The Tribune

FOR the third year in a row, ALIV is pleased to have not only served as a major sponsor but celebrated along with the Freedom Farm Baseball League on their 30th anniversary season opener.

Boys and girls from throughout the community packed the Holy Cross Church before marching to Freedom Farm Park for the official launch and scrimmage games held on Saturday.

During a short ceremony at the baseball field, Aliv chief Damian Blackburn reiterated ALIV’s commitment to supporting organisations like Freedom Farm that play an integral role in the development of baseball within the Bahamian community.

“Fresh off the heels of the Paradise Home-Run Derby held last week over at Montagu Beach, the derby was more than just a great event for all those who attended to see Bahamians who have excelled to the major leagues perform but it was also a necessary representation of why organisations like Freedom Farm are so important,” he said.

“Many of those who participated either passed through Freedom Farm or other leagues here in the Bahamas and have even come back to mentor the younger ones holding clinics and various camps to pass on their knowledge and experience.”

“We have believed so much in what Freedom Farm has done for the community, we also made sure we were in place during its launch over in Andros last year and we look forward to all that’s in store for the future. I want to say thank you not only to Freedom Farm president Greg Burrows for keeping this league of hope for many young person’s alive and providing them such a wonderful opportunity, but also thanks to the parents, coaches, family, other sponsors and friends involved who support Freedom Farm’s vision.”

Greg Burrows, president of Freedom Farm, told all those in attendance that he too is more than grateful for all those involved, sponsors, parents, coaches, kids who continue to help Freedom Farm strive.

“After 30 years, I’ve never seen an opening like this. So, I want to give all of those involved a big thank you,” he said. “I had something said to me the other day as we made a courtesy call on the Governor General. She leaned over to me and said that this is a wonderful thing that you guys are doing, and she also said we must look at making this the foundation or the base of national service for our young people.

“So, now I am seeking to understand exactly what Sir Lynden had in mind when he spoke to national service. I want all of you to walk with me as we seek to make sure our kids continue to be the best they can be through sports, culture or whatever it is they choose to do.”

Freedom Farm for the last 30 years plus has served as a non-profit baseball club consisting of 42 teams, which focus not only on developing excellent baseball skills, but also on building character, teaching unity through teamwork, and encouraging the pursuit of higher education.

The league sees players both male and female between the ages of four to 18 from all over the Bahamas and has seen several of its players make it to Major League Baseball. Names like Todd Isaacs Jr, Lucius Fox, Anfernee Seymour, DJ Collie and many more.