The newly formed BVILLBSA. From left to right: Edric Brahwaite, Al Frett, Natasha P. Julius, Clarence Freeman, Yovanny Fernandez. Back row; Raymond Fonseca, Clifford Christopher, and Elroy Henley. Photo: Charlie Jackson/ VINO

The Association will be seeking Charter Status from the home of Little League Baseball, Williamsport. Photo: Supplied

Aruba won the 2011 Caribbean Regional Championships in the USVI sparking "Chi- Chi" into action. Credit: stthomassource.com

It all started back in July 2011 when Raymond “Chi Chi” Fonseca switched on Channel 51 (CBN) and watched enthralled as he saw Antigua playing the United States Virgin Islands (USVI)in Little League Baseball.

The Tournament, the Caribbean Regional Little League Championship, hosted by the USVI, featured ten teams from around the region and was eventually won by Aruba who beat the USVI 4-2 in the final, but as “Chi-Chi” watched, one thing struck him as odd. “As I watched the tournament progress I began to ask myself why wasn’t the BVI represented!” he exclaimed.

Aruba would also go on to represent the Caribbean in the Little League World Championships.

Several phone calls later, and an idea became a possibility and then a reality as Fonseca called upon several of the Territory’s leading ex and current players, all of whom shared his vision.

Edric “Eddie” Brathwaite, one time President of the USVI Little League set up; Clifford “Cato” Christopher, one of the BVI’s biggest hitters; Al Frett, Yovanny Fernandez, Clarence “Bogie” Freeman, Elroy “Ellie” Henley, who once made a living playing ball and represented the Army and Navy; and Natasha P. Julius, whose family have all played at the highest levels, quickly joined up and the Association was formed.

Their mission is simple, “to provide a healthy and safe environment where Boys and Girls aged 6 to 18, can develop skills such as discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, conflict resolution and problem solving.”

As Al Frett explained their motto is also simple, “We aim to give back to our community through sports and specifically through baseball and softball.”

The Association has already begun regular visits to Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda as they aim, unusually for a sports association to build from the outer islands inwards. Freeman described the initiative as being well received by parents of players and also added that a field had been identified and cleared on Anegada to facilitate play. Also on Virgin Gorda, there is hope that their efforts will result in a new Little League park being established adjacent to the Recreation Grounds.

Not only parents are actively supportive, as the Virgin Gorda Sports Club has added their weight to the programme to ensure success.

“The support of the parents is key,” said Secretary Julius. “We really want them to come out, get involved and be a part of the Association.”

Whilst they are still to formalise all the necessary paperwork to incorporate themselves, become a Little League Charter and be recognised by Williamsport, the home of Little League, the Association is ready to start its first League on June 9 with 5-6 teams entered.

So far, all the expenses and provision of equipment has come out of the Member’s own pockets, but once fully operational, they will seek the sanction of the BVI Softball Association, the BVI Olympic Committee and also begin to seek sponsors.

“We want to do things right,” said Brathwaite. “We can’t be approaching sponsors and benefactors, of which some already exist behind the scenes, without being able to prove we are a well organised , professional set up, here to stay and mean business.”

As well as the local league, the Association has plans to enter a team into the next Caribbean Regional Championships as well as look into hosting the Tournament in the near future. They will be using as many of the Softball Fields around the Territory as possible.

Education is also a key element of the Association and they will be ensuring all players understand the importance of maintaining grades whilst playing.

The Association may have started slowly, but they have big plans and with the dedicated members already onboard, there is no doubting that their commitment and dedication will reap dividends.