By Edwin Rollon
A long-awaited “field of dreams” may soon become a reality for Philippine baseball.
Echoing the iconic line from the classic film Field of Dreams, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (PABA) president Rodolfo “Boy” Tingzon, Jr., expressed optimism about the sport’s future during his appearance at the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports, Inc. (TOPS) "Usapang Sports" on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Center (RMSC).
“If you build it, they will come,” Tingzon said—an idea he believes applies perfectly to the current state of baseball in the country.
Despite the Philippine team’s steady performances in international competitions, Tingzon admitted that the sport has struggled to maintain local interest, with dwindling fan support and fewer young athletes taking up baseball.
“Those were the days when fans and families filled the Rizal Baseball Stadium to the rafters. Every game felt like a fiesta,” Tingzon recalled. “I’m grateful to have witnessed that golden era. Now, as PABA president, I feel it’s my responsibility to bring life back to the sport we love—for the next generation," added Tingzon in the forum sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Behrouz Persian Cuisine, Pocari Sweat, and Mama's Kitchen.
Tingzon emphasized that talent is not the issue. The Philippines remains the top baseball nation in Southeast Asia and ranks fifth in Asia, behind powerhouses Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China.
“We’re not lacking in talent. Our grassroots programs are continuous and strong,” he said. “The real problem is the lack of playing venues.”
Since 1938, the Rizal Baseball Stadium has remained the only government-owned baseball facility in the country, with most other fields privately operated.
Carrying on the legacy of his father, the late Rodolfo Tingzon Sr.—recognized as the “Father of Asian Youth Baseball”—the younger Tingzon is determined to restore the sport’s former glory. His father introduced Little League Baseball in the Philippines in 1964, founded PONY Baseball/Softball in Asia in 1975, and co-established the World Boys Baseball Federation in 1982.
With renewed support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) led by Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, Tingzon said a comprehensive revival plan is already underway.
The PSC will help establish regional training centers across Visayas and Mindanao, while also backing PABA’s National Youth Baseball Championship set for later this year.
“From district to regional levels, magkakaroon tayo ng tournaments, leading up to a national finals,” Tingzon explained. “This will bring back baseball’s charm among the youth, strengthen our grassroots, and expand our talent pool for the national team.”
Plans are also in motion to build an ultra-modern baseball diamond at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. The PSC, in partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), is developing a 30-hectare sports hub in the area.
“This is the perfect time, especially with Chairman Gregorio combining sports and tourism—an important formula for a strong sports program,” Tingzon added.
While long-term developments are taking shape, PABA is also focusing on immediate goals, including intensive preparations for the Asian Games in Nagoya this September and the country’s hosting of the Asia Pacific Championship in November.
A national tryout is scheduled after the UAAP and NCAA seasons in June, aimed at discovering young and promising talents. The selection process will also be open to overseas players of Filipino descent.
“We’re hoping to find strong pitchers. That’s where we need improvement,” Tingzon said. “Right now, our strength is speed, but our pitching tops at around 55 mph.”
With renewed vision, grassroots expansion, and infrastructure plans in motion, Philippine baseball is taking its first steps toward a long-overdue resurgence—one that hopes to bring fans back to the stands and inspire a new generation of players.
