By Andrew Coakley

FN Sports Editor

Baseball in The Bahamas accounts for 45 young men entering U.S. high school and colleges for the first time in 2009, some of whom came out of the Legacy Baseball program, noted president of The Bahamas Baseball Federation, Craig "Salty" Kemp.

"This is major for our young men and for baseball overall," added Kemp. "We do not take this lightly."

During the official opening of Legacy's Baseball 2010 season on Saturday afternoon at the YMCA, Kemp noted that Legacy has developed a number of great ball players over the years, and he's convinced that it won't be long before the country witnesses professional players coming from the Legacy program.

"I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am about this program and the progress it has made over the years," said Kemp.

"You have some of the most dedicated and hardworking individuals I have ever had the privilege of working with. As a result, Legacy has been able to attract some knowledgeable individuals with great baseball minds and a will to serve.

"You have turned the organization into a program with fierce competitors who have gained the respect of their peers in local and international competitions."

President Kemp noted that it is not just the goal of the federation and island associations to teach boys the game of baseball, but to help mould young men, teaching them the acquired skills for manhood and to develop their character and self esteem, so that one day they would make a positive difference in the country.

Saturday's opening of Legacy Baseball marked the fourth league which president Kemp has been a part of. This, he said, speaks well for the future of baseball in the country.

As he reminded players, coaches and fans at the GB Little League opening last week, Kemp told Legacy players and fans that this year's National Little League Baseball Championships will be held here in Grand Bahama.

"It is the intention of The Bahamas Baseball Feder-ation to overwhelm Grand Bahama with baseball this year and in the years to come," added Kemp.

"Let me assure you that this will be a very active year for baseball in The Bahamas and Grand Bahama will be very instrumental in making these activities a success."

President of the Legacy Baseball League, Greg Christie said that the league has made great progress over the years and is looking forward to even more successes this year.

He noted that with the help of the YMCA and a number of corporate and personal sponsors, they have developed an A-1 playing diamond at the "Y" and are hoping to create another such field this season.

During the ceremony, president Kemp made a presentation of a championship banner to president Christie for the championship won last year by the 16-18 division.

"I must say that this group of young men who demonstrated their ability to play baseball in this division is about the finest we have seen in our country for a very long time," said Kemp.

"I truly believe that most of these young men will be the core of our men's national team in the future. You have a lot to be proud of and we are certainly proud of what they have accomplished."