The Belize National Baseball Team is chasing a dream — a dream that extends far beyond the diamond. From July 11–17, the team traveled to Fort Myers, Florida, to compete in the Caribbean Championships and International Baseball Invitational. While the final standings may not show it, the team proved they belong on the international stage. They battled through pool play, stayed competitive in tough match ups, and capped their trip with a hard-fought win in the consolation game. That victory symbolized more than just one result; it showed that Belize baseball is on the verge of something special.
But for this team, competing internationally is about more than skill. It’s about sacrifice. Traveling outside their home country is never easy, and the players quickly faced challenges that most teams never imagine. Funds promised to cover hotel accommodations fell through, forcing the money set aside for meals to be used for lodging instead. As a result, some players went hungry during the week. Thankfully, Coach Oscar Castellanos — a California resident with deep Belizean roots — stepped in to provide meals and keep the boys fueled and motivated. His generosity made all the difference in keeping the team focused and unified.
Their resilience didn’t go unnoticed. During the invitational, I had the opportunity for my team from Cape Coral to face off against them, and their talent and determination were inspiring. Through that connection, I was introduced to team manager Carlyon Flores and I invited him to join Brian Koss and I on Episode 93 of the LOD Podcast, where Carlyon shared the powerful story of Belize baseball and the struggles they face in building a sustainable program. The passion and commitment are there — what they need now are resources.
Photo by Sarah Atack
The Belize National Team has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with travel, equipment, and the basic necessities required to grow their program and compete abroad. Supporting them means investing in opportunities for young ballplayers in Belize to pursue their dreams and showcase their talent on the global stage. For anyone who loves the game of baseball and believes in its power to inspire, this is a chance to make a real difference.
The story of the Belize National Baseball Team is bigger than wins and losses. It’s about young athletes fighting for the chance to represent their country, grow the game they love, and prove that baseball has a place in Belize’s future. What they showed in Florida was heart, determination, and a glimpse of what’s possible with the right support.
With the proper tools, funding, and opportunities, this team has the potential to not only compete but also inspire the next generation of players back home. Every donation, no matter the size, goes directly toward helping these players travel, train, and build a foundation for baseball in Belize. For them, it’s not just about playing a game — it’s about building hope, pride, and opportunity for an entire community.
If you believe in the power of a sport to change lives, consider joining their journey. By contributing to their GoFundMe and sharing their story, you can be part of something truly meaningful — helping baseball in Belize take its next big step forward.
