Baseball In Jamaica

[Marko]

mi experience is that Jamaican kids want to play football, cricket, netball and basketball.........
a buddy brought down a baseball glove once and none of the boys wanted it......
hope it takes off in Jamaica........in the Dominican Republic all young boys play baseball........

Cool Runnings, Marko

[Vince]

We have some baseball cleats if anyone is interested.We probally have 4 kids pair as of now.We have mi boy and girl playing baseball.So if anyone is intrested in our stuff.Let mi know.Wish it would take of though.But I believe they love there cricket though!!!

[Ras Walleye]

In all the history of baseball only 4 Jamaicans have played in the major leagues.

[johng]

I would assume those four probably moved to the States or Canada at a young age and developed their skills there. Believe it or not there is an effort to start a Jamaican Olympic Ice Hockey Team although I don't believe there is an ice skating rink on the island at the moment. There are many NHL hockey stars that are JA / Canadians that move there as kids. No doubt about the Jamaican athlete and their ability to learn sports not native to the island. That's why Baseball Jamaica looks so promising.

[Weathermon & Mi Lady]

In all the history of baseball only 4 Jamaicans have played in the major leagues.

Two had pretty good. long careers: Chili Davis, 19 years and Devon White, 17 years.

Justin Masterson is currently pitching for the resurgent Cleveland Indians and is off to a really good start in his 6th ML season.

Rolando Roomes had a 3 year career with the Cubs, Reds, and Expos in the late 80s.

[Ras Walleye]

I remember watching Chili Davis hit towering home runs for the Minnesota Twins. This was long before I ever went to Jamaica so I never made the connection at the time.

[Vince]

John,interested in our baseball cleats also a couple pair of baseball pants?

[johng]

Hi Vince,

Thanks for your reply and yes there is interest in anything that can be collected. I am in touch with my contact at Baseball Jamaica to see how these items can be collected and shipped to Jamaica as it can be on the expensive side to send there and I don't see it as the responsibility of those kind enough to donate equipment and to also pay the freight. Ideally setting up a drop off point in Negril and when you fly next to JA carry the items in checked baggage and drop them in Negril. You got to remember outside the tourist areas Jamaica is really poor and kids down there would give their right arm for cleats and baseball pants. I'll keep you posted.

[Vince]

kool,We just left Ja. on Mothers day~We can figure someone going back down and go from there.I'll just keep all our basball stuff in a box.Then we can go from there.We will have gloves too.Left and right gloves to donate as well.Anything our kids grow out of will be yours!!!

[johng]

Hey Vince,

I'm waiting to hear back from my Baseball Jamaica contacts and probably the easiest scenario is to find a person / establishment in Negril that can be designated as a drop off spot for stuff. Gloves, left or right, cleats despite being beat up, used or new baseballs. Just a few items every trip will add to the experience of a young Jamaican youth that wants to play. These kids have virtually nothing so to have second or third hand stuff to use will be like Christmas for them. Imagine if getting the opportunity to play baseball and the work ethic and teamwork involved gives one kid the hope and drive to succeed in school and life. What more can we hope for?