Andres and Carlos Borromeo exclusive
The Borromeo brothers tells the Manila Standard
Andres Borromeo(left) receives his "Male Pirate" Award from Porterville College. (Photo - courtesy of Dito Borromeo)
Baseball has always been a sport that the Filipinos should develop because it is a sport that we can truly excel in internationally, given the proper training and funding. At the same time, our physical attributes are more attuned to this game which doesnt necessarily need height to dominate.
Aside from the chance to make a good living by playing in the neighboring countries like Japan, Korea, and Chinese Taipei, it can also be a great means to get a college scholarship and earn a degree in the United States.
Carlos Borromeo receives his "Scholar-Athlete of the Year" Award from Porterville College. (Photo - courtesy of Dito Borromeo)Two talented Filipinos have already taken this route, Andres and Carlos Borromeo.
Currently playing at Porterville College, the brothers were among the top players in the country when they opted to take their game to the US. Besides assuring themselves of a top level education, they have enhanced their chances of greatly improving in the sport since the United States has a multi-tier system for baseball players.
So far, they have impressed their coaches with their talent, dedication, and work ethic that their athletic department is already looking at getting more players from the country through JBP or BP tournaments.
Incidentally, the San Francisco State College is likewise very pleased with their Filipino boys, the Ubungen brothers- Lorenzo and Florentino.
Lets get to know the Borromeo siblings a bit better upon talking with them during their recent trip to Manila.
MANILA STANDARD: How did it feel competing locally again in Baseball Philippines?
(Andres): It felt good to play on a local team again. It was a good experience to see how the level of competition has evolved over the years.
(Carlos): It felt great. I always enjoy playing, and being given a chance to compete at another level gives us all the opportunity to get better and make ourselves known on the baseball map. Playing here at home after our exposure in the States was both fun and at the same time gave me a good feeling – to be able to come back and share with my teammates what I learned playing in the US.
MS: How was the experience of playing collegiate ball in the United States?
(Andres): Playing college baseball in the USA has to be the highlight of my playing career. The competition was tough. It was a good chance for me to see how I matched-up against very talented American and International players. I guess you can say that the determination paid off as after my last season at Porterville College I was awarded a Golden Glove for 3rd base by our Central Valley Conference. My brother Carlos was also given the school’s Student-Athlete award for being an outstanding pitcher and top student at the same time.
(Carlos): It was a real eye opener. It gave me a whole new perspective of how the game should be played. The thing is that I don’t think anyone can really learn and appreciate what we went through without actually experiencing it themselves. But having had a chance to play in Baseball Philippines, run clinics for the younger players in Alabang and helping to coach our Alabang team that played in the Asia Pacific Regional Tournament was a good way for us to share what we learned.
MS: What particular aspects have you learned while playing in college?
(Andres): I learned a lot about the game and playing a different style of baseball. It helped me grow as a player and as an individual. I learned the importance of patience and the need to be extremely disciplined. Baseball is like a marathon unlike other sports where they don’t play as many games. So it is important to be mentally and physically prepared everyday once the season starts.
(Carlos): What really stuck with me were two things that my college coach always reminded us to do. Rule # 1 – Always play hard and Rule # 2 – Always be on time.
MS: What are your future goals after this? The Minor Leagues first? What about the RP national team?
(Andres): My goal after this is to continue to help develop the younger divisions in the Philippines. I would like to share with the youth whatever I have learned playing in the USA. I am excited to help motivate them towards achieving whatever goals they set for themselves.
It is not “just” being able to play in the Minor Leagues. You have to understand that competition in the USA is extremely tough and not everyone has a shot at becoming a professional athlete. College baseball is itself a very tough program. I still have two years of college left. I will see how it goes from there.
As for the RP team, I feel that is something very important to tackle. It is always an honor and a privilege to represent one’s country.
For the Philippines though to fare well in international competition, I feel you need to have a team that can compete at a high level globally. This requires mental and physical preparation. You need to have a program that keeps the players up to date on the latest training regimens, frequent exposure to game conditions and quality competition overseas and not just at home.
Even our coaches need as much if not more exposure on how the games are played at the highest levels. This way, both coaches and players are prepared to positively react to challenging game conditions and situations.
Observing how the game is played in America and based on my own experience, I know that Filipinos have the skills to go all the way. But to get there, one needs to have the mental toughness to persevere and be ready to face competition each step of the way. And of course, luck and getting the breaks will go a long way in helping out.
(Carlos): I want to try go as far as I can. This coming year my brother and I are moving up to a bigger school – the University of Oregon. They play Division 1 baseball. At the same time Oregon also has a very strong Club Baseball program that has seen the school play in the Club Baseball World Series, held each year in Florida. We will give this opportunity a shot, and hope for the best.
As for the Minor leagues, no one can really plan to make it to this level, let alone the major leagues. It just happens to you if you get lucky enough to be seen among thousands of top class players and are able to show something that is unique that catches the eye of the scouts. Beyond this through, if we can play for the country at some point that would be an honor as well. As Baseball Philippines likes to put it, Let’s Play the Game!!!.