Latest update February 4th, 2025 9:06 AM
E-Networks Inc. partners with GBL in search of talent
It is recognized as one of the most popular sport in the United States of America (USA) and there is little or no evidence of its existence in Guyana, but E-Networks Inc in collaboration with the Guyana Baseball League (GBL) is determined to bring the sport to Guyana.
From left: GBL Robin Singh, E-Networks Managing Director Vishok Persaud, Minister of Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, US Ambassador to Guyana Brent Hardt and Justin Prinstein and International scout for MLB franchise the Baltimore Orioles pose for Kaieteur Sport.
The two entities in the presence of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, United States of America Ambassador to Guyana Brent Hardt and Baltimore Orioles Scout Justin Prinstein sat in the company of Managing Director of E-Networks Inc Vishok Persaud and GBL President Robin Singh, at the sponsor’s location on Camp Street where they unveiled plans to showcase the game through Guyana’s first TV Reality Show which will search for talented pitchers and showcase the pursuit on ‘Channel One on the E-Networks Inc. Cable Network.
Persaud, speaking at the occasion spoke of early skepticism and some amount of humour when approached by Singh since he knew that the sport was not one that was played in Guyana and therefore would most likely not attract an audience.
He, however, admitted that he was gripped by the tremendous progress that the sport had made in a short space of time and the increasing fan base that it attracted so he felt that the two in combination with having a network to produce what was being done in high definition could work wonders and draw an even larger audience.
“I moved from skepticism to very interested and this was prompted after reflecting on our past when we produced legends in cricket which is a bat and ball sport so I questioned why not attempt to get one through baseball,” Persaud said.
He pointed out that it was an opportunity that he did not want to renege on since he felt it held the prospect of exposing talented youths and giving them a chance to shine.
Singh in his remarks said he was amazed at the growth of the sport in less than two years after it was launched, informing that its success was due mainly to how well the committee had worked at the Grassroots level, especially working with small pockets of players to develop and popularize the sport.
“We now have about 800 players involved in the programme and I can tell you that baseball is here to stay,” he stated.
He spoke of the League’s attempt to offer some amount of ease to those who would have missed the opportunity to play sports in their earlier years, adding that getting involved in baseball might help to bridge that gap.
Singh reminded that nation building is not only done in the classrooms and boardrooms, but on the field as well.
He said the collaboration is well suited to both organizations, E-Networks Inc as medium to promote what is being done by the GBL.
Prinstein, who has scouted in places such as Australia, Hungary, Holland among others said he was not fazed by coming to a country without any baseball history since he knew that cricket was a major part of its legacy and from earlier experiences, the latter tend to facilitate the growth of the other, since it mirrors each other in many technical aspects.
He said there are also advantages of gaining scholarships for talented players, especially those who combine their on-field skill with academic excellence.
Ambassador Hardt said it was a pleasure to be present at the occasion, adding that it was good to see the evolution of the sport in just two years.
He noted that it was indeed a pleasure to see the Organisers bring the American experience to Guyana, informing that while the two have slightly different mechanics, they are quite similar.
He, too, highlighted the fact that there are scholarship opportunities for those who combine academic excellence with on-field brilliance.
Dr. Anthony in his presentation admitted very little knowledge of the sport, but for a little research he had done shortly before his arrival.
He, however, stated that it was quite fascinating to see the heightened interest in the sport which has only been introduced to Guyana for just around two years.
Dr. Anthony said he was sure that Guyana could unearth the talent to go to the USA and excel at the highest level.
He praised the Organisers for granting the youths the opportunity to play the sport, adding that by televising it, the interest could then increase.
Also present yesterday were aspiring members of the GBL along with Coach Rabindranauth Seeram.
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