BASEBALL fever is shooting up in the metro, as now, even the kids are active in the game. All eyes are on the International Little League Association of Manila (Illam) these days after a series of activities gave the youngsters a chance to prove their love for the sport. And show promise, too.

First, an opportunity for international exposure in Singapore in March where five Illam teams participated in the 2008 Southeast Asia Youth Baseball and Softball Tournament (SEAYBST).

Now, a just recently finished intense competition that was the 2008 Little League Philippine Series held from April 4 to 13 at the Ayala Alabang Country Club where three teams from the Illam ended up champions.

Meg Gayod of Illam proudly informed me that in that league, Illam fielded a total of seven teams, and five of them made it to the finals. Three won their respective championship matches. Junior League Baseball Illam conquered Muntinlupa, 16-5; Senior League Baseball Illam defeated Tanauan, 14-2; and Big League Baseball Illam prevailed over Makati, 5-1.

“San Miguel Corporation and Pioneer Insurance-powered Illam reigned supreme in the Junior, Senior and Big Leagues in the baseball category without having to go through the twice-to-beat games,” Gayod said, proud of the Illam kids and happy that more and more youngsters are into baseball and rekindling a love of the game that has been lost on the current generation that is so into basketball.

The winning teams will represent the Philippines in the Little League Asia-Pacific Regional Tournament in Saipan, CNMI, from June 2 to July 4, Meg added. The winners of the regional tournament will proceed to the World Series in the USA this August.

WHY do kids and baseball go together? The answer: parents. We always see those charming scenes of baseball Moms and Dads coaching and cheering their kids on in one baseball movie or other. Believe it. The parents are sometimes even more passionate than their kids when it comes to their sport.

According to the Illam web site, parents play a distinct role in their Little League program.  Little League is practically a volunteer adult work project. The parents themselves supervise and serve as administrators, coaches and umpires in the field. Parents are passionate because they are the backbone of the program.

It is they who maintain and raise projects to generate funds for the league. Their greatest joy, of course, is to see their kids having a great time, feeling all those powerful passions in their young spirits, and learning about the world and values through the game itself, and how it is conducted.

Gayod says baseball is one game where kids can train as early as three years old. “There is a special program for them and it’s called TBall.” Can you imagine little four or five year olds running around, doing their baseball moves so early? It’s the cutest thing. That’s why parents are around this sport a lot.

Tee Ball is actually the most popular youth baseball program in Little League, including other youth baseball leagues around the US, and has the most participants, says Marty Schupak, a long-time youth baseball coach and author of many books and videos about youth sports.

But sometimes parents can get overly enthusiastic or get carried away by their emotions. Schupak notes that “some overzealous parents who are very competitive will look upon their own child’s first tee ball experience as the Major League World Series.” He suggests that Tee Ball leagues promote a spirit of noncompetition at this early stage.

As far as Illam is concerned, parents’ support to their kids is of utmost importance. It doesn’t mean just being around during practices and games. It also means giving them courage and determination through positive reinforcement. Parents should practice with their kids and teach them how to always play by the rules.

ELSEWHERE, baseball rules as well. In the Palarong Pambansa, Bicol defeated Caraga yesterday, Calabarzon disarmed ARMM, and NCR bested Central Visayas. There is also the Baseball Philippines Series III Tournament—going full scale and spreading its heat all over the ball field.

Who says our love affair with baseball has faded? It’s back and it’s healthier than ever!

OVERTIME. Just a plug for that old college try. Attention: UP Alumni!!! Join the search for UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards and Special Recognition 2008. For details, please visit www.upalumni.ph. And a special hi to Atty. Ian who can’t wait for the UAAP 2008 season to start.

Son also rises

PUERTO PRINCESA—The National Capital Region (NCR) found itself making waves in the pool earlier this week. On Wednesday, it was the Big City’s foes on turf that was left eating tartan dust.

TICKETS! TICKETS!

BEIJING—Beijing organizers will try again to sell Olympic tickets online.

The final batch of domestic-market tickets—1.38 million—will go on sale beginning May 5, organizers announced Wednesday. Tickets will be sold at Bank of China outlets and on an official web site, with sales closing on June 9.

ADD Makisig Network to the list of contenders vying to become the next television coveror of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

A BUSY schedule awaits the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) ambassadors of goodwill when they set foot in Bacolod City for the 2008 Smart-PBA All-Star Weekend.

BORACAY—The sand, the sea and the sun remain as alluring. But for Jusabelle Brillo and Janez Armie Igot, they feel the pressure.

THE Philippine men’s and women’s dragon boat teams will see action in Malaysia and Macau, respectively, as they aim for an impressive showing for them to be able to vie in the First Asian Beach Games and eventually, the 2010 Asian Games.

BASEBALL fever is shooting up in the metro, as now, even the kids are active in the game. All eyes are on the International Little League Association of Manila (Illam) these days after a series of activities gave the youngsters a chance to prove their love for the sport. And show promise, too.