INDIANA Pacers guard Buddy Hield reacts after hitting a clutch three-pointer during an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls on October 26 in Chicago. Hield signed a multi-year shoe deal extension with Nike yesterday. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

As of Thursday, November 10, 2022

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#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#Chavano “Buddy” Hield has had an endorsement deal with Nike for the duration of his NBA career and that partnership will continue for the foreseeable future.

#The Indiana Pacers guard signed a multi-year shoe deal extension with the sneaker and athletic apparel giant yesterday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

#Hield, who has been represented by Icona Agency since November 2021, has become known in NBA circles for his series of Kobe Bryant “Player Edition” sneakers in the Bahamian flag colourway.

#Hield originally signed with Nike in 2016, just weeks ahead of the NBA Draft. In his first full season as a member of the Pacers, he is averaging 18.7 points, a career high 5.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.

#He is also shooting 46 percent from the field, 42 percent from three-point range and 92 percent from the free throw line. Through 10 games, Hield has made at least four three-point field goals in six of those games.

#The early veteran extension deadline passed on October 17 without Hield and Pacers reaching an agreement to extend his current contract. Hield has been the subject of trade rumours for much of the offseason and had the sides agreed to an extension, he would have been ineligible to be traded for at least six months if the deal included a more than five percent raise. Hield will now be ineligible for an extension until next offseason. “It’s the business of basketball. No matter what happens I love playing basketball,” he said in training camp. “Once I have a job, and I’m able to play in this league for a long time it doesn’t matter where I go, I’m happy, I’m still here I’m just glad to play basketball at a high level with the best basketball players in the world.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/10/buddy-hield-signs-extension-nike/?news

CREAM OF THE CROP: Breyias Dean, 18, became the second consecutive Bahamian to keep the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby title at home. Photo: Dante Carrer

As of Monday, December 11, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#A year ago, Breyias Dean was walking around in awe as the stars came out to perform in the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise on Montagu Bay. On Saturday, the Miami Marlins’ minor league affiliate rookie had the stars watching him.

#After getting off to a slow start, the 18-year-old Dean got really hot to become the youngest Home Run King and the second consecutive Bahamian to keep the title at home.

#BJ Murray Jr, an infielder with the Chicago Cubs’ minor league affiliate, got eliminated in the first round of his title defence. Dean, in a real close encounter, edged out Will Benson of the Cincinnati Reds minor league affiliate 8-7 in the final showdown. Dean, a 6-foot, 2-inch infielder admitted that there was a lot of pressure, but the crowd cheering him on helped to propel him over the top. “It feels great. It’s good to get the title placed around my neck,” Dean said. “I just wanted to put on a show, perform and do my best.”

#Dean said once he was told how many he had when he tied Benson, he knew with about three shots left, he had a chance to eventually secure the title. “I can’t wait for next year,” said Dean, as he vowed to defend his title in 2024.

#Prior to the back-to-back feat by Murray Jr and Dean, the title left town with MJ Melendez in 2021, Lewis Brinson in ‘20 and Bo Bichette, the only two-time winner in 2018- 19. With every cheer he got from the fans, Dean said he was inspired to hit another long ball over the home run boundary in the water in Montagu Bay.

#As for any celebrations for this year’s feat, Dean said he doesn’t know what he will do, but he’s eager to enjoy whatever his family and friends have planned for him.

#Albert Cartwright, a former minor league player turned coach, pitched the balls to Dean. He was appreciative of the opportunity, just as he was to congratulate his long-time friends Isaacs Jr and Fox for putting on another successful event.

#“It was a pleasure to come here and pitch for the Home Run Derby and to do it for the champion,” Cartwright said. “It puts the Bahamas in the spotlight, especially with another champion being crowned.

#“But Todd and Lucius and Todd Sr did a tremendous job in keeping this event alive. It was a lot of fun. We had so many people out here watching an event that they would only get to see on TV with so many stars participating.”

#A disappointed Benson, in his only comments after his defeat, noted that “they cheated. I was supposed to win, but it was a hometown decision,” but the 25-year-old native of Atlanta, Georgia opted not to elaborate.

#Sebastian Walcott, another 18-year-old rookie, who signed with the Texas Rangers – a 6-3 shortstop – said he really wanted to get his shot at the final, but while his time to shine was delayed, he rejoiced with Dean.

#“Just being in this atmosphere is really exciting. This is my first time being in it, so I really enjoyed it,” he said.

#“But Breyias is my boy. He had to bring it home for the 242. We couldn’t let the team title and the individual title leave the 242.”

#Despite falling short in the preliminary rounds, Murray Jr said it was all about having fun.

#The third baseman returned to the stage as a champion, having helped his Tennessee Smokies clinch the Double-A Southern League title in September.

#“I’m glad to see Breyias win and people like Sebastian (Walcott) put on a show for the public,” Murray Jr said. “It was good to support the boys in the final rounds. Shout out to the Bahamas.”

#Here’s how they manoeuvred during the rounds:

#Preliminary round

#Team World – Will Benson (Cincinnati Reds) and Lewis Brinson (Yomiuri Giants) both with 11; Josh Palacios (Pittsburgh Pirates) 10; Lawrence Butler (Oakland Athletics) eight; Ritchie Palacios (St Louis Cardinals) seven; James Wood (Washington Nationals) and Akil Badoo (Detroit Tigers) both with six; Brennen Davis (Chicago Cubs) five; Termarr Johnson Pittsburgh Pirates) four;

#Bahamas – Breyias Dean (Miami Marlins) and Sebastian Walcott (Texas Rangers) – nine each; Ryan Reckley (San Francisco Giants) eight; Kristin Munroe (Los Angeles Angels) seven; Chavez Young (Pittsburgh Pirates) and D’Shawn Knowles (Texas Rangers) six each; Paris Johnson (LA Dodgers) five; Adari Grant (St Louis Cardinals) four and Toby Simmons (Miami Marlins) and Cheriff Neymour (Miami Marlins) one each.

#Semifinal

#Bahamas – Breyias Dean (Miami Marlins) 10 and Sebastian Walcott (Texas Rangers) six.

#Team World – Will Benson (Cincinnati Reds) nine; Josh Palacios (Pittsburgh Pirates) eight and Lewis Brinson (Yomiuri Giants) six.

#Final

#Bahamas – Breyias Dean (Miami Marlins) eight. Team World – Will Benson (Cincinnati Reds) seven.

LOS Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) grabs a rebound next to Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) and guard Buddy Hield (7) during the second half of the championship game in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament on Saturday in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

As of Monday, December 11, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#CHAVANO “Buddy” Hield, who was linked to trade rumours with the Los Angeles Lakers, watched as LeBron James and Anthony Davis put on a show to dismantle his Indiana Pacers to claim the first National Basketball Association’s In-Season Tournament title.

#While both James and Davis said it was all about being the first to do it, the Lakers were all motivated by the hefty $500,000 that each player pocketed as a Christmas gift for their 123-109 triumph over the Pacers on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

#It was another cause for celebrations for the Lakers and their die-hard fans as they added the inaugural IST to the crown of the league’s first NBA “bubble” in 2020 during the shortened season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Los Angeles, coached by Darvin Ham, ended up with a perfect 7-0 win-loss record in the tournament, while Indiana, coached by Rick Carlisle, dropped to 6-1. Despite their loss, Hield and his Pacers, led by rising star Tyrese Haliburton, collected a credible $200,000 each for their efforts at the much-anticipated finale of the month-long tournament that the NBA hopes to make an annual addition to its schedule.

#If there was any consolation for Hield, he will be remembered for hitting the first shot on a three-pointer from an assist from Haliburton with just 38 seconds gone on the clock in the first quarter.

#However, Hield only managed to score eight points without hitting a three-pointer. The Grand Bahamian native finished with eight points, five rebounds and four assists as their starting shooting guard.

#Haliburton, who is projected to be a superstar in the league, had 20 points with 11 assists to pace the Pacers. Benedict Mathurin also had 20 points and Aaron Nesmith chipped in with 15.

#Indiana advanced to the final after they dismantled the Milwaukee Bucks 128- 119 on Wednesday in their semifinal match-up. They just didn’t have the energy to match against Los Angeles, who led from start to finish.

#Davis ignited the Lakers with an impressive 41 points and 20 rebound performance, but it was James who took the spotlight when he was named the tournament most valuable player.Throughout the tournament, in which the voting took place for the MVP honours, James averaged 26.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.6 steals and shot 56.8% from the field and 60.6% on 3-pointers.

#The Lakers won despite making just 2 of 13 3-pointers, but were 47 of 88 from the floor (53.4%).

#Using their size advantage, they also controlled the boards with a huge difference margin of 55-32.

#The NBA’s fourth ranked Pacers from behind the three-point arc were simply cold as they connected on just 10 of 41 of their 3-pointers as a team.

#The game drew a lot of celebrities, including basketball Hall of Famers Julius Erving and Shaquille O’Neal, football Hall of Famers Tim Brown and Shannon Sharpe, former tennis star Steffi Graf, former boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr., chef Bobby Flay, rapper Flavor Flav and members of the two-time champion Las Vegas Aces, including WNBA Finals MVP A’ja Wilson.

#Hield and the Pacers will be in Detroit tonight to start a four-game road swing as they try to improve on their 12-8 fifth place standings in the Eastern Conference. The Lakers, who don’t play again until Tuesday when they head to Dallas to face the Mavericks, are also in fifth in the Western Conference at 14-9.

#Both teams are riding a three-game winning streak before taking a break for the IST.

THE Baha Mar Cup – annual tennis extravaganza – raised $120,000 which was the highest total amount raised for the event at the Baha Mar Racquet Club over the weekend.

As of Monday, December 11, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Baha Mar Cup returned to the sporting paradise for the fourth time at the Baha Mar Racquet Club over the weekend.

#Professional tennis players, including Victoria Azarenka, Jessica Pegula, Taylor Townsend, James Blake, Austin Krajicek and Mark Knowles took the courts at the three-day event in support of the Baha Mar Resort Foundation and Mark Knowles Children’s Tennis Initiative.

#The annual tennis extravaganza raised $120,000 which was the highest total amount raised for the event.

#Josh Herman, senior vice president of marketing at Baha Mar, was impressed with the fourth hosting of the Baha Mar Cup at the renowned resort. “We were thrilled to raise $120,000 to benefit the Baha Mar Foundation and Mark Knowles Children’s Initiative. That is the most we have ever raised at this event. It really is designed to work in connection with Mark and benefit the community here.

#“We resurfaced several courts last year and we are trying to figure out the best way to put the money to work here in the community and toward the growth of tennis,” Herman said.

#With the event completely sold out in its fourth year, Herman talked about the continued growth of the annual tennis event.

#“Sports tourism is a growing part of our business. We just hosted Baha Mar Hoops and are excited to do the Baha Mar Cup in its fourth year. This is the biggest one we have ever had, it was 100 per cent sold out this year with people coming from as far as Singapore to support us here. Our goal is to continue to expand a number of events we do and use them as a vehicle to drive visibility for The Bahamas and Baha Mar.

#“We want to provide a fun and exciting environment and look forward to its growth every year,” he said.

#The professional players participated in a Pro-Am tournament along with a pro exhibition on Saturday which was followed by a successful kids’ clinic on Sunday morning.

#Townsend, a four-time Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) doubles title holder, shared how pleased she was with her first time experience at the Baha Mar Cup.

#“It was super fun. I think I made it a little bit different than they have ever had it before. We had a lot of fun but after playing five hours my arm is a little sore but it was very exciting,”she said.

#The 2023 French Open doubles finalist commended the Mark Knowles Children’s Tennis initiative for its contributions to the tennis community over the years.

#“I love Mark and his whole family. I was always very intrigued by him being from The Bahamas and representing The Bahamas while always maintaining that throughout his career which I think is amazing because there are sometimes where people would switch but him keeping his Bahamian roots was always so important. It is just so nice to know him for so many years and be connected to this to see how his initiative and programme is growing. I am really so happy and proud to be a part of this,” she added.

#Pegula, who is currently the fourth ranked American in singles and eighth in doubles, made it to her second Baha Mar Cup and was very happy with the event’s success. “It has been amazing. I think this year there were more people involved which is great to see, hopefully that means we are raising more money for the community here, it’s been really fun and I enjoyed it this year,” the three-time major singles quarterfinalist said.

#Among the other first-timers were former no.1 ranked doubles player Krajiceck who thought the experience was second to none.

#“It is an absolutely beautiful place, my wife and I had a wonderful time and then to be able to help out for a cause like this and help Mark at this charitable event is really special for us so anytime we could give back and help its fun,”

#“It’s been fun from the beginning. We had a great pro am tournament yesterday morning and then a fun exhibition,” he said.

#The Baha Mar Cup concluded on Sunday with a kids’ clinic which included some players from the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA).

LENDING A HAND: The fourth Baha Mar Cup wrapped up yesterday with the hosting of a kids’ tennis clinic at the Baha Mar Racquet Club.

As of Monday, December 11, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE fourth Baha Mar Cup presented by Mark Knowles culminated with a successful hosting of a tennis kids’ clinic at the Baha Mar Racquet Club on Sunday.

#Professional tennis players, including the likes of three-time major quarterfinalist Jessica Pegula, four-time WTA doubles title holder Taylor Townsend and former no.1 doubles player Austin Krajicek were in attendance at the clinic, teaching various tennis skills and drills to the younger participants.

#Players of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) joined to partake in the clinic and were delighted by the experience. Perry Newton, president of the BLTA, talked about the great impact of the Baha Mar Cup kids’ clinic on the youth in attendance.

#“It is always good that the BLTA can be involved in such an impactful programme. This is the second year that we have been here, it’s a community event they want to bring the kids together and it provides an opportunity for them to take advantage of the coaching with the professionals that come out. The kids really enjoy it and it’s a spark that fuels them headed into the new year. We are happy for Baha Mar and Mark Knowles for doing this good thing,” Newton said.

#Jacobi Bain, of Xavier University of Louisiana, along with Michael Major Jr, helped along with the professionals on Sunday.

#“It feels good to be home, it’s been a long semester, it has been kind of rough. I went through rehab with my knee but I am just happy to be home in the place I love so much,” Bain said.

#“I enjoyed the Baha Mar Cup because I got to meet a lot of new pros, make a lot of new friends and it is just great to have all of these connections and experiences. The kids’ clinic has been amazing. I remember when I was a kid people would do it for me so it always feels good to give back,” he added.

#Sarai Clarke, who recently competed at the under-14 Junkanoo Bowl, enjoyed her time at the kids’ clinic.

#“It is a lot of fun, it is exciting being able to work with the pro players and a ton of very experienced players, I got to learn a lot,” Clarke said.

#With the Giorgio Baldacci Open National Tennis Championships set for December 18-21, Clarke is ready for competition. “I am really excited to play, it’s my first time playing so I just hope I am able to play to the best of my ability and that I have fun,” she said.

#Singles competitor Tatum Culmer shared his experience at the kids’ clinic for the second time.

#“It’s really nice. I was here before and it is a very good experience that I am able to hit with the different pros and sharpen my skills more. It is a once in a lifetime experience that you do not get to experience a lot so it is just good to come out here and do what I have to do against the big-timers,” Culmer said.

#The Baha Mar team was grateful for another year of success with the Baha Mar Cup.

PRIME Minister Philip Davis with Don’t Blink Derby organisers Todd Isaacs Jr and Lucius Fox. Photo: Timmy Eneas

As of Monday, December 11, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis commended organisers Todd Isaacs Jr and Lucius Fox for their continuation of the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise that has now grown to become a signature sporting event in December in the Bahamas.

#Davis, a former baseball player, was on hand to view the sixth edition of the event, dubbed the “Greatest Event on Sand’ on Saturday as a number of professional baseball players participated in the Bahamas versus the World showdown.

#“I’m proud of these young Bahamians, who started this event six years ago,” Davis said. “I was there when they were talking about the idea and we were encouraging them, making sure they have sponsors for the event.

#“What’s so amazing is that it has caught the eyes of Major League Baseball and I guess there was an effort to take it over, but I told them this has to remain Bahamian. We can partner with them, but they can’t take it over.”

#From its infancy stage to where it has flourished with so many more players coming out to participate and the crowd of spectators swelling every year, Davis said the event can only increase in every aspect over the ensuing years.

#“The first event of the event was Bo Bichette, a young baseball player, who is now the starting shortstop for the Toronto Bluejays and he’s already touted to be a Hall of Famer.

#“So this has attracted real talent and it’s good to know that we have these persons among us, who the Bahamas has touched. When he was here that week, he inspired us to see where he is right now.”

#Following in the footsteps of BJ Murray Jr, the first Bahamian to win the title last year, Breyias Dean, who just completed his rookie season of the Miami Marlins’ minor league affiliation, made it two straight.

#However, in the team title, the World out-slugged the Bahamas. It was the first time that Isaacs Jr and Fox went with the concept as they sought to find more innovative ways to enhance the event for the viewing public.

#With so many fans on hand to watch, it turned out to be a celebratory one for baseball, but Davis indicated that he hopes that same excitement will spill over to the entire nation as we enjoy for the yuletide season.

#“Let’s enjoy the season,” Davis stated. “Let’s acknowledge and respect those around us and whatever we can do to help one another, let’s do it and let us always know that there’s so much world in this world that we can worry about, but we are a peaceful, loving country and we must share that peace and love with one another. That’s what I ask for.”

#Davis said he’s looking forward to what will unfold in 2024.

Marlins prospect keeps title in The Bahamas; Team World wins team competition

• Simba French
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Bahamian professional baseball player Breyias Dean kept the ‘Home Run King’ title in The Bahamas in his debut at the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby, out-shining American Will Benson of the Cincinnati Reds in the individual competition final at Montagu Beach on Saturday.

Benson and Team World won the team title over Team Bahamas.

“It was great to have the people on my side. It is a great reminder of why and what I am playing for,” Dean said.

It was a slow start for the 18-year-old as he appeared to have a little pressure on him. His pitcher, Geron Sands, had some words with him and Dean responded. He got into rhythm and hit the winning home run to break the tie on the last ball.

“I just wanted to put on a show, perform and do my best. Once they told me how much I had and how much I hit, it was done from there. The cheers played a huge part because as soon as I heard them, they lifted my spirits,” Dean said.

He loved the atmosphere and cannot wait until next year.

Last year, Bahamian BJ Murray, a prospect of the Chicago Cubs, walked away as the champion in the individual competition.

Organizers of the event, Lucius Fox Jr. and Todd Isaacs Jr., switched it up a little from the usual Team Fox against Team Isaacs format to Team Bahamas going up against Team World. In the team competition, Team World won 68-63. Benson said he was happy with his team’s performance.

“We knew we had that, and we knew we were the best. It was fun and we had a good time. We had a lot of great hitters on our squad, but I am sad that we did not win the individual too,” Benson said.

Team Bahamas went with a young lineup. Fox said he wanted those players to get some experience.

“It is the second straight year we had a Bahamian winning. We told them that we are number one and we showed that,” Fox said. “We will look to take both titles next year. We are very competitive here in The Bahamas – we want to take the team and individual portion. Our team was full of young players who are 16-, 17-, and 18-year-olds. They went up against players who are 28 and older and in the big leagues. We fell short but I am proud of what they did.”

The top three home run hitters in this round of competition for Team World were Benson (11), the Yomiuri Giants’ Lewis Brinson (11) and the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Josh Palacios (10). The top three home run hitters on Team Bahamas were Dean (9), the Texas Rangers’ Sebastian Walcott (9) and the San Francisco Giants’ Ryan Reckley (8).

Benson, Brinson, Palacios, Dean and Walcott advanced in the individual round. In that round, Walcott went first and hit six home runs. Dean followed him and hit 10 home runs. Palacios slammed eight home runs and Benson stepped up and hit nine home runs to sit in second behind Dean. Brinson hit eight home runs. Dean and Benson advanced to the final.

A week of activities began with the event’s annual kids’ camp. It turned out to be an eventful one.

“We want to continue to push the baseball narrative, bring the world here to The Bahamas. We want to keep exposing these events to the world. It was a beautiful week of events that touched the community in different forms and fashion. It was great to have the Players Alliance and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) on board with us. It is a sign that we are headed in the right direction about the future of baseball here in The Bahamas,” Isaacs said.

Fox said they got great reviews on this year’s event and both he and Isaacs will brainstorm ways to build on this year’s event for next year.

• Simba French
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Bahamian professional basketball player Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield had a tough shooting night on Saturday and his team, the Indiana Pacers, fell late to the Los Angeles Lakers 123-109 in the first-ever National Basketball Association’s (NBA) In-Season Tournament (IST) championship game.

Playing at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Grand Bahamian finished the night connecting on just three of his 11 field goals attempts with two of those made shots coming from deep.

The loss means that the Pacers’ players who are on standard contract, like Hield, will receive $200,000 each while the Lakers players, who are also on standard contract, will receive $500,000 each for the win. The stats and outcome from the games don’t count toward the regular season stats and standings.

It was not just a tough shooting night for the Bahamian but also for the Pacers as they hit just 36.8 percent of their shots from the field while the Lakers shot a blistering 53.4 percent. They were also outrebounded by the Lakers, 55-32.

Hield had a better first half in terms of shooting. He went 2-for-5 for five points in the first half. He made the first bucket of the game to put the Pacers up 3-0 at the 11:38 mark of the first quarter. The Lakers took a 7-5 lead on an Anthony Davis slam dunk. That was the only lead change of the game as the Lakers took over and kept the Pacers at arm’s length. Hield made his second field goal of the first half on a 13-foot jump shot with 1:56 left in the first quarter. The Lakers led 30-27 at that point. The scoreline was 34-29 in favor of the Lakers at the end of the first quarter.

There was better play from the Pacers in the second quarter, but the Lakers’ defense was active. Both teams scored 31 points in the second quarter and the Lakers led 65-60 at the end of the first half.

The Pacers had a tough time keeping up with the Lakers in the second half. They got as close as three points in the fourth quarter but the Lakers went on a 21-8 run midway through the fourth to take a commanding 115-99 lead with 3:11 remaining. The Pacers never got to within single digits the rest of the way.

Leading the way for the Pacers was Tyrese Haliburton who finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds. The Lakers were led by Davis who had 41 points and 20 rebounds.

This tournament has earned the Pacers some respect around the league, especially after eliminating the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics in the knockout round.

Hield and the Pacers (12-8) will return to regular season action today with a game against the Detroit Pistons (2-20) on the road at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The game gets underway at 7 p.m.

• Simba French
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It was a busy weekend at the Baha Mar Racquet Club as several tennis professional players came out and raised funds for the Mark Knowles Children’s Initiative Baha Mar Foundation at the Baha Mar Cup that ran from December 8-10.

During the weekend, $120,000 was raised to help the Baha Mar Foundation and the Mark Knowles Children’s Initiative’s community projects.

President of Baha Mar Graeme Davis said that the event was sold out.

“This is the best event that we’ve had since starting it in 2019. It creates a fabulous experience to have this setting here with this beautiful weather that we are having here today. We were able to get these pros together here at the Baha Mar Resort for an event that raises funds for charity,” Davis said.

There was a pro-am tournament and a pro exhibition and the event ended with a special dinner and awards ceremony on Saturday. On Sunday, there was a kids’ clinic.

Two-time grand slam singles champion Azarenka has known Knowles from when they played together on the circuit. She said it was a no-brainer for her to be a part of the event.

“It is such a great event that Mark has been putting on so I am happy to be here. He has been doing a lot for The Bahamas and continue to do the annual events. Having seen the work he has done with the juniors, that will help the sport grow in The Bahamas,” Azarenka said.

Former professional tennis player Blake has been coming to the Baha Mar Cup from its inception and is a huge supporter with what Knowles is doing for the country. He acknowledged that he likes that Knowles has seen fit to do something for his country as he could have just retired quietly.

“I am always happy to help Mark. Since I have been back, I have connected with the young players and staff at the hotel where the hospitality has always been great. It is a fun group to work and play with. A lot of people can have success and be good in a sport that is so individual and focused on that one star, but it takes a special person to think of a much bigger picture,” Blake said.

One of the top players on the doubles circuit is Austin Krajicek. It was his first time at the event and first time being in The Bahamas in 20 years.

“Mark and I both live in Dallas, Texas, and we became close over the years and he asked me to come out and help out. Any time I am asked to help out with charity events, I am always willing to do that. The pro-am event was fun and it was great to meet people from all over the world who play tennis,” he said.

Davis said it is important to Baha Mar to play a role in the community.

“To be able to create the Baha Mar Cup as a way to raise funds for the local community is exceptional in every way. We continue to do it over the course of the year with our different initiatives like the culinary festival, arts festival and the golf tournament in the spring,” Davis said.

Soaking up the event was Bahamian collegiate tennis players Jacobi Bain, who is at Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA), and Howard University’s Michael Major. Bain said that he loves the atmosphere of the event.

“It has been amazing to be a part of this event for the past couple years as I have gotten to meet a lot of pro players and other people who love the sport. It is great to see one of our best players put this event on and I am also able to get some tips,” Bain said.

Davis said he was happy to be collaborating with a Bahamian legend like Knowles, making a difference in the community.

Since its inception, the Baha Mar Cup has raised over $200,000 in support of the Bahamian tennis community through the Baha Mar Foundation, which has provided support to those affected by the 2019 Hurricane Dorian disaster and the Mark Knowles Children’s Tennis Initiative. Earlier this year, the Baha Mar Resort Foundation spearheaded and completed the newly resurfaced tennis courts at the Tom ‘The Bird’ Grant Sports Complex.

BAHAMIAN and American players participate in the inaugural Don’t Blink/Minority Baseball Prospects Futures Showcase yesterday at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium. Photo: Moise Amisial

As of Friday, December 8, 2023

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FROM Bahamian Major League player Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr and coach Antoan Richardson to American icons Andrew Dawson, Derek Jeter and CC Sabathia, there was no shortage of stars for the local and international high school players to glean from as they got their opportunity to shine in the inaugural Don’t Blink/Minority Baseball Prospects Futures Showcase yesterday at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium. Photo: Moise Amisial

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#From Bahamian Major League player Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr and coach Antoan Richardson to American icons Andrew Dawson, Derek Jeter and CC Sabathia, there was no shortage of stars for the local and international high school players to glean from as they got their opportunity to shine.

#The Major Leaguers were on hand last night as they watched the inaugural Don’t Blink/Minority Baseball Prospects Futures Showcase at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium that was a part of the festivities for the sixth annual Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise. The unique Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise and dubbed “the Greatest Show on Sand,” is set for Saturday at 1pm on the foreshore of Montagu Bay. It is organised by the Bahamian duo of Todd Isaacs Jr and Lucius Fox, who initiated the event in 2018 to bring more awareness to the sport in the Bahamas.

#“This is year six, but I wonder what year 10 would look like,” said Fox as he glanced over the audience of “who is who” in the baseball community. “I’ve seen some great performances.

#“The kids who came over from the United States put on a show for the public and our Bahamian kids are doing great as well as they put their best foot forward to show what they can do.”

#Fox, the eighth Bahamian to play in Major League Baseball, said Saturday is the big show and everybody is excited to see what the players will put forth. He’s looking forward to the Bahamian players prevailing over their visiting counterparts to keep the title here.

#As for the high schoolers, which included some of the top players out of the United States and the Bahamas, they got to display their skills in hitting and fielding for the international scouts and visiting college coaches.

#The night concluded with an exhibition baseball game.

#As the seventh Bahamian to play in the Major League and now considered to be the face of the Miami Marlins, Chisholm Jr was delighted to embrace the opportunity to provide some motivation to the younger players on display in the showcase.

#“It’s good to come back home and to be able to watch the young kids,” said Chisholm Jr, who just completed his third season with the Marlins.

#“We finally get in the stadium so the kids can now really enjoy playing the game.”

#Nobody seemed to enjoy playing the game more than Chisholm Jr, who was switched from the infield to the outfield after he recovered from a turf toe surgery during the season.

#“I am getting ready to play baseball like I always do,” he stated. “If I don’t get hurt, you can expect an MVP season. I’m looking forward to hitting 40 home runs and stealing 40 bags. If I can stay healthy and do it, I can get the MVP.”

#In the meantime, Chisholm Jr said he’s looking forward to watching the Home Run Derby, which takes on a new format this year with the Bahamian players being matched against the World.

#“We have some big bats out there, so you can expect to see some bombs,” Chisholm Jr stated.

#Richardson, the sixth Bahamian to play in the Majors before he retired and took up the first base coaching job with the San Francisco Giants, said he too loves being home and to see the magnitude of the game being played here.

#“I am excited to see our pro players like Jazz Chisholm, all of the coaches who worked with these players in Freedom Farm and JBLN as well as the academies,” said Richardson, who cracked the Majors in 2011 with the Atlanta Braves on September 4, 2011.

#“It’s must exciting to see the growth of baseball in the Bahamas.

#“I have to shout out to Todd Isaacs and Lucius Fox for being the type of ambassadors they are for our country in bringing this level of baseball to our country. It’s growing and it’s going to continue to grow with people like Todd and Lucius involved. They bring so much to the sport.”

#While he’s looking forward to the growth of the event next year, Richardson said he’s thrilled to watch the Home Run Derby to where it has ascended in just six years of existence.

#Having visited the Bahamas more times than he could count, Sabathia said he’s thrilled to return to see the progress Isaacs Jr and Fox are making with the Home Run Derby and watching Chisholm Jr as he interacts with the Bahamian people has made this trip extra special or him.

#“To come down here for a baseball event and to watch these kids is just amazing,” said Sabathia, whose tall figure could not be denied wearing a Chisholm Jr jersey. “To have all this talent down here and this caliber of talent is just amazing. “It’s just a great collection of talent here and I’m just happy to be a part of it.”

#The left-handed pitcher who won a World Series with the New York Yankees noted that he’s just thrilled to watch the Home Run Derby as the players hit the ball in the water as he is going to Baha Mar’s Royal Blue Golf Club for a round of golf.

#Jeter, another frequent visitor to the Bahamas, said anytime he can make an impact on the future players in the sport, he’s eager to do it. For those who remembered, he also did it, playing with Richardson when they were both members of the New York Yankees.

#On September 25, 2014, Richardson came in to pinch-run for Jose Pirela in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles. He scored the winning run on a walk-off single by Jeter in the final Yankee Stadium at bat of Jeter’s career

#Now nine years later, the two retired players are here on the sidelines watching the next generation of players.

#“We are all blessed with having a platform, but we’re also thankful that the Players Alliance has afforded us this opportunity to engage in this event as well,” he pointed out. “We are thankful that as current and former players, we can help to motivate and encourage the future generation of players.”

#Jeter, inducted into the Hall of Fame after playing in the Majors from 1995 to 2014, said the game has certainly changed since he was growing up because the players now have the exposure that he wasn’t afforded.

#He said it’s even more unique that the players will showcase their skills in a home run derby on the waterfront.

#“It’s a fun experience and a great atmosphere to do it,” Jeter stated. “There are so much more baseball players like Jazz Chisholm who is coming from the Bahamas and guys like Todd and Lucius are exposing so much more by putting on this great event. I love it.”

#Curtis Grandison, who played the outfield for 16 seasons with seven different teams in Major League, is the current president of the Board of the Players Alliance. After joining forces with Isaacs Jr and Fox last year, Grandison said they decided to make it a permanent relationship.

#“We came down here last year and provided a lot of equipment for these young players to continue to improve their skills and so we’re happy to be able to come back and continue to make our contribution to the growth of the sport here,” he pointed out.

#Looking at what he’s seen here, Grandison said there must be “something in the rice and the peas and conch because seeing these kids who are 15-16 years old and they are taller than me and 30 more pounds than me.

#“So whatever you are doing, keep doing it because I see the athletic development and they love the game and with players like Jazz making it to the big league, they too feel like they can accomplish their dreams.

#Grandison is even more eager about watching the Home Run Derby on Saturday. “The water is a sight to see,” he said. “If those who haven’t seen it and they love home runs, I encourage them to come to the Bahamas for a great event. You get a chance to hit home runs in the ocean.”

#Amari Burrows, who is now in his first year at Bruce Academy in Palm Dale, Florida, is a 15-year-old former student of Queen’s College. He came home to make an impression on the scouts and coaches in the showcase on Thursday.

#“This is a great opportunity for me to step out there and put on a show,” he stated. “The US guys have that platform where the scouts are coming behind them. So it’s good for us to have them come here to watch us perform.”

#One of the visiting players from the United States Braylon Nelson, who hails out of Pensacola, Florida, is a towering 6-foot, five-inch 16-year-old player in the 11th grade.

#“It’s amazing. I’m really pleased to be able to see some of the players I looked up to,” pointed out Nelson, who is making his first trip to the Bahamas. “It’s really a blessing.”