Community Centre Ground, Linden and Tuesday at the Georgetown Cricket Club.
