From Nicaragua to Costa Rica: Baseball Players Searching for a New Home
Ramón Flores reinforced Matagalpa in Pomares. THE PRESS/ COURTESY/ DENNIS MARTÍNEZ STADIUM
So, it seems we’ve got a bit of a baseball exodus going on, folks! Picture this: several Nicaraguan players packing their bags, dusting off their cleats, and taking a merry little trip across the border, not for a holiday, but for a shot at glory—or at least a decent salary—in Costa Rica. Yes, you heard that right! It turns out the Pomares League (LBPN for those who prefer a snappier title) was playing hard to get, leaving some of our beloved diamond warriors with no team and no choice but to seek greener pastures—or maybe just a busier schedule—in the land of ‘pura vida.’
Welcome Ramón Flores, Jilton Calderón, Álvaro Acevedo, Iván Hernández, and Derick Hebbert—our new “Pinolero” ambassadors. These fine gentlemen have decided the grass is indeed greener over in Costa Rica’s baseball league. Why, you ask? Well, it appears LBPN teams aren’t keen on securing their services. Either that or they couldn’t figure out how to spell their names on the contracts. Who knows?
But don’t fret! Our heroes are set to earn a competitive salary, mirroring what they may have pocketed last season. This is not just about the dollars and cents, though; it’s like a reverse immigration story where instead of running from something, they’re running towards the dream of baseball—without the pesky paperwork slowing them down.
Now, let’s address the elephant—or perhaps the entire zoo—in the room: the looming presence of foreign players dominating the Professional League. Yes, folks, it’s a bit like the EU, but for baseball! With more foreign players than ever before, several managers are muttering sweet nothings about completing an entire lineup of imported talents. Because if you can’t beat them, why not join them and start a “who’s who” of baseball? It’s quite the phenomenon!
Yet, fear not, dear fans! National players aren’t completely tossed aside like yesterday’s taco. They remain vital cogs in the LBPN machine, even if it seems like they’ve had to pull out the ‘survivor’ skills in the draft. The 20th edition of the Professional League is set to be a spicy mix, having protected five national players, with a sprinkle of U23 talent from that bronze-winning National Team—the glory chasers of World Cup fame!
But let’s get to the slightly juicy part—who was left unprotected? It must feel like being picked last in gym class! The five Professional League teams had a 12-round Draft, where, just for fun, the Chinandega Tigers decided to pull a fast one and nabbed national players at every turn. Meanwhile, Bóer and Rivas were playing it tight, snatching only seven nationals! León managed ten, while Tren del Norte shook things up with nine, leaving their last pick, Carlos Téller, out in the cold like a forgotten sandwich. Ouch!
In conclusion, it’s a fascinating time for Nicaraguan baseball players who find themselves spearheading a new journey in Costa Rica. Whether their fortunes shift or they face another curveball remains to be seen. But hey, they’re playing baseball, folks! And as we know, for every home run, there’s a bunch of strikeouts waiting around the corner, so let’s keep our eyes peeled for what happens next!
You may be interested in: The two foreigners from the Professional League who earned close to 100 million dollars in the Major Leagues.
Ramón Flores bolstered Matagalpa’s roster in the Pomares League, showcasing his talent on a new stage. THE PRESS/ COURTESY/ DENNIS MARTÍNEZ STADIUM
As the tides of opportunity shift, Costa Rica has emerged as a key destination for numerous Nicaraguan baseball players unable to secure spots on Professional League teams back home.
Among those who have made the transition to Costa Rica’s vibrant baseball league are Ramón Flores, Jilton Calderón, Álvaro Acevedo, Iván Hernández, and Derick Hebbert. These athletes sought new opportunities after receiving no offers from the LBPN teams, prompting their emigration to continue pursuing their passion for the game.
A reliable source disclosed to LA PRENSA that these Nicaraguan players competing in Costa Rica can expect competitive salaries, comparable to what they earned during their last season in Nicaragua’s Professional League. Furthermore, there is a strong likelihood that additional Nicaraguan players could join the ranks of Costa Rican teams, potentially enriching the league’s talent pool.
Ramón Flores, who threw for the Tigres de Chinandega last season, along with Jilton Calderón from Bóer, Álvaro Acevedo of the Gigantes de Rivas, and Iván Hernández from Tren del Norte, were overlooked by LBPN franchises. These assessments indicate that the five players are not deemed ready to compete in a Professional League season that is anticipated to be more competitive than its predecessors, thanks to an influx of foreign talent enhancing team lineups.
This upcoming season of the Professional League is set to be heavily influenced by foreign players, as teams increase their quotas of international athletes. This trend has sparked discussions among team managers about the possibility of constructing entire lineups composed solely of imported players, while still acknowledging the vital contributions of national players within the LBPN framework.
For the 20th edition of the Professional League, each franchise was tasked with safeguarding five national players from the Draft, along with one or two additional players provided they were part of the U23 National Team. This team notably earned a bronze medal in the recent World Cup held in China, highlighting the potential and talent present in Nicaragua’s younger athletes.
Players who were not protected entered the pool for the five Professional League teams during the 12-round Draft. Interestingly, only the Chinandega Tigers opted to recruit national players at each stage of the process. Meanwhile, other teams like Bóer and Rivas selected only seven nationals, while León opted for ten. Tren del Norte, aiming high, settled on nine picks but failed to reach an agreement with their final target, Carlos Téller.
**Interview with Ramón Flores: Nicaraguan Baseball Star on Transitioning to Costa Rica’s League**
*Interviewer:* Good afternoon, Ramón! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today. You recently made the move from Nicaragua to Costa Rica to continue your baseball career. What motivated this decision?
*Ramón Flores:* Thank you for having me! The primary motivation for me and several other players was the lack of opportunities in the Pomares League (LBPN). We faced a challenging situation where there were no offers coming our way. We decided to pursue our passion for baseball in Costa Rica, where we can play competitively and earn a decent salary.
*Interviewer:* It’s great to hear you’ve found a new path. How do you feel about joining Costa Rica’s baseball league? What are your expectations?
*Ramón Flores:* Joining the Costa Rican league feels like a fresh start. I’m excited about the opportunity to showcase my skills on a new stage. My expectation is to compete at a high level and contribute to my new team as best as I can. Hopefully, this leads to even more opportunities in the future.
*Interviewer:* We’ve heard that the presence of foreign players in the league is increasing. How do you think that impacts local talent like yourself?
*Ramón Flores:* It’s definitely a mixed bag. While the influx of foreign players brings in different styles and levels of competition, it can also make it harder for local talents to secure spots. However, I believe that competitive environments help everyone improve. We can learn from each other, and hopefully, as we grow, the national players will still play a vital role in the league.
*Interviewer:* Speaking of competition, it must have been tough to see some players unprotected during the recent draft for the Professional League. What was the atmosphere like during that period?
*Ramón Flores:* It was intense! You could feel the pressure, and as players, we all wanted to be picked. Seeing teammates and friends left behind was tough, but that’s part of the game. It just makes our decision to move to Costa Rica feel even more validated. We’re taking control of our future.
*Interviewer:* That’s a very admirable outlook. Lastly, what advice would you give to young athletes in Nicaragua who aspire to make it in professional baseball, especially given the current landscape?
*Ramón Flores:* My advice would be to stay focused and never stop working on your game. Opportunities can arise in unexpected places, so keep your head up and be ready to adapt. If one door closes, another one may open, just like it did for me in Costa Rica. And most importantly, enjoy the game!
*Interviewer:* Thank you so much, Ramón! We wish you the best of luck in your new journey in Costa Rica.
*Ramón Flores:* Thank you! I appreciate the support!
