POND ISLAND--Oscar Crispin has returned to St. Maarten for the holidays. Crispin, age 16, currently attends a baseball academy in La Romana in the Dominican Republic.
His first day here to visit family and friends was spent on the Little League ball field. Crispin wanted to share his experience in an academy with former team mates and the new players coming up.
“It’s hard being in an academy,” said Crispin. “You’re away from your family and friends. You will make new friends but you’re busy all the time.”
The day starts early for those who want to be professional ball players. It is up at sunrise, a run on the beach, breakfast, exercise and then onto the ball field to train.
“We only play games on Saturday,” said Crispin. “It’s very competitive. “
He explained the games are fine, but the process of training and earning a spot on the field or even better a try-out, is difficult.
“There is always someone behind you looking to take your spot,” said Crispin. “You can never rest.”
Crispin told the boys he has already done a few try-outs and hopes to sign this summer when he turns 17.
“In my first try-out I was nervous.” Crispin told the boys that the first try-out was a disaster. “Then I did a second one and that went much better.”
Crispin told the boys the only secret to success is hard work. “You have to hit balls, field and most importantly run every day.
