San Francisco State University Fil-Am makes waves in BP Series 5
Right-hander yields one hit and no runs in 5.2 innings for Cebu Dolphins
Lorenzo Ubungen pitches for the San Francisco State Univeristy Gators in California. (Photo - courtesy of owner)
In the past couple of BP Series', homegrown talents have been making good progess flashing great defense and swinging good bats. Its been keeping Baseball Philippines strong because it brings something new to the game every time. In addition to that, our local boys that have been playing baseball in the US such as the Borromeo brothers (Andres and Carlos) and Justin Zialcita have shown why US baseball is very valuable to Baseball Philippines. They have brought the discipline of the game which we are still inconsisten with, thus setting them apart from our regular guys.
The gates have now been open!
Lorenzo Ubungen, or Zo, has suited up for the Cebu Dolphins and has made an immideate impact to the game. Pitching out of San Francisco State University where the right-hander is a conference all-star, he simply amazed on the mound and baffled batters with a style of pitching that does not exist in BP; well, at least not on a regular basis. He caused such a buzz that around the league with his two game performance that when he left, folks were saddened by it. It likened to one of those singer promotional tours where the artists just sing two songs and split.
In the same light, this has been a two way benefit as Zo has experienced his home country in a different light as he was born in the US. This was his first time playing Philippine baseball.
Zo (left) flashes some hardware abroad alongside elder brother Florentino who happens to do backstopping duties for the Academy of Art Urban Knights. (Photo - courtesy of owner)"Playing for the Cebu Dolphins has been a wonderful experience. It has been a great opportunity to play at this level of baseball in the Philippines. I was able to renew old friendships and meet new friends and teammates. My teammates welcomed me and accepted me which helped my transition and made my experience an enjoyable and memorable one. Competing on the field alongside my teammates and against the opponents was thrilling.
Playing baseball and putting on the Cebu jersey was an honor. I felt privileged to play in my home country. Hopefully this opportunity will be available for me for the rest of my baseball career.
I am extremely proud and i also feel that my grandparents and ancestors would have been even more proud to see me playing baseball for the Philippines. I definitely look forward to next year’s baseball series.", said Ubungen.
What is in store for both?
Well, next season, both the Ubungen brothers -- Florentino who is a outstanding catcher for the Academy of Art Urban Knights -- look to come back and play in Baseball Philippines. Dennis Ubungen, father of the two battery brothers said that there was great potential for Zo's teammates and friends to come over and play during the summer.
This not only excites me for what it can do to the level of game, but for what it can do for the whole of baseball in the country.