Bahamian Minor Leaguers (Part 3)

Bahamian Minor Leaguers (Part 3) chats about the lockdown.

I asked some of our Bahamian minor leaguers (Part 3) about the lockdown locally at home. And the delay of the start of their minor league season. So are their responses.

Chavez Fernander Photo by Tom Hagerty

What are you doing during the lockdown? 

I am home trying to stay in shape, sneaking out by the field to get some throwing in, doing some lightweight training with cyder blocks, some jogging around the neighborhoods, and some yoga band workouts. 

What were you hoping for this season? 

I was looking to move up in the Tigers system. To High A or Single A. To work hard enough to continue to be a starting pitcher. 

 Will this hurt your career? 

I think it will be a step back. I am getting older, and not being able to pitch for a season will hurt. Plus, Not getting that pitching experience at that level. I can’t imagine not throwing for a year; it will hurt.  

What are you doing during the lockdown? 

Trent Deveaux – LA Angels

Looking after my sister, going to the grocery store, and hanging out with family over at our house. I am also doing my weight training at a private home gym. I even go for a swan in the lake, “The Lake”? Yes, and I do some laps in our pool. Also, do some thrown with Zion Bannister AZL Rangers outfielder. 

What were you hoping for this season?

I am just hoping to get more experience and work on my adjustments. There is a slight disadvantage for us when we are home; with nowhere plays baseball whiles we are at home. We would love to see some real live pitching. 

Will this hurt your baseball career?

My first two years were all about development, Thank God. So, this shouldn’t affect me much. My organization had me working on developing my game the last two seasons, and this year I was supposed to start putting it all together.   

What are you doing during the lockdown?

Ian Lewis Photo by 360 Designs & Image

Well, I am staying inside doing my social distancing and doing some work around the house. I am also doing some running and trying to keep up with the new diet that the team gave me. I am using my body weight to do my strength workout and staying mentally prepared. 

What were you hoping for this season?

I wanted to show up and prove a point. Show what I can do on the field with my play. I was/am excited to start playing, Ready to have fun.

Will this hurt your baseball career?

 I will say it would hurt, but it is up to the players to do what it takes to help their careers. We got in some spring training workouts earlier, along with a few inter-squad games, getting to know teammates and coaches. 

What are you doing during the lockdown?

AZL Rangers, Zion Bannister. Photo by 360 Designs & Images

Well, I was doing a regular workout. We put up a screen in the back of the yard so I can hit some baseball of the T into it. I am also doing some routine drills, calisthenics, sprints, some pushups, and some bodyweight exercises. 

What were you hoping for this season?

To continue sticking to my plans, also play up to my potential. Plus, I was hoping for a break out season. 

Will this hurt your baseball career?

No, I don’t think so. It will only help me get better, staying focus, and trusting God’s plans for me. 

Jeff Francis

Jeffrey was born on April 29th, 1961, in Nassau, Bahamas to Rejoiner Ann Rolle and Jerome James Francis Etienne. Married to Andrea G. Rolle-Francis, they have two daughters; Janae Latoya Francis, a graduate of Allegany College of Maryland, and Jessica Lee Francis a graduate Potomac State College West Virginia University in Kyser West Virginia. Jeffrey was coaching the sport of baseball from 1980 at the age of 18 years old because he loved the sport as a kid. He started listening to the game over the radio out of Miami Florida in the late 60s and in the early 70s started playing the game locally in various local leagues right up to the premier senior league; a league where all of the current Bahamian minor leaguers played. In 1982, Jeffrey had an invite to a three day tryout with the New York Yankees in Hollywood Florida, which was an awesome experience that is lasting a life time memory for him. Jeffrey has been following the Bahamian baseball players in the minor leagues since 1999 with Angelo Burrows, but found greater interest with the signing of Antoan Richardson in 2005. He also writes a year end review on their play on his Facebook page, Baseball Bahamas, and he has a website with the same name. He has a great following and would love to expose the baseball players to a bigger worldwide audience. He has a good relationship with all the players because he personally coached most of them. His favorite MLB Team is the Detroit Tigers from 1969.