The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

BOTH Bahamian minor league players with New York Major League Baseball franchises begin their pro careers at the rookie level in the Gulf Coast League.

D’Vaughn Knowles is several games into his campaign with the New York Yankees’ - GCL Yankees East, while Warren Saunders is set to make his debut for the New York Mets with the GCL Mets. Through four games, Knowles has driven in a team leading five RBIs. The 6’1”, 161-pound outfielder signed with the Yankees a year to the day. He trained at the International Elite Sports Academy, following in the footsteps of his twin brother D’Shawn, currently with the Los Angeles Angels franchise (Orem Owlz - Pioneer League).

Yankees International scouting director Donny Rowland called the Bahamas an “emerging market” with quality athletes’ at the time of Knowles’ signing.

“There are major programmes that train and develops (players), are active in showcase events and involved with Perfect Game.

“The players are getting developed and playing against good competition. It’s an emerging market.’’ he told Baseball America.

“He is very athletic, plays centre field, can run and throw and we like his swing.”

Knowles originally signed with the Texas Rangers in 2017.

Saunders received his first assignment with the Mets after he signed with the franchise last August.

Saunders, a Grand Bahama native and another product of the International Elite Sports Academy, is a 20-year-old, 6’3” 185-pound infielder listed as a shortstop on the team’s depth chart.

Cris Becerra, senior director of international scouting for the Mets, spoke about his excitement on the prospects of Saunders joining the organisation.

“When you first talk about Warren you talk about his size and athleticism, that stands out.

“Those are very important to us obviously as a baseball organisation, but more importantly than that, when you get to know the young man you find out he’s a tremendous individual.

“A very well mannered young man with his head on straight.

He will do tremendous things, not only in baseball but in life and that’s what this is all about,” he said.

“This is a giant step for you obviously, not only recognising the talent of Warren but the talent that exists on those islands,” added Becerra.

The Gulf Coast League is one of two rookie leagues in conjunction with the Arizona League.