Sportsman In Action Jesse Bernad

CEBU, Philippines - “Rekindling the fire of Cebu batted sports”

His name started to blossom in Cebu sports world just six years ago when he put up the batting cages at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Brgy. Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

What he did was so timely as batted sports in Cebu at that time was considered to be on a “dying” state especially with one group or association after the other suddenly became inactive.

Even some schools have ceased in offering athletic scholarships to baseball and softball players because of the very few activities related to batted sports here.

The good news is that here comes a sports-minded individual who, in his own little way, yearns to rekindle the passion of the Cebuanos to batted sports.

From the very beginning though, Jesse Bernad made it clear that he meant business in establishing Fastball Sportsventures, with hopes of providing the Cebuano batted sports enthusiasts a conducive venue to further hone up skills.

“This is my passion. Even when I was kid, I was on the Little League team up to high school. We didn’t have baseball varsity in UP so I didn’t get to play much in college. When I graduated, I decided to put up my business which is Fastball,” said Bernad.

Upon seeing the sad state of the sports he loved most, Bernad was inspired to go beyond his batting cages at the ASF by reaching out to different schools.

“I just wanted baseball (and softball) to be in the mainstream. Baseball’s problem here is that it is only limited to a few unlike football and basketball wherein a lot of people are eager to take part," he said.

Even student-athletes from private schools don’t know much about the sport until he put up clubs including at the Cebu International School, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu and St. Benedict Childhood Education Center among others.

In an effort to popularize the sport and make it available not only to the well-off but also to those in public schools and out-of-school youth, Bernad conducted free clinics and donated equipment and other sporting goods to the less fortunate ones.

Bernad was among those responsible for the coming over of Major League Baseball (MLB) legend Ken Griffrey, Jr. in Cebu to hold a free clinic two months ago. He was also instrumental in bringing the live action of the Baseball Philippine Series.

Bernad’s hardwork wasn't left unnoticed as he was among the 12 Filipino coaches sent by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to attend the spring training of the Arizona Diamondbacks in Scottsdale last month.

Bernad looks forward with excitement to share what he learned from the camp through a series of activities this summer.

In pumping up new life to baseball in this side of the country, Bernad is not taking it slow. He wants it fast and he wants to get things done right now. - THE FREEMAN