The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

WARREN Saunders became the latest local baseball talent to sign a minor league contract during Major League Baseball’s international signing period.

Saunders, a Grand Bahama native and product of the International Elite Sports Academy, signed with the New York Mets organisation to enter their minor league farm system.

The 19-year-old 6’3” 185-pound infielder signed before a group of friends, family members, baseball enthusiasts and his I-Elite schoolmates yesterday at the Holy Cross Parish Hall.

“I’d like to thank God for blessing me with the talent and ability to play the game that I love. I’d like to thank everyone that has given me the opportunity and support throughout the years, anyone that has never given up on me and sent me words of encouragement,” he said. “I’d like to thank my I-Elite family who has taken me in and made me a better player on the field as well as off. I would like to thank my grandmother, my father and my mother who couldn’t make it today, but they molded me into who I am and made it possible for this to happen.”

Cris Becerra, senior director of international scouting for the Mets, sent his regards and shared his excitement on the prospects of Saunders joining the organisation.

“We would like to officially congratulate and to bring on board Warren Saunders as a member of our 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.

“We congratulate him, congratulate everyone at International Elite Sports Academy, everyone in the Bahamas. This is a giant step for us obviously, not only recognising the talent of Warren but the talent that exists on those islands. It’s a huge day for us, I’m very excited and we look forward to more signings in the future.”

Saunders became the second Bahamian player to sign with the Mets organisation, following Jervis “Champ” Stuart.

In 2017, Saunders propelled Grand Bahama Little League to the Andre Rodgers national championship in the 16-18 division. The shortstop had six hits with four RBI for a batting average of .600 with seven stolen bases and was named the MVP.

International Elite Sports Academy is operated by directors Geron Sands and Albert Cartwright. It provides an avenue for players between the ages of 11 and 17 years an opportunity to hone their skills with the view of playing at the professional level.

“It’s been a long journey, but in many ways, his journey has just begun. There were many sleepless nights working tirelessly here at home, in Florida, in the Dominican Republic, just making sure this moment would happen,” Cartwright said.

“I think it’s important to note that everyone in this room has had a hand in this journey because it gets difficult.”

Saunders became the first Bahamian signed this year during the current international signing period which began July 2.

Perez Knowles made the transition to the professional ranks following the completion of his collegiate career and Chavez Fernander was drafted by the Detroit Tigers.

“We had to go back to the drawing board a few months ago, but with his perseverance and determination he made it happen. Many times he was trying to convince me not to stop because he was determined to make it happen. He’s a tremendous athlete, a tremendous person and anyone that knows him they know he is mannerly, respectful and anyone knows when he has a task he will get it done. Warren is a great ambassador for our country for International Elite Sports Academy and I’m proud to say that we had a part in helping him to fulfil his dreams of becoming a professional baseball player,” Sands said.

“It was a pleasure having him in our programme for the last two and-a-half years or so. Warren is from Freeport and to fulfil his dream he moved to Nassau and lived with Ms Yvette Deveaux. Her son Kiethron [Moss] signed last year, so while he was away in the Dominican Republic, she let Warren stay in her house and we owe a lot to her. That’s what the IE family is all about. We’re always talking about how much more work we have to put in to get where we want to get.”

Prior to Saunders, Courtney Smith was the last IE product to sign when he did so with the Texas Rangers in February. “Our goal has been to help these young men realise their dreams and take advantage of these opportunities,” Sands said. “We want these guys and their families to know that signing is not a goodbye from us.

“We will continue to support them and whatever they need, we are going to be there. We will always be there no matter what, through the tough times in the minor leagues you have to be able to prevail. He put in the work in the weight room, on the field, on the beach, and in school, so he deserves this and we have his back no matter what. These are people willing to put in that extra effort, put in that extra time and get that benefit at the end of the day. This is just the beginning of his career and we hope to see more major announcements to come.”