By Andrew Coakley

FN Sports Editor

Eugene Thompson II has been elected as president of the Legacy Baseball/softball Association.

The election of Thompson came during Legacy's Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election of Executive officers, which was held on Thursday, August 16.

Serving as vice-president of the League is Terry Wildgoose, with Steve Meadows serving as vice-president of Legacy Baseball and Nerissa Lockhart serving as vice-president of Legacy softball.

As all the Leagues are now in full preparation for the upcoming 2013 Baseball Season, President Craig Kemp and his Executive Committee takes this opportunity to congratulate the newly elected President H. Eugene Thompson II and his Executive Team of the LEGACY BASEBALL/SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION.

Legacy held its Annual General Meeting & Election of Executive Officers on Thursday August 16th 2012

"I wish to personally, on behalf of the Bahamas Baseball Federation (BBF), extend a well deserving congratulation to you and your entire slate of officers," BBF President, Craig Kemp wrote to the newly elected Legacy president.

"Rest assured, we are in FULL support of your leadership and will be there to assist however and whenever we can."

Thompson, who has been involved in Legacy Baseball for over 10 years in a variety of different capacities, is serving as president for the first time.

However, he feels that his experience within the league will go a long way in helping him perform his duties as president.

"We're looking forward to an exciting year in Legacy as we have a number of activities planned, all of which will focus on growth and development of players," said Thompson, in an interview with The Freeport News.

In a move towards development, Thompson revealed that Legacy has aligned itself with Little League Baseball internationally, which will give local players an opportunity to participate in regional tournaments later next summer.

Thompson said that they are also working closely with The Bahamas Baseball Federation on the national scene.

"We understand that nationally, there are three tournaments planned for the Family Islands throughout the new season and Legacy has pledged to participate in all three of those tournaments in the various age groups," said Thompson.

"Internationally, it is very important to give our kids that kind of exposure because it helps elevate their game to a whole new level.

"International play also prepares our kids for college.

"They get to be seen by scouts and many of them get the opportunity to obtain college scholarships.

"Besides, international play let's us know where our program is in relation to the world, especially in this region.

"We are in a very competitive region and so we have to keep our kids on that competitive edge."

Thompson admits that the National level is very competitive and although it can be extremely rought to come out on top, he noted that Legacy has won 11 medals over the past 10 years.

He said that they have put in place two training coordinators (Mr. Albury and Mr. Stewart) who have pledged to begin as early as October to work with the young players.

Larry Russell, a national coach, has also made a commitment to come in and assist the players of the legacy baseball program.

"We really want to concentrate on training and we want to start early with our training program," said Thompson.

"We hope that our focus on training will lead to more medals for Legacy baseball."

Legacy is not just about baseball and Thompson said that they have some exciting plans in place for Legacy girls softball, which is headed by Yvonne Lockhart and Nerissa Lockhart.

One of the changes to this year's softball action is the fact that most of the games will also be played at the YMCA field, where Legacy baseball is held.

"What we want to do is play some of the girls games with the boys games, so that the girls can get some of the highlights as well, where they can bring their fans as well," said Thompson.

"The girls also get an opportunity to get international exposure as well and we have plans in place for international tournaments. We have an exciting year planned for girls softball."

Newly Elected Officers:

* President – H. Eugene Thompson II

* Vice President – Terry Wildgoose

* V.P. Baseball – Steve Meadows

* V.P. Softball – Nerissa Lockhart

* Secretary – Stacey Knowles

* Treasurer – Yvonne Lockhart

* Asst. Treasurer Baseball – Allison Meadows

* Asst. Treasurer Softball – Trudy Wilson

* Player Agent – Lillian Carey

* Parents Committee Chairman – Sonia Knowles

* Parents Committee Asst. Chairman Softball – Michelle Laing

* Director – Steve Burrows

* Director/Media Relations – Greg Christie

* Director – Cleo Rolle

* Legal Consultant – Charisse Brown