Tuesday, January 08, 2008 Cebu moves to host nat’l softball
THE Amateur Softball Association-Cebu chapter (Asa-Cebu) is now making the necessary moves to host the 2008 National Softball Open Championship in summer here.
Earlier, Asa-Phil president Jean-Henri Lhuillier has given strong consideration to give the hosting of the annual softball tournament to Cebu after the Cebuano squad H&B Softball Club won the national championship in April last year.
“Vice-mayor (Doroteo) Salazar (Asa-Cebu president) is currently working on the plans for the hosting of the national championship here. Maybe by February we will finalize everything since there is nothing concrete yet,” said Asa-Cebu tournament organizer Dionisio Bacarisas.
According to Bacarisas, it is the thrust of Lhuillier to bring back the popularity of softball in Cebu since it has been the hotbed for many national team members for many years—despite the lack of tournaments and programs.
Currently, there are seven Cebuano members of the RP Blu Boys lead by Bacarisas’ younger brother Isaac “Saki”, who is the head coach of the national squad.
Four more Bacarisas are in the national line-up; Darius (first base), Roldan (second base), Manuel Jr. (catcher) and Edsel (pitcher) as well as outfielder Ben Maravilles and shortstop Jasper Cabrera.
However, the most important thing that is being considered by Asa-Cebu right now is the lack of venue.
“Maybe we will consider playing at the Cebu City Sports Complex but I believe batted games are not allowed there,” Bacarisas said.
Last year, 10 teams including an Indonesian national champion ball club, participated in the week-long tournament, where Cebu came out as champion for the first time. (RCM)
