Sunday morning’s season opener between the Ateneo Blue Batters and defending champions Adamson Falcons is just the first of many games of the season. But for the Blue Batters, those nine innings may just be worth much more than a win or a loss in the standings.
Last year, opening day was filled with dreams of success but ended up a nightmare. The Blue Batters lost their captain through a freak play which proved to be the season’s foreshadowing, as the Blue Batter’s season went downhill from there.
This year, the Blue Batters are still brimming with the hope, but this time with a burning desire for redemption—with a parade of solid veterans, and an elite rookie class that wants nothing more than to make last year’s events ancient history.
“We are definitely excited to play, this is a new start for us and we want to come out and finish strong,” said Captain Matt Reyes.
The Blue Batters have gone under a new more rigorous training regimen and gained the needed exposure by entering two PABA tournaments. The team now moves into the season with momentum on their side. If they maintain this momentum and consistency, their goal of reaching the Final Four will be within reach.
Perhaps responsible for this confidence is the buzz surrounding the seven high profile rookies.
Adrianne Bernardo, Andy Tan, Chip Esguerra, Inigo Olivares, Josh Rapaport, Nik Sarda, and Pelos Remollo all have international experience under their belt representing the Philippines. More importantly they fill in the many holes the Blue Batters need—especially when it comes to pitching.
Although a team like this may need to surpass a few humps before achieving success, Reyes sees little problem when it comes to chemistry. “We know each other’s playing style. Team chemistry could still use a little work, but hopefully over the season everyone will click on all cylinders,” said Reyes.
“The biggest challenge for us is being able to outscore the other team, and having big scoring innings. All our games have been close and we’d like to have games where we have a comfortable lead,” said Reyes.
The rest of the field for this year’s UAAP baseball tournament seem very much even. National University’s beefed up sports program has given its baseball team a solid line-up. But Ateneo’s first opponents, Adamson, despite losing a few veterans, are still favourites to take the title.
The Blue Batters cite their gloves as keys in finally putting one over the Falcons. “We’ll stick to our game plan. The key is our defense. If we are able to hold them, then we’ll do fine,” said Reyes.
A lot of question marks accompany the Blue Batters on opening day. Will the rookies live up to the hype? Are they really capable of contending?
Against Adamson some of these questions may probably be answered. But whatever those answers may be, what we do know is that the Blue Batters are ready.
