RP needs P8M to host 2001 Asian baseball

The Philippine Amateur Baseball Association led by Hector Navasero is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the successful staging of the 21st Asian Baseball Championship scheduled March next year at the Rizal ballpark.

Navasero, who appeared in yesterday’s PSA Sports Forum at the Holiday Inn Hotel, said preparations are underway although he admitted that they are still looking for sponsors to help them shoulder the expenses which might reach P8 million.

Navasero, who was joined by Baseball Federation of Asian secretary-general Yukichi Maeda at the forum, was scheduled to meet PSC chairman Butch Tuason yesterday afternoon. He will also seek the help of POC president Celso Dayrit for financial assistance.

Maeda is here for an ocular inspection of the Rizal ballpark which was recently renovated. Navasero said he does no see any problem with the Japanese official giving them the thumbs-up sign for the hosting of the six-nation tournament.

Aside from the Philippines, vying for the title are powerhouse teams from Korea, Japan, China, Chinese Taipei and the winner of the 4 As Championship scheduled in Indonesia early next year. The Blu Boys, according to Navasero, are now deep in training.

"We are fielding our best players for the tournament so we can give the rest of the teams a big run for their money. These visiting teams are of Olympic caliber but we are hoping that we can put up a good fight," said Navasero.