Fight as one: Brotherhood fuels Region II baseball crew

LOS BANOS, Philippines – The group of newcomers representing the Cagayan Valley elementary boys baseball crew are trying to improve on their region’s disappointing 11th place finish in last year’s battle, and halfway through the Palarong Pambansa 2014 baseball wars, a unique bond among the group has given them a superior edge.

The reason for the early success of the Palaro first-timers can be traced to the antics they showcase on the field: boisterous chants from their benches, crazy celebrations on home runs, and an endless display of positive energy while in action.

And this rowdy, electric, and sometimes even rambunctious atmosphere has led the Region II batters to three straight wins in the elementary boys’ elimination battle, whipping Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Zamboanga Peninsula over the past three days.

Head coach Dulce Simotatel, Jr. attributes this strong showing so far to the collective effort and teamwork they feature.

“I always tell the guys to support each other as loud as they can because it helps in moral support,” said Simotatel who hails from the Quirino province.

Fighting as one

It is Simotatel’s Palaro debut, and his batters came from different schools and gathered for only a month. Yet the solid camaraderie their mentor has instilled among his troops has given the region an extra advantage.

“That is our secret. We have that mindset that whenever we play, we are one,” Simotatel told Rappler.

The Region II athletes flashed smiles on their faces all game long against Zamboanga; they matched those smiles with resounding chants that would ring in the UP Los Banos baseball field. At one point, the pitcher would dance while body bumps followed a home run.

“Teamwork is a big factor. Our bonding is solid and my boys have very manageable attitudes.”

Motivating over scolding

Simotatel added he plays the father role, likening the squad to a family.

“We are like a family. Whenever someone goes out, the rest shall follow. We never leave each other especially in training,” he shared.

He also cited the importance of not scolding the squad for miscues but instead to motivate them whenever they fall down.

“I am in charge of disciplining the team, but during the games I never scold or get angry at them. I just motivate them and remind them to stay focused and play together.”

Only placing 11th in last year’s tournament, Cagayan Valley has already come a long way halfway through this edition. And their brotherhood will likely make them an even tougher crew the latter stages of battle – a crew will fight as one and win as one.

– Rappler.com