Courtesy of: The Morning News
Dedication of the Xander Bogaerts Stadium inaugurates the “Dare to Dream” Foundation events
Yesterday morning, island dignitaries gathered at the Centro di Bario Lago Heights for the inauguration of the fully renovated neighborhood ballpark as “Xander Bogaerts Ballpark.” Aruba’s native son, Major League player Xander Bogaerts, who won his first World Series ring only a few months after being called up from the minors by the Boston Red Sox, was present for the official unveiling.
Assisting Xander in uncovering the sign was Aruba’s Minister of Public Health, Elderly Care and Sport, Dr. Alex Schwengle and Minister of Economic Affairs, Communications, Energy and Environment, Mike de Meza.
Together they welcomed Director of Little League Latin America, Carlos Pagan, who was on island providing a training program for local Little League volunteers.
Prior to the official unveiling, a baseball and bat were presented by the two ministers to Ken Lukas, President of the Lago Heights Neighborhood Association, and Valentino Peterson, manager of the ball field, and acknowledged by all as a driving force behind its renovation.
The official re-naming of the field opened a festive day of events organized by Xander Bogaerts’
Dare to Dream Foundation and sponsored by SETAR, Aruba’s national telecommunications company, and Balashi Brewery, bottlers and distributors of Coca Cola on Aruba.
Two weeks ago, Xander and his mother, Sandra Brown, announced the founding of Dare to Dream, to assist island youngsters without the means with the funding for baseball uniforms and transportation to Little League games and practice. They also hope to provide funds for other worthy needs for youth, outside of baseball, such as additional scholastic tutoring for those who cannot afford it.
Both ministers commended Xander on his international success, and described him as an example for all island children of taking one’s talent to the pinnacle of the world arena through dedication and tenacity. Mr. Pagan, who had followed his career closely, confided he believes Xander will likely be one of the Major League’s top players within a few years, barring any injury. “He has everything it takes to be a star athlete in the Major League,” he told THE MORNING NEWS. “He is a wonderful role-model for all Aruba’s young, aspiring ballplayers.”
The full day of activities and the opportunity for island children to interact with Xander, began with the inaugural game of the ABBA Little League Playoffs between the Marlins team of Noord against the White Sharks of San Nicolas. The winners will eventually compete for the Caribbean Little League Championship title, and if winning it, they will go on to the Little League World Series.
