De Vera, Mercado make history for Philippine baseball

MANILA, Philippines, September 29 ------ History will be made this November as Lord Aragorn de Vera and Efril Ian Mercado take the field for the Mumbai Cobras in the inaugural season of Baseball United, the sport’s first professional league in the Middle East and South Asia.

De Vera and Mercado, both former UAAP baseball standouts, will also become the first Philippine-born players trained locally to compete in an international professional baseball league. A 22-year-old shortstop from De La Salle University, De Vera starred in college when he led the Green Batters to the UAAP Season 85 championship and a runner-up finish in Season 86.

Tagged as one of the brightest prospects in Philippine baseball, De Vera has played for the national team in multiple international tournaments, including the Asian Baseball Championship and East Asian Baseball Cup. Mercado, a 24-year-old outfielder who recently graduated from the University of the Philippines, also had an impressive collegiate career as he won Best Hitter in UAAP Season 87.

As one of the most well-rounded baseball players in the Philippines, Mercado also suits up for the national team, bringing both speed and power. Both hailing from Tanauan City, Batangas, the duo began playing baseball at an early age, with family playing a major role in fostering their growth and passion for the sport. “Ako, napunta ako sa baseball dahil sa influence ng family,” Mercado shared. “Yung mga tito ko at father ko naglalaro na ng baseball, kaya siguro napasa na rin sa amin, sa mga pinsan at kapatid ko. Doon din sa hometown namin, number one sport talaga ang baseball.“ “Nag-baseball ako dahil sa lolo ko. Sa city namin, sikat kasi ang baseball, kaya parang natural na lang na yun ang kinamulatan naming sport,” said De Vera.

From their early beginnings in Batangas to now making history abroad, De Vera and Mercado won’t be alone on this journey. Alongside them is coach Vince Sagisi, a veteran of Philippine baseball who will serve as the Cobras’ bullpen coach. With experience as a scout for the MLB and as a head coach for the national team, Sagisi will provide decades of knowledge and will play a crucial role this season for the Cobras, the first professional baseball team in the history of India. “This is a historical moment not only for me, Lord, and Ian, but for the entire baseball community here in the Philippines,” Sagisi said. “This momentous occasion gives hope to those young Filipino baseball players throughout our great country who dream of one day becoming a professional player. Now they know it can become a reality.” Similarly, De Vera and Mercado reflected on what this opportunity means for Filipino athletes all over the world. “Kahit saan man tayo galing sa Pilipinas, may kanya-kanya tayong galing na puwedeng i-improve para magtagumpay tayo sa pinili nating daan o sport. Ibig sabihin nito, kailangan lang talaga natin ng hard work,” Mercado added.

As the season inches closer, De Vera and Mercado are focused on performing at their best, knowing the impact their success could have on Filipino baseball. “Gusto ko lang ipakita kung ano ang pinaghandaan namin. Kailangan naming ipakita kung ano ang kaya ng mga Filipino baseball players, para may susunod pa sa amin,” said Mercado. “Ito talaga yung goal ko, na kami yung una, pero hindi dapat kami yung huli.” “Kailangan naming mag-perform dito kasi it will open doors for future Filipino baseball players. Parang ipapakita namin na kaya din naman pala ng mga Pinoy,” De Vera added.

For De Vera and Mercado, their signing with the Cobras is only the beginning. As they prepare to take the world stage this November, they carry with them not only their own dreams, but the hopes of Filipino athletes all over the world. “I hope na susuportahan niyo kami pagdating namin sa Dubai kasi ipapakita namin sa world stage na kaya rin maglaro ng mga Filipino, at maipapakita namin ang aming talent bilang Filipino,” De Vera said.

Source: rappler.com