The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

MATEO Ferguson, a product of Fox Hill who got started playing baseball at the age of 12, is still relishing the fact that his decision not to go to the professional ranks has paid off with his success as a member of the Florida Memorial University Lions,

The Lions, which featured two other Bahamians, were crowned as the Black College World Series champions on May 13 at the Alabama’s Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama.

Playing with second baseman Pheron Charlton and pitcher Aaron Knowles, the Bahamian connection helped the Lions to secure a one-run win over Albany State University in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) championship series for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II colleges. “I decided to take the college route and every college that I’ve been to, I’ve had a full ride on athletic scholarships,” Ferguson said. “I started at Darsbury College and now I’m at FMU where I will be getting a championship ring.”

Ferguson, a transferred pitcher on the team, admitted that they got off to a rocky start as he adjusted to the new coach and players. But it wasn’t how they got started, but how they finished.

“I did what I had to do in class and on and off the field,” said the 22-year-old junior, studying business as his major.

“I stayed true to God and to myself and I was able to be the closer for Florida Memorial University as I earned my spot.

“Like I said, we had a rough start, but we finished in first place. So in my head, that was all that mattered. We got the job done and I’m so glad that I made the decision to go to college.”

During the season, the 6-feet, 4-inches Ferguson said the Lions stayed together as a team and supported each other. He said they still can’t believe that they clinched the title.

“It’s unexplainable. This is my first ring. I was just happy to be a part of it,” he stressed. “We fought to get the invitation to the HBC World Series and we didn’t lose a game.

“We won our NAIA brackett. We won the whole eastern brackett. We did our thing.”

Ferguson, who got to play on the men’s national team that christened the new Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium during the COCABA Tournament in December, said he was delighted to be back home for a break as he also spent some time with his family and friends.

He came home with Andre Payne, one of the coaches at FMU,who noted that he was delighted to be back in the Bahamas, especially when the Bahamas Baseball Association got to stage their National Baseball Championships this weekend at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.

“I have two other players playing in the tournament, so it;s good to see them in action with their local peers,” Payne said. “All of these guys, including Mateor, work hard and they do what they have to do. So I’;nm happy to have them on the team.

“I coached high school in Miami for about 13 years and I had several Bahamian players back then, so I knew what to expect and what they are going to do as far as work ethic. They are doing what they are supposed to do. They’ve passed all expectations of all.”

Although Ferguson didn’t transfer to FMU until the spring, Payne said they didn’;t get to put in the work during the fall, but he was impressed how well he came around at the end of the year for the Lions.

He said they have high expectations for him next year just as they do with Charlton and Knowles as they work towards getting into the starting rotation at FMU.

Ferguson, who is now training in Covington, Louisiana in preparation for the Summer League in Cali, Houston, said he’s looking forward to reuniting with some of his old friends.

“We all get together in Summer League Baseball and show off our talent in front of the Major League Baseball scouts,” said Ferguson, who one day aspires to become a pro player.

However, he said he’s excited about returning to FMU where the Lions will get a chance to defend their World Series title next year.

“The plan for me next year is just to get bigger and stronger,” Ferguson proclaimed. “I want to be more flexible so we can win another ring and even go on and win the Conference ring.”

Ferguson is the son of Mary and Wellington Ferguson and he has a sister, Whitnety Ferguson, who is a medical doctor and two brothers, Deangelo and Jeremy Ferguson.

While he’s the only member of his family who played college baseball, Ferguson said he’s excited when he sees so many young people look up to him because of what he has achieved.

“It’s just good to see the young players playing in this stadium and they are getting the exposure,” he said. “They have their family members and friends watching them like they did when we played in December.

“So I’m happy. I see them walk by and we stop and talk about their game. It’s so good to see their interest in the game. I think this is a good step for us. Hopefully we will see some of them go on to play college ball and ultimately in the pro ranks.”

As for Ferguson, he said he has no regrets going to college rather than turning pro.

“I actually feel this is the best route for me, I think this is a blessing disguise for me,” Ferguson said. “I’m able to get my degree for free and I have something that I can fall back on if anything goes wrong playing the sport.”

While home, Fergjuson said he got the opportunity to work out with some of the pro players who are back here with.

“It’s been a lot of training, putting in the hard work,” he insisted. “I have been throwing with Devaughn Knowles, a former player with the New York Yankees organization.

“Don;t mind all of that. I had some fun as well. I haven;t been home in a while, but it’s been good. I just want to wish all of the local players every success as they look towards their future journeys, whether it’s in high school, college or the pros.”

Hopefully one day, Ferguson said he will get to team up with some of them on the men;s national team as he’s doing now with his Bahamian teammates at FMU.

In the meantime, Payne said he’s been so impressed with the facilities at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium, which was much better than the minor league facility they played their championship game in.

He noted that he can’t wait to get back to the United States to start the conversation to not only get FMU to bring the Lions; team to the Bahamas, but also some of their rivals to get a real home cultural experience.