[The KG9 Kid]

On a Caribbean cruise a few years ago (Royal Caribbean, not that awful Carnival) that stopped in Puerto Rico, we visited a tourist site in San Juan that overlooked a baseball field where two amateur teams were playing. I stopped for a moment just to see the score and noticed that the players were all teenage kids in some youth league. Probably seventeen year olds, if I were to guess their age.

I couldn't believe how good they were. Kids that damn near looked like grown men. I've seen good college and AAA ball clubs that these teenagers might be a match for. Impeccable diamond work, amazing outfielders, and the pitchers from both teams were riflemen. Batters had polished technique, follow through, and all the evidence of superior coaching and training. Even my wife was saying 'These kids are good'. You'd probably have to have one outstanding American high school baseball team to beat these kids. No doubt at least some of them would eventually end up in MLB. It was like watching Orlando Cepeda and Roberto Clemente at age 17.

They take baseball with great seriousness in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, believe you me.

[dfwgator]

Meanwhile our kids are too busy playing with their X-Boxes.