University of Santo Tomas will spearhead the Philippine delegation in four divisions at the 2025 Babe Ruth World Series this August.
Representing the country in the 18-Under division, the Junior Golden Sox will carry the Philippine flag in the tournament slated from August 1 to 9 in Ocala, Florida.
UST earned the prestigious spot as the country’s representative in the Babe Ruth League’s premier age group after sweeping all of its matches at the Babe Ruth League National Championships held last May in Clark, Pampanga.
“This will be history for UST at the same time sa Pilipinas na tayo ay magre-represent sa World Series sa category na ito. Sana manalo at makapagbigay tayo ng karangalan sa ating bansa at sa ating eskwelahan,” said head coach Jeffrey Santiago in an interview with Radyo Pilipinas 2 Sports on Wednesday.
“We are ready for that. Talagang ang mga bata ay nagsusumikap, they work hard, they train hard, and they are aimed to win in this tournament. This team is a competitive team. I am positive that they would perform well in this tournament,” added Santiago, a legendary UST pitcher in his playing days.
The Junior Golden Sox will field 15 players, led by team captain Karl Mangapis and top pitchers Eugene Hermozura, Marcus Tolentino, and brothers Joseph and Joshua Paragas.
Rounding out the roster are Jaycee Visaya, Kaizer Icayan, Lance Bonifacio, Ray Ortiz, Elijah Mendoza, Kyle Santiago, Arvin Reyes, Ken Madrid, Ian Geronimo, and Joshua Ibabao.
Santiago will be joined on the coaching staff by the Cerda brothers — Mario and Mhigeil — as well as Angelo Sy.
Mangapis, a native of Carmen, Cebu, expressed his excitement and confidence heading into the World Series, noting that the team has been preparing extensively since securing their World Series berth in May.
“We’re very excited na po to represent our country po. We’re very ready na po for the World Series,” said Mangapis.
“Sobrang laki po talaga ng puso po kasi mahal na mahal po namin ang laro ng baseball at mahal na mahal po namin itong bansa natin kaya gagawin po namin yung lahat para magbigay ng karangalan sa Pilipinas,” he continued.
Though UST is expected to face formidable American teams in the tournament, Santiago remains confident despite baseball being the United States’ national pastime.
Having scouted potential opponents, Santiago believes the Junior Golden Sox can hold their own in the international competition.
“We are expected to play against strong teams kasi ang USA ay yan ang number one sport sa kanila at talagang malalakas ang player diyan. Pero na-scout naman natin, nanonood naman tayo ng games na sinasalihan nila and nakita ko naman at par tayo pagdating sa skill,” he said.
Joining UST in representing the Philippines are Marist School Marikina (10-Under) and the NCR South Admirals in the 12-Under, 14-Under, and 16-Under divisions.
The Junior Golden Sox are set to depart for Florida on July 30.
However, the team is still in need of financial support for tournament expenses and has launched a donation drive to help fund their campaign.
