Rec Baseball, San Salvador

Written by Kyle about El Salvador. Feelin' excited

When we arrived in San Salvador, I kept hearing about the Barracudas, a Rec League baseball team that played (and usually lost) every week. So, I went to see them in action. Soon thereafter, I realized that I had enough skill to play for this team, so I signed up. Now, finally, after a delay because of weather and missed game because our team showed up 1.5 hours late (oops!), I was able to play some baseball in San Salvador.

Let me start by saying the atmosphere for these games is pretty awesome. We are able to play in the same baseball stadium that the national team plays and that probably holds at least 1,000 people (if that many ever showed up). The field is well maintained with the crass always cut short and the infield dirt nice and tidy. The outfield walls are lined with advertisements for local companies. In short, tt's not major league level, or anything, but it is still cool to play in a real sized stadium with lights, concessions, umps, and spiffy uniforms.

How's the actual game play, you ask? Well, it ain't pretty, but it works. The league provides pitchers and catchers so that at least we don't hurt each other trying to hurl balls like major leaguers. Some of the other teams "practice", so this "practicing" thing makes them field and hit a little better than us. We are usually able to get 5 or 6 runs across, but unfortunately the other team usually gets 15+...

Now, being this is Central America, the league does have its Central American qualities. For one, we've heard that the other teams bribe their league-appointed pitchers to pitch well. In fact, I think we are the only team that does not pay the pitchers. Secondly, some games have been forfeited because one of the teams was using a professional softball player from Guatemala (Who knew there was a professional softball league in Guatemala??). Lastly, some of the teams pay their better players to play on their team. Not to use a stereotype or anything, but, really? Is it possible to do anything by the book down here?

So, how did I do? Well, after 2 games, my box score would look something like this:

AB H RBI SO AVG
8 2 1 2 .200

Me at bat Beating out the throw from 3rd...

So, you know, I'm not doing that bad, but if you're looking for me on your fantasy team, you might want to consider someone else. Of course, I do feel a hot streak coming on....

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June 11, 2008 Kristine: Kyle, you soooo rock! My brother's in the "big leagues" now... a real stadium with lights and everything! Let me know when your trading card comes out because I SO have to have your rookie card. It'll be worth some major pesos, I'm sure... :)

June 11, 2008 Kyle: I can send you an autographed hat and jersey. I'll even keep the sweat on it for you!

June 11, 2008 todd: dang. I am so jealous. I have to play rec softball with a bunch of beer bellied, loud mouth jerks to try to relive my boyhood dreams. But you go play in a real stadium, with uniforms and such. Ya know all the great big leaders are coming from Latin America. So maybe you'll play for the Royals soon. Cuz. They still suck. Way to be. Way to be.

June 11, 2008 Kyle: I hear that last year there was an announcer that would say your name when you went to bat. Hopefully, we can re-instate that. That would complete my boyhood dream. That and playing with Andre Dawson.

June 11, 2008 shawna & gary: Well......when you come back and are playing in a league here we will come cheer for you. Just like your mom would have (very loud!!). You could pay Gary and he would come pitch. Sounds like you are having lots of fun!! Thanks for sharing your minor league debut!!

Love Gary & Shawna

June 11, 2008 Kyle: I think that Gary would try to brush me back from the plate by throwing a couple inside...

June 11, 2008 kyle: now that you're playing baseball in central america, you can tell scouts that you're only 19.

June 11, 2008 Kyle: Where do you think this is, the Dominican Republic? There's no way I'm going to tell scouts that I'm 19 when I'm clearly 16.

June 16, 2008 Linda: Kyle......although the Cubs are on quite a roll now, history tells us that they will fade toward the end of the season. Considering your new San Salvador experience, you should e-mail the Cub front office your YouTube video for consideration. Just think.....they see your talent, they send a private jet to whisk you to Wrigley, final game of the season...Cubs need this game to be in the World Series...score tied in the bottom of the ninth....bases loaded....two out.....you swing...........ok....you finish the dream anyway you imagine. I can see the parade down State Street now............

June 16, 2008 Bessie: I don't care what Kyle says, I'm sold! I can do the baseball player's wife role. Money manager, awww yeah! :)

June 19, 2008 Brooke: If you need any coaching I would be happy to assist. I could be the ringer softball player from the states but it might not work since I am a girl. Were are you playing in the field? Looks like lots of fun. I love your hat with the "B" on it. What does it stand for?

June 19, 2008 Kyle: If you could teach me how to judge fly balls, that would help, because I'm pretty bad at that, which is why they put me in right field. (Or "gardinero derecho", for you spanish baseball fans) The awesome B is for Barracudas, the name of our not-so-awesome team.

July 12, 2010 Carlos: I would like to know what other baseball teams are in el Salvador because I'm taking a trip overthere

July 13, 2010 Kyle: These were recreation league teams mostly made up of friends and co-workers. I believe the team that I was on "ya no existe" and I'm not sure who exactly runs the other teams. As far as I know, there isn't a professional league operating out of El Salvador, or if there is, they weren't playing when we were there. Sorry I can't be of more help:(