The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

ABSENT from the medal round in the 11th Andre Rodgers National Championships were perennial powerhouses Freedom Farm Farmers.

Following a dispute during a matchup in the Major division, Farmers coaches removed the team from the field of play and withdrew from the tournament, forfeiting three gold medal games in the process.

Bahamas Baseball Federation president Craig Kemp called the matter “unfortunate,” particularly to come near the end of the four day tournament.

“Without elaborating too much on what happened I will say that it is unfortunate that this course of action was taken and that decision was ultimately made,” Kemp said. “There is still more investigation to be done on exactly what happened, and perhaps there were things that could have gone differently, but we have to remember that ultimately this tournament is about the kids, about granting them this opportunity to showcase their skills in this tournament. We have to remember that every decision we make should be based on them and having their interest at heart, but we will do further investigations on the matter and more updates will be available soon.”

After missing the 2011 tournament, Freedom Farm won four of the six contested divisions in 2012 when they took the Coach Pitch, Minor League, Major League and High school divisions.

Freedom Farm representatives could not be immediately reached for comments.

Players in the tournament had a prime opportunity to showcase their skills before a number of influential Major League Baseball scouts.

The BBF welcomed Jim Stoeckel, director of global scouting for the MLB’s Cincinnati Reds, and Fermin Coronel, global consultant for the club.

Stoeckel was the scout who signed the Bahamas’ own Jamal Johnson.

The BBF also took the opportunity to highlight local icons of the past and present.

Lifetime achievement awardees included Lorenzo Donnie Lockhart, Eddie Ford, Jeff Williams, Lionel Ferguson Sr and Rico Hamilton.

Jervis “Champ” Stuart received the “Outstanding Achievement Crystal.” Stuart was selected by the New York Mets in the sixth round with the 176th pick.