This is how it started..

Xander's very first club ball team, the PUMAS. Is ran by Jay Matos. He has always been very good to Xander and our family. Though we left the pumas (at no fault to Jay) we have always stayed in contact with Jay. In fact we are currently playing with CBA now (not we, Xander.. I dont play.. ha). So Jay hosts many events, he held a large try out for who ever wanted to come (not just CBA/ Pumas). Art keeps up on these baseball events, and had us go. 
These men flew all over the country holding these tryouts to hand pick kids of different ages to form teams to represent America to play in a large tournament in the Dominican Republic.

About the LABC World Games

Held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic for the past 34+ years, the LABC World Games is the largest international baseball event of the year. Since 2007, Big League Edge has held the only United States bid into the LABC - forming national teams from 35+ tryout events held across the States. Annually attracting over 5000 athletes nationwide, the LABC is THE premiere baseball opportunity of a lifetime.

ATTEND A USA-LABC NATIONAL TRYOUT

Annually attracting over 5000 athletes nationwide, over 35 national tryout events are held every year across the States. Whether you feel you have the skills to represent or believe you CAN represent, attending USA-LABC National Trials is an experience all in itself. If you cannnot attend, send a video to Info@bigleagueedge.com.

1. Get evaluated by the USA-LABC national team coaching staff of MLB, MiLB, and NCAA baseball coaches.

2. Grow your game by competing for one of the most prestigious baseball opportunities around.

3. Every tryout includes an education process into top level baseball, NCAA recruiting, and analytics training.

4. See if you have what it takes to be considered as one of the best in the Nation.

"Our goal is to find baseball players whom compete. There is a lot of talent in the United States, but the prospect pool decreases significantly when focusing upon baseball smarts. We have joined forces with top travel baseball organizations and facilities all across the Nation, and it has been a tremendous asset to our cause."

We go to this try out. There were so many kids. Xander just had this defeated look on his face when he saw the amount of kids there. He just didnt think he couldnt stand out in this crowd. He just went in to have fun at this point, and let go of the pressure.. and of course when Xander gets into that mind set, he plays the best. He goes up to bat.. and BAM.. hit after hit. He put his catching gear on, and did amazing there too.

Towards the end of this long day, they thanked everyone for coming and said they would call out names for kids to stay back. I completely missed them saying his name, because they called "Alexander Hernandez". Used to hearing "Xander". 

So we stayed after. These were the boys who made the first cut. The coaches left, and would get in contact with us. if we made the final cut.

Then we get this email:

Dear Alexander,

I want to be the first to extend you the honor of being selected to represent the United States of America in the LABC 2017. This prestigious event pits Nation vs. Nation for one week in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on August 2-8, 2017.

Your commitment to the game has brought upon this once in a lifetime opportunity that will not only grow your athletic skills, but you as a young man. Being led by NCAA baseball coaches and former MLB personnel while playing with top prospects from all across the Nation is nothing short of exceptional.

Although we are in the beautiful Caribbean at a white sand beach resort, we are there to win and this comes with both responsibility and perspective.

For more info on the opportunity, CLICK HERE

Go USA!

Jim Parque

President

and the final roster:

He recently met the player Xander Reed, He also plays for CBA. He lives in Arizona. That is the only player his age he has met. There is a younger player going, who he knows: Kamdyn Perry, he plays CBA as well. 

So we leave LATE August 1st. like 11pm late.. ugh. We end up in the Dominican August 2nd later in the day. 

Where are we staying? 

"All inclusive hotel accommodations are at the Be Live Hamaca in Boca Chica, DR.  This all inclusive resort is located on a private white sand beach of the Caribbean Sea. Hotel room(s) provided are upgraded beachfront rooms to ensure quality and comfort"

I'll be here when we arent at the ball fields..

 and here..

Art will probably spend time here..

Possible rooms:

The teams get to practice on one of the MLB fields:

http://mlb.mlb.com/dr/academies.jsp

Diamondbacks, Cubs, White Sox, and Orioles.

They will play on private club fields in Santo Domingo, DR and MLB complex fields.

They are playing against teams from other countries.

The wifi at the hotel isnt great, the lobby is free. so I will document our time in the Dominican daily (if possible) at least on "paper" then update the blog when I am able. Or when we return.

Stay tuned!