The MLB 2019 international signing day saw more Bahamians international signings. Moreover, a total of 4 young players from the Islands signed on July 2nd, 2019.
The atmosphere was friendly at last night’s signing at Baha Mar Resorts Ball Room with family, friends, coaches, and supporters both local and international.
Lots of laughter and happy faces, hand clapping, and cell phones camera snapping away, you guys should have been there.
Before last night’s signing; Bahamian baseball players were being hired to play minor league baseball from the 1950s. Furthermore, from the 2014 MLB international signings to this 2019 class of four, the Bahamas has had 24 players to get international signing days called.
The Class of 2019 Zion Bannister
Zion Bannister Taxes Rangers
This kid is who most coaches dreamt about having on their team; Zion Bannister. From T-Ball at the age of 4 or 5 years old, he played the game fundamentally, attributed to his grandfather Samual “Bookie” Glover who played the game of baseball in the local league at home.
In addition to playing a few years of high school baseball in Maryland, Zion decided to improve on the game that would help him to follow his dream.
In short, He wanted to play minor league baseball. Hence he talked about his journey to signing day, and how tough it was for him at times and wanting to quit, but hard work paid off in the end. Congratulation Zion Bannister.
The Class of 2019 Dax Stubbs
Dax Stubbs, Baltimore Orioles. photo by Trevere Saunders
Short on words and well mannered is Dax Stubbs. Here is a quiet, unassuming kid that has the talent to play the game of baseball, and was a prize player for coaches at Freedom Farm baseball.
Hence, Dax did not last long in any of his age group drafts. He was the total package, speed, glove, bat, and a strong arm.
His play spoke for him because he was short of words. His game and manners will take him a long way in life, Congratulations Dax Stubbs.
The Class of 2019 Everette Cooper
Everette Cooper Houston Astros. photo by Trevere Saunders
Everette Cooper was a skinny kid when I first saw him; Thinking he will get lost in the shuffle didn’t happen, cause of his height, he was noticeable to coaches.
The Nationals were coming up, and all the teams set to go; President Greg Burrows asks me why Everette, wasn’t a team? I told him he couldn’t make the 15U team, so put him on your 18U squad! And that wasn’t a request. Happy to play 18U at the age of 14 was exciting for Everette.
Not to Mention that he made every team that went to nationals from Freedom Farm up to this day. Congratulations to you Everette Cooper see you at the top.
The Class of 2019 Ian Lewis
Ian Lewis Miami Marlins. photo by Trevere Saunders
A Gem, Ian Lewis is the Man, like Jazz Chisholm, he was determined to play minor league baseball on his way to major league baseball. Many kids live close to Freedom Farm Baseball Park, but for one Ian Lewis, this was a dream that he took full advantage off.
I remember some days going to the Farm to make field repairs and Ian would be out there with his little brother hitting ground balls. He took full advantage of the batting cage and would work out with any coach that came to the park.
Hundreds of kids pass through the Freedom Farm Baseball League, and the coaches always know the special ones. Ian Lewis was one of them.
He was a small kid that wasn’t afraid of the ball, and yes, he made contact with the baseball at the plate. Also, MLB scout loved him and would always ask for him on their visits. Congratulations, Ian Lewis work harder.
Looking Forward to 2020
More Bahamians international signings, and now on to the class of 2020.
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