Xel-Ha Blog

Once the news was heard, it rapidly spread throughout the small community of 1,200 inhabitants like a rumour of something unbelievable, but with the ripping fuel of hope for the minimal possibility of actually coming true: Quintana Roo’s Tigers, the celebrated baseball team, was indeed visiting Chemuyil’s younger population on April 30th to commemorate Children’s Day.

Expectation was so great, that when the dream finally came true, the youngsters could not find enough ways to preserve the moment: those best prepared took their baseballs to be autographed, others received signatures on their notebooks, school uniforms, even on their own arms and legs.

For their very idols stood right before their eyes: the famous Matías “The Coyote” Carrillo, Luis Enrique Niebla, David Arguelles, Miguel Torres, Edgar Huerta and Santos Hernandez, along with charismatic “Chacho” and the members of the cheerleading squad: Yesica Coria, Evelin Campos, Michael Ibarra, Norma Vignola.

The team arrived firstly at Matilde Montoya Grade School, where students, perfectly aligned by class, patiently awaited protocol’s conclusion: speeches by headmaster Manuel de Jesus Villarreal, Ricardo Saenz, on Xel-Ha’s behalf, and Matias Carrillo, speaking for the Tigers of Quintana Roo.

But as soon as space was cleared for the picture, after the piñatas were presented, the schoolyard became chaotic: girls and boys alike approached the athletes, overwhelming the team with greetings and autograph requests. Their faces, lit up with happiness, were the best example of the passion stirred by baseball in this community whose baseball field was barely reopened in January. This after their field, rechristened “Samuel Mukul May” upon its reopening, was devastated by hurricane Wilma in 2005.

After visiting the school campus, Chemuyil’s baseball field was the ideal stage for the local little league team, “Leñeritos”, to receive playing advice from their lifelong idols. “Whether you play as pros or amateurs, baseball is always the same: warming up is indispensable, and you must always be concentrated and alert to every action, a single play can determine the outcome of a game.” This was the advice given by “Coyote” Carrillo to the young players as he shared this moment with the team.

On behalf of Edgar Huerta, the youngster received advice on how to deliver the ball when pitching, strategies to “strike out” their adversaries, and recommended taking good care of their physiques, since even minor injuries can result in slow recovery if not properly attended to.

In the meanwhile, dozens of girls enthusiastically followed members of the cheerleading squad that frantically attempted to sign autographs for them all. Mario Valenzuela, the Tiger’s manager, taken aback by the excitement of children and grownups caused by the visit, smiled in astonishment.

Martin Alonso Espadas Rosado, manager for Chemuyil’s little-league “Leñeritos” and an constant sports advocate in the region, considered the visit to be an unforgettable experience, and showed his heartfelt appreciation for the donation of equipment such as helmets, bats, balls, gloves, and uniforms, even though the equipment was not delivered on time to be debuted on that day.

As excited, or perhaps even more so, as the children, Rene Peña Cima, municipal delegate for Chemuyil and avid baseball fan, considered this a “historic moment” and acknowledged the Tiger’s extraordinary goodwill for lifting the spirits of children and youths alike with their visit.

An official Tiger’s uniform, signed by every member of the team, was presented to the community to commemorate the day, and appreciate the passion felt for “the National Pastime (of Mexico, too)”.

“There are moments in life that stay forever,” said Matias Carrillo, back at the school, when the time came to say goodbye. “We’re sorry we can’t stay as long as we would like to, but it has been a great pleasure to spend this special time together.”

Rene Peña’s contemplation captured this special Children’s Day celebration nicely. “In Chemuyil, this visit from the Tigers was not only a moment of joy for children. For many, it has been a life-changing experience, born from a life-changing force: sports, which dignifies and gives nobility to humankind.

This entry was posted on Friday, May 16th, 2008 at 9:43 am and is filed under Special Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.