Far outside the hustle and bustle of Downtown Playa del Carmen, in an up and coming area filled with new construction, universities, and new highways, lies the shell of what could potentially be Playa's own Field of Dreams.
Along with Ex Pat friends and local baseball moms, we are working together to bring awareness to a group of fun-loving and deserving adolescents, with one thing in common: A love for the game. I had the pleasure of being a spectator at this weekend's Saturday game between Playa's Los Delfines and the team from Chetumal, both competing for a place at the Semi-Finals in Hidalgo, Mexico on May 1st.
I grew up playing softball and it was my life. There was no better excitement for me as a youth, putting on that new jersey and matching socks, oiling my glove and readying my bat bag for opening ceremonies. Little League was the favorite past-time of families all over, and was one of the times in my life with certainly the most vivid memories. But here in Mexico with the main sport being soccer, baseball seems to get overlooked entirely, and the audience is nearly non-existent. With spreading awareness of the love of the sport and the help of our new organization, Pitch-In Playa, and our beloved Delfines, we hope to turn that potential audience into a crowd of loyal fans and baseball fanatics.
I grew up playing softball and it was my life. There was no better excitement for me as a youth, putting on that new jersey and matching socks, oiling my glove and readying my bat bag for opening ceremonies. Little League was the favorite past-time of families all over, and was one of the times in my life with certainly the most vivid memories. But here in Mexico with the main sport being soccer, baseball seems to get overlooked entirely, and the audience is nearly non-existent. With spreading awareness of the love of the sport and the help of our new organization, Pitch-In Playa, and our beloved Delfines, we hope to turn that potential audience into a crowd of loyal fans and baseball fanatics.
Los Delfines have been invited to participate in the Semi Finals in Hidalgo but lack the resources and support to get them there. After reading a post on Soy Playense on Facebook, a simple plea for help from loving baseball mom and youth sports supporter, Bertha Sanchez turned into a success in the making and the organization was named Pitch-In Playa. My fellow Ex Pat friend, Heather Andersen, read the post about the team needing help getting to the tournament and immediately took action and brought in myself and our friend and pro blogger and social media guru, Lisa to help. Along with professional videographer, Ken Brownlee, we went to check out the Delfines game and very quickly saw what we'd all been missing; a group of boys ages 14-16 with a passion for baseball and and a huge appreciation for what we're trying to do for them. To meet some of the players and see what the Delfines are about, please check out our video.
Youth sports programs aren't only promoted as an extra-curricular activity and favorite past-time, but as a means to keep kids in a positive environment and away from the negative temptations that life presents them during adolescent years. It's a way to build teamwork skills and leadership, as well as something families can share together and support each other.
With your help we can develop the youth and adult baseball and softball programs in the Riviera Maya and give these kids a chance to live out their dreams on a ball field. The sports complex is severely lacking the field up-keep and maintenance necessary to create a safe playing field for all. Teams like the Delfines deserve a chance at reaching their goals and chasing their dreams of continuing a career in professional baseball. Pitch-In Playa is trying to make all these things possible but it takes effort from all ends. We're asking for sponsors to join Pezcaribe and give monetary donations, equipment for the players, and transportation to the tournaments. For more information on ways you can help, please visit us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].
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