PABA prexy calls it a day - after 22 years

MANILA, Philippines – After more than 20 years at the helm of the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (PABA), Hector Navasero is finally stepping down. Navasero set an election on April 19 in Naga City and announced that he’s no longer seeking the post that he’s held since 1986. Navasero’s announcement came on the heels of efforts by disgruntled baseball groups to collect signatures for a petition calling for his ouster – a move he prefers to look at on a positive light. “When I took office in 1986, nobody wanted to lead baseball because its popularity has dwindled and it’s an expensive sport to maintain with at least 22 players in a team. But now, everybody seems to be interested in assuming the PABA presidency," said Navasero. Highlighting Navasero’s presidency was the inclusion of baseball in the Southeast Asian Games in 2005 when the Philippines hosted the Games. The Filipino clouters swept their way to the gold medal. Navasero also took pride in conducting local tournaments and sending the Philippine team to international competitions even with limited or no support at all from the Philippine Sports Commission. Considered as likely candidates to take over the mantle are current vice president Eliseo “Ely" Baradas, Dumaguete Unibikers team owner and PABA youth development supporter Atty. Felipe Remollo and Philippine Tot Baseball Federation head Rodolfo Tingson Jr. Navasero said he would inform the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) of the said election so the Olympic body can send their representative to legitimize the proceedings. –GMANews.TV