A trio of young Bahamian athletes took their initial strides into the professional realm on Monday, officially sealing individual agreements with the Boston Red Sox organization. The trio, aged 17, namely Tavano Baker, Edwin Darville, and Trent Wilson, formalized their contracts at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). Originating from the Maximum Development (MaxD) Sports Academy, Baker, a prominent international prospect for the Red Sox, primarily patrols the outfield, Darville excels at shortstop, and Wilson specializes as a pitcher.
All three, who began their baseball journeys at the age of seven within the Freedom Farm Baseball League (FFBL) in Yamacraw, are now on their way to pursuing careers in the major leagues.
Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis took a moment to extend congratulations to each of the three young men on their achievements yesterday.
“Sports serves as a catalyst for fostering positive sentiments, and witnessing Bahamian young men excel in sports is truly a blessing,” remarked the prime minister. “We aim to uplift our young men, steering them towards positive associations. Joining a baseball team, such as Freedom Farm, is a commendable endeavor. I salute those who persistently instill positive values in our youth. Despite the challenges faced by our young men, there is always a path to self-discovery and contribution to society, allowing them to inspire others. It is heartening to witness young men taking purposeful steps in their development, particularly in times when many are facing uncertainty. We must continue to provide opportunities for these young men to engage in positive pursuits, so I encourage you to stay focused and determined; you will succeed.”
All three individuals will participate in the Red Sox rookie-level development program in the Dominican Republic, including an instructional camp, before being rostered. The Dominican Summer League Red Sox, comprised of two teams, DSL Red Sox Red and DSL Red Sox Blue, play in the Dominican Summer League at the El Toro Complex in El Toro, Dominican Republic.
Expressing their excitement for the opportunity, Baker conveyed gratitude to the Boston Red Sox, family, and coaches, while Darville expressed his eagerness to excel immediately and thanked those who supported him. Wilson emphasized his preparedness to work diligently, thanking the Lord, family, friends, and those who supported him, and encouraging upcoming athletes to stay focused, humble, and dedicated.
Bahamian Dominique Collie, a Freedom Farm prospect and Red Sox international scout, played a pivotal role in securing professional contracts for the three Bahamian talents. Collie, in his second year as a scout, expressed the joy of providing this opportunity to fellow Bahamians and shared his vision of becoming a big-league manager.
MaxD President and Head Coach Greg Burrows Jr. expressed satisfaction in witnessing their athletes achieve professional success, highlighting the dedication and hard work put in by the three individuals. Burrows emphasized the Academy’s commitment to nurturing baseball talent in the country, contributing to the Bahamas’ reputation as a significant breeding ground for baseball players in the Caribbean region.
