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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesOutstanding Job by V.I. Ballplayers

Outstanding Job by V.I. Ballplayers

Dear Source:
There are so many topics to talk about this month that it is difficult to select one. For example, Michael Vick, another scandal with the National Republican Party, local education issues, crime and WTJX (Channel 12). While any of these would provide a timely and interesting discussion, I decided to talk about a group of our young men that makes me beam with pride each time I think about them. This group is the Junior League All Stars, who won the Latin American Tournament then moved on to play in the Junior League World Series in Taylor, Michigan. This team is so amazing! They ease painful memories of the disappointed faces of our past Junior League teams, who would play in the Latin American Tournament and return home defeated.
But not this time. This amazing team won the Latin American Tournament this year. Their win allowed them to go to the Junior League World Series where they won their first two games (final record: 3 wins, 2 losses). These wins, gained the team and the Virgin Islands recognition from people all over the world. What an accomplishment!
In a world that appears to prefer negative press, than positive, this time kudos should go out to the media especially Radio One for their coverage; and the sponsors who helped to keep us all engaged in supporting our Junior League All Stars (Latin American Champions) by their continuous coverage of the games.
Each game brought its own excitement! I remained on pins and needles from start to finish each and every game. I was filled with pride as I listened to our young home team, this first team to represent the VI in the Junior League World Series, meet the challenge and win. The VI was well represented. These talented youngsters presented themselves to the world as well behaved sportsmen. The Territory will get a lot of mileage from holding up these young people as models for their peers to emulate. Hopefully, an impression beyond the win will be made on our children who followed these games, as they learned how the team carried themselves as the eyes of the world looked on.
I also hope that the members of the team stay focused on their baseball careers as well as their education. Certainly, if guided correctly, some, or maybe the entire team, could have the opportunity to become a future member of major baseball leagues. I would like to encourage, Vincent Roberts, their manager, and their coaches Shawn Dowe and Rashawn Decastro to keep these young men together beyond baseball season. They should continue to play, practice and work together, preparing for next season. This off-season camaraderie can only serve to help the team to become even stronger next year.
Once again thanks to the Virgin Islands Champion ballplayers for doing an outstanding job. The members are Jibri Roberts, Akil Hansen, Akeel Morris, Aresenio Watlington, J'Koi Dowe, Geary Smith, Qadry Smith, Akai Henneman, Ashur Amaro, Frank Leanard II, Desean Lake Keithroy Charles, Shaquille Petersen, Troy Richards, their talented manager Vincent Roberst and coaches Shawn Dowe and Rashawn Decastro.
Lawrence Boschulte
St. Thomas

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