FOR THE three outgoing members of the UST Golden Sox, legacy was made each hard-fought game.
“Every inning na pinupukol ko, na nagpi-pitch ako, kasama na sa history ko ‘yun. Masarap sa pakiramdam, lalo na kapag pinapatapos ako ni coach ng game, nine innings straight, proud na ‘ko sa sarili ko ‘pag ganun,” team captain and number one pitcher Irvin Tuazon said.
Along with Tuazon, co-captain and catcher Nikko Reyes and third base man Gerard Mitra have all played their final game for the senior baseball squad. It was not the conclusion they had been hoping for: a heartbreaking loss to defending champion National University, 7-12, in their knockout match for the last finals slot last Feb. 10.
It was a “bittersweet” ending for the three senior sluggers who were also holdovers from the last Golden Sox squad that raised the trophy two years ago.
“Mixed emotions ang naramdaman namin following the NU game,” the 21-year-old Reyes said. “Malungkot kasi ‘yung five years na paglalaro namin, ‘yung exit namin, ‘di kami champion unlike other alumni.”
Apart from playing vital duties in the field, the three departing members also played integral roles. The 22-year-old Tuazon was seen as the “captain” figure by his teammates, especially by the team’s rookies. Reyes, with all his accolades, had served as the standard of success, while Mitra was the steady source of the team’s never-say-die attitude.
“Mostly ang kasama ko mga rookie,” said Tuazon, a third-year Education student. “Kumbaga kapag may session kami, nalulungkot ako kapag sinsasabi nila na aalis na ‘ko, sino na angmagpo-protekta sa kanila. Parang iba na raw ‘pag wala ako.”
Tuazon started his baseball interest early when he was still in prep school. He had also ventured into football, swimming, and basketball but it was in his sixth grade that he knew baseball was his best suit when he joined the RP team as a pitcher.
A storied high school and UAAP career later, including the Best Pitcher plum and a championship in Season 73 and the Rookie of the Year award in Season 71, Tuazon shared the importance and challenges he experienced in playing the pitcher position.
“Kaya ginawang number one ang pitcher kasi ikaw ang bumabato ng bola. Ikaw ang magde-decide ng game,” he said. “Kaya kailangan mentally tough, saka katawan mo malakas, pati emotions mo. Lalo na kapag nasa crowd ka na marami, ikaw ang nasa pinakagitna. All eyes on you.”
Following a storied collegiate career, Tuazon said he plans on pursuing a post-UAAP baseball career as he prepares on taking chances of playing baseball at Houston in the United States next year.
Reyes, on the other hand, had another path towards the sport. It wasn’t until his first year in high school when he played the game.
“Parang trip lang nung una,” the fourth-year Commerce student said. “May nakita akong naglalaro na first year din. Naisip ko na ayos ‘to, tapos minahal ko na rin.”
That trial out of curiosity paid dividends for Reyes who turned out to be one of the league’s prized hitters. During the Season 73 championship campaign of the Golden Sox, Reyes hacked out four major awards: Home-Run King, Most Runs-Batted-In, Best Slugger, and Most Valuable Player. Not to mention that Reyes was only in his sophomore year during that time.
Now on his way out of the team with a massive amount of success under his name, Reyes now plays the mentor role, imparting the formula of success to his teammates.
“Every game, sinasabi namin sa kanila na isa lang ang buhay mo sa laro. Kapag nagka-error ka, walang senior, walang star, basta error lalabas ka,” the Malolos, Bulacan product said.
As for the 21-year-old Mitra, baseball was already in his blood. He had a brother who played for De La Salle University and another for Adamson. As early as fifth grade, the fourth-year Education student played the game as his first sport.
Heralded by coach Jeffrey Santiago as the MVP of the team for his unwavering dedication for improvement, Mitra, who is fondly called “Boyong,” is often pointed by his teammates as the instigator of the team’s jolly character.
“Sa team, ako ‘yung madalas magpatawa,” said Mitra. “Lahat din sila ganun e, pero pasimuno lang ako.”
Now that their time has come to move on from serving the black-and-gold squad, the seniors still have high hopes for the Golden Sox—who will now try to reclaim the championship of Season 73 in next season without their services.
Mitra credited the team’s character as its main drive for another championship run next season.
“Hindi ‘yun nawawala sa team, manalo o matalo, masaya pa rin kami. ‘Di kaya ng ibang team patumbahin ‘yung saya namin.” Jose Antonio R. Nisay
