Trained and determined. Fresh from a 10-day training program in Taiwan, the Blue Batters have become a more experienced and confident team. Photo by Ryan Y. Racca

PARADING EIGHT rookies in a team of 13 players last season, it was apparent that the Blue Batters were in the process of rebuilding. This was a rookie-laden class thirsting for experience in the collegiate level—in spite of all the rookies having competed internationally.

Nevertheless, they inched their way into the Final Four—only to fall short in the semifinals, finishing 4th overall. While reaching the playoff stages may have been an accomplishment in itself, this season’s Blue Batters are determined to take things up a notch, setting their eyes on the coveted championship trophy.

“[We were] a developing team last year,” explains co-captain Bocc-Bocc Bernardo, who feels that the Batters have a fair chance of cracking into the Finals this season. “[This year], we have a deeper nine-man rotation, with all of our players capable of playing any position,” he says.

Matt Reyes, captain of the Blue Batters, believes that connection is key to the team’s success and that the players’ individual contributions make them better than last year. “The team in itself stands out,” shares Reyes. “[We are composed of] seasoned players but no one is above the other.”

“Andy [Tan] has a cannon arm that can gun runners out at the home plate, and Pelos [Remollo] and Gab [Bagamasbad] are among the fastest outfielders the team has ever seen,” says Reyes, citing a few of his most consistent teammates.

Rookies Charles Catangui and Paco Tantuico give the team more leverage on the pitching mound, joining veteran pitchers Adriane Bernardo, Kevin Ramos and Tan. Also making a debut in the UAAP is slugger Matt Laurel, whose impressive batting average is expected to work to the team’s advantage.

“All of these players are capable of being a threat offensively,” says Bernardo.

The team’s outfield proves to be the Blue Batters’ greatest asset, with veterans Gab Bagamasbad, Reyes, Tan and Remollo leading the pack. Just as solid, the infield consists of Bernardo behind the plate, and Ramos, A. Bernardo, Laurel and Catangui rounding up the defense. Chip Esguerra, Dio Remollo, Johnny Altomonte, Luis Puno, Enzo Agcaoli and Iñigo Untalan complete the team.

Attaining the top spot is a possibility, but the boys are aware that it will be an undertaking they cannot afford to take lightly. “This year’s team is very different. We worked on the flaws that made the previous season unsuccessful,” explains Reyes. “I can see that connection now—[it was] something that was absent from last year’s team.”

Last October, the team flew out to Taichung, Taiwan for an extensive 10-day training program at the Si Yen Baseball School. The program followed a strict schedule that consisted of rigorous skills training two to three times a day.

Apart from boasting a more experienced lineup, the captains feel that the international training has given them more edge, as it gave them the opportunity to train alongside the Chinese Taipei world champions, as well as the Philippine national team.

“That was the most significant change this year,” Reyes affirms.

While the Blue Batters have yet to prove that they are title contenders in the UAAP, the boys are expected to be firing on all cylinders in the coming tournament.

“For us to be recognized, we have to play well and show everyone that the team is worth supporting,” says Reyes. “We’re pretty much ready.”