For the Love of Baseball

Story and photo by Ashley Burroughs

SYRACUSE, N.Y. –  The Akadema Prospects were in the stands as the Syracuse Chiefs came from behind to top the Louisville Bats on a walk-off three run home run by Alejandro De Aza at NBT Bank Stadium Thursday night.

They watched with excitement from behind home plate, wearing their uniforms and joining other fans in a frenzy at the end of the game. And, no doubt, hoping for a similar ending to the reason they came Syracuse in the first place.

Traveling team

The Akadema Prospects play in the 14-year-old traveling baseball division and they came all the way from Long Island, N.Y. to Syracuse because that's where this summer's big tournament was and the opening event was a visit by all the competing teams to the Chiefs game. 

Prospects head coach Dan Padrazo said he put his team through a vigorous schedule preparing for this year's tournament. 

“A lot of practice, games, and a little bit of discipline,” Padrazo said. The tournament consists of three games and if the Prospects were to win all three the team could play for the championship. The first opponent the Syracuse Sports Zone on Friday.

However, Thursday night was all about the team having fun and bonding over a sport they all love and admire.

Opportunity and respect

“Baseball is my life. I grew up playing as a kid," Padrazo said. "I got an opportunity to play in college and I have the opportunity to coach these young men.” 

Padrazo is in his second year as head coach and he says the hopes his players continue to learn and understand the great game of baseball.

One of his players, Ryan Bertsch, 14, said he found his love for baseball at a young age by playing and watching games. While playing for Padrazo he gained valuable lessons about the game. 

"I learned to have a lot of respect for other teams, a lot of fundamental work, and not to do stupid things because you never know who is watching,” Bertsch said.

His ultimate goal is to play baseball in college and one day compete at the professional level. Bertsch found his inspiration about this sport from his coach. 

“He knows a lot about the game, he has taught me a lot, and he is a great guy,” Bertsch said.