RP baseball gets major league boost

Filipino pitcher Eugene (Geno) Espineli, who played 15 games for the San Francisco Giants in the majors this season, vowed to assist in the development of baseball here before ending his five-day visit yesterday.

Espineli, 26, threw out the ceremonial first pitch of Game 2 of the Baseball Philippines Series 4 finals between Cebu and Dumaguete at the Rizal Memorial diamond last Sunday. He also attended a PBA doubleheader, watched games of the Muntinlupa Kids Tournament of Champions, visited his mother Thelma’s hometown in Lumban, Laguna, and was feted by US Ambassador Kristie Kenney during his trip.

“Filipinos can excel in baseball like the Japanese and Chinese,” said the 6-4, 195-pound Espineli. “All it takes is the opportunity to play. From what I’ve observed, there is talent out there. And good coaching, too. I really must learn more about how sports is incorporated in the Philippine school system. It was in high school where I started to play seriously.”

Espineli said he is impressed with the progress of Baseball Philippines, now in its fourth season. “I understand every season is a step up,” he went on. “Before, I was told you could catch the games on radio. Now, they’re on TV. I’ve seen kids play with passion. In any way I can help, I will. I could do clinics. I think I connect easily with kids. I would love to come back as often as possible.”

At the moment, Espineli is locked into a six-year contract with the Giants. He was San Francisco’s 14th round draft pick in 2004 and has played for the Giants’ farm team the Triple A Fresno Grizzlies of the Pacific Coast League. Espineli would’ve suited up for the US at the Beijing Olympics but was called up to play for the Giants last July. The elevation may be providential because if Espineli had played for the US, he would’ve lost eligibility to see action for the Philippines - an option he’s considering for the future.

Espineli’s pro debut on the mound was auspicious, striking out the first batter he faced in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers. He posted a 2-0 record in 15 outings then was relegated back to the minors last October.

“It was an up and down season,” said Espineli. “But the Giants organization is totally behind me. Management is very encouraging, telling me to hang in there, that I’ll get my chance. I’m making the most out of my stay in the minors. I’m learning, improving and honing my skills. When my contract expires in two years, I’ll become a free agent and test the waters. Maybe, I’ll check out the Japanese league. If I ever play in Japan, I could visit Manila on my free time because it’s only a few hours flight away.”

Espineli, the youngest of three children and only boy, was born in Houston. He was only four months old when his father Leonilo, a UP engineering graduate from Cavite, died of a brain aneurysm at 35. His mother Thelma Macalalag, now retired at 60, worked computers for Chevron and raised the family by herself.

“I got Geno involved in sports at an early age,” said Mrs. Espineli. “He used to play pick-up baseball on two empty lots near our home. When he was in high school, he decided to concentrate on baseball instead of soccer. He liked basketball but wasn’t quick enough to be competitive. He wanted to be a catcher but because he’s left-handed, his coach encouraged him to pitch.”

Espineli got a partial scholarship to play on the University of Texas varsity for three years. As a sophomore in 2002, he was on the Texas squad that won the NCAA title. In his senior year, Espineli transferred to Texas Christian University where he started and led the varsity to the conference crown.

Espineli was only four when he first came to the Philippines. He was 13 on his second trip.

“This was just my third trip over,” said Espineli. “I never knew what the Philippines was really like except that it was my mom’s home country and I’ve always been proud to be Filipino. It’s like the US in many ways. I can imagine living a good life in the Philippines.”

Espineli said he hopes to pave the way for other Filipinos to play in the majors.

“You don’t have to throw hard to make it as a pitcher,” he said. “I never throw hard. I just try to outsmart everyone. I’d like to inspire other Filipinos to play baseball and someday, break into the majors.”

Espineli was invited to visit here by Ditto Borromeo and his family. Other baseball-loving Filipino families like the Martinezes, Manzanos, Suntays, Munozes Saluds, Remollos, Uytiepos, Lacsons, De la Cruzes, Hashimotos, Cruzes and Loyzagas welcomed Espineli, his girlfriend Lauren and mother during their visit.